SPOKANE—In a battle of two of the best teams in the Arena Football League, the Rush came up just short, falling to the Spokane Shock 63-49 Friday night in front of a sellout crowd at Spokane Arena.It what very may well be a preview of a first round playoff matchup, the Rush (10-6) and Shock (13-2) traded blows for most of the game, with the two offenses combining to score touchdowns on the first 15 drives of the game.However, a Spokane goal line stand late in the fourth quarter proved to be the difference.With the Spokane leading 56-49, the Rush had first-and-goal from the Shock 4-yard line. After three of running plays moved the ball to the 1-yard line, Rush quarterback J.J. Raterink looked for receiver Syvelle Newton in the back on the end zone on fourth down. The pass sailed over Newton’s head, causing the Rush to turn the ball over on downs.That proved the turning point in the game.On the ensuing Spokane possession, Shock QB Kyle Rowley – who completed 24 of 31 passes for 323 yards and seven TDs – marched the team 49 yards, capping the drive with a TD strike to Greg Orton to put the Shock up 63-49 with one minute left to go.

“We played the best team in the AFL on their home field tonight and battled them for most of the game,” said Rush head coach Mike Hohensee. “Their defense stepped up and made the first stop of the game and it proved to be the difference. With a bye next week, we now have to weeks to focus on preparing for the playoffs.”

With one minute remaining, the Rush still had hope of getting a score and converting an on-side kick to try and get back in the game.However, after once again getting to first-and-goal from the Shock 4-yard line, the Rush could not score.On fourth-and-goal from the 4, Raterink attempted to hit Newton for the TD, but his pass was intercepted.The Shock took over with 20 seconds remaining and ran out the clock for the victory.Making only his second start of the year, Raterink played like a veteran, completing 24 of 41 passes for six touchdowns and one interception. His favorite target proved to be Newton who grabbed eight catches for 139 yards and three touchdowns.

NOTES—With the win, the Shock locked up home field advantage throughout the playoffs. The Rush, on the other hand, will have to wait to see who it will be playing in the first round. Depending on how Milwaukee and Arizona finish the season, the Rush could be the second, third or fourth seed in the National Conference. If the Rush finishes as the fourth seed, the team will find itself right back here in Spokane in two weeks to open the postseason.