SPOKANE, Wash. – The Frisco Fighters won their inaugural game on the road against the Spokane Shock, 36-33.
In a back-and-forth game, the Fighters scored in the winding seconds to give Spokane one more chance. But defensive back Joel Dullary came back with his second interception of the night to seal the deal.
DeMarcus Felton led the offense with three rushing touchdowns, and quarterback Jonathan Bane connected with wide receiver Mark Munson for the other two touchdowns of the night.
Because Spokane Arena is currently serving as a vaccination site, the usually deafening crowd was vacant. The crashing of pads and helmets rang loud throughout the arena, and the Fighters had to create their own energy.
1st Quarter
Spokane won the coin toss, but Frisco’s defense came out strong, stopping the drive short of the goal line. The Shock settled for a field goal with 12:18 in the first quarter.
After an unsuccessful offensive drive by Frisco, the ball was briefly turned over to the Shock. However, it was a short-lived possession as Frisco’s defensive lineman Donald Louis earned a defensive safety, making it 3-2 Frisco early in the first quarter.
On the next drive, Bane connected with Munson for the team’s first-ever touchdown to cap off the first quarter. This five-play, 30-yard touchdown drive was set in motion by Felton’s 22-yard run.
Frisco’s kicker, Kristov Martinez, was injured during warmups, so the Fighters were forced to go for two, successfully converting and ending the first quarter 10-2 Frisco.
2nd Quarter
Spokane tied the game, but the Fighters quickly answered back with another 30-yard touchdown drive, completed with a 2-yard rushing touchdown by Felton and a two-point completion.
3rd Quarter
After Spokane regained the lead in the second quarter, Frisco marched 7 yards on 3 plays and got the lead back. Bane had his second connection with Munson. The score 24-23 Frisco, 4:12 to go in the third.
Frisco’s defense shut out Spokane the entire third quarter.
4th Quarter
In an electric fourth quarter, each team answered back on scoring drives.
The back and forth continued, and Frisco took the lead. Late in the fourth quarter, Spokane struck again, making the game 33-30 with 2:24 minutes to go.
With ten seconds left on the clock, Felton earned his third rushing touchdown of the night, nudging the Fighters to a lead of 36-33. The Shock received a chance to come back, but Dullary closed the deal with an interception.
The Fighters are flying back to Texas with their first win in team history, 36-33. Next week, the Fighters take on the Louisville Xtreme on the road on Saturday, May 22, at 6:05 pm CT.