Donovan “Captain” Morgan remains one of the bright spots for the Kiss
(Anaheim) – Erik Meyer threw for six touchdowns, and accounted for eight overall to lead the Spokane Shock to a 64-46 win over the LA KISS Saturday night at Honda Center.
Meyer threw four touchdown passes in the first half including two to Rashaad Carter as the Shock scored on every possession to jump out to a 35-13 lead at the break. It was 14-13 after one but Spokane outscored the KISS 21-0 in the second quarter to break it open.
The KISS scored on its first two possessions on Aaron Garcia touchdown passes to Brandon Thompkins and Donovan “Captain” Morgan. But a Garcia fumble led directly to a two yard run by Meyer for a touchdown and the KISS couldn’t match the Shock score for score.
The KISS got off to a rough start in the second half when Garcia was sacked in the end zone for a safety. On the next possession, Rory Nixon capped a Spokane drive with a one-yard run and with just over five minutes remaining it was 43-13 Shock. It was a deficit that the KISS could not overcome.
The KISS cut it to 43-28 early in the fourth on a touchdown pass from Kenny Guiton to LJ Castille but that as close as they would get. Every time the KISS made a run the Shock responded.
The KISS got to within 16 again later in the quarter on another big play by Morgan when he got behind the Shock secondary for a score but Meyer connected with Carter again on the ensuing series to extend the lead again.
Brandon Thompkins returned a kick all the way back to the house and Guiton scored on the last play of the game but it wasn’t nearly enough.
Former Ohio State Buckeye Kenny Guiton provided a needed spark.
Meyer finished the night 23 of 34 for 214 yards to go with the six pack. Carter had three touchdown catches for the Shock and Nichiren Flowers led the way with 11 receptions.
Morgan, as is always the case, was the offensive catalyst for the KISS. He finished with six catches for 140 yards and three TDs.
Garcia completed 16 of 254 for 203 yards and three touchdowns and an interception. He was replaced by Guiton in the fourth quarter after suffering a stinger.
The KISS dropped to 3-11 with the loss while Spokane improved to 8-7 and clinched a playoff berth.
The KISS made several roster changes this week placing key players A.J. Cruz and Samora Goodson on the reassignment list. Cruz had provided a spark as a kick returner and Goodson took some of the heat off of Morgan at receiver.
“Samora can’t play special teams for us and we already have receivers,” said KISS Head Coach Bob McMillen. “We gave A.J his shot. He can’t play DB for us and we need help in that area. He’s a great kid but he’s not ready to play DB right now.”
As for Garcia, McMillen was insistent that he’s the guy. “Aaron is our starter. He just has to get healthy. He’s our starter no doubt. Kenny (Guiton) did some good things tonight but he also made some rookie mistakes.
Next up for the KISS is a home game against San Jose next Sunday.
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