The Spokane Empire Indoor Football League home opener came down to the wire as the Wichita Falls Nighthawks almost won the game on a field goal. Spokane won 66-65 and was in the lead most of the game behind 192 throwing yards by quarterback Charles Dowdell and 140 yards received by Jefferson Hayes, who also caught 2 touchdowns. But, a fumble by Spokane wide receiver Jefferson Hayes on a kickoff resulted in a touchdown by Wichita Falls defensive back Danny Jackson, tying the game at 58.
Wichita Falls scored on their next possession on a touchdown pass from Charles McClullum to Jordan Jolly to take the lead at 65-58. But, Spokane was able to score on their final possession on a pass from Charles Dowdell to Carl Sims. Spokane then opted to go for a two point conversion and a pass from Carl Sims to Trevor Kennedy which he ran in gave the Spokane the lead at 66-65. Wichita Falls was able to get good field possession with seconds left on the clock and Rockne Belmonte made what appeared to be a field goal. But, an offensive holding brought the ball back. Belmonte's second attempt went wide right as time elapsed. Spokane is now 2-0 in Indoor Football League play. Wichita Falls is 0-1.
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