Sunday, Apr. 13, 2008

Revamped Fever returns to field

By Ben Reynolds, Herald staff writer

Cedric Walker knew it was a blessing to have a bye week after a season-opening loss to Stockton.

He could retool his roster, get some players healthy and tone up some players that stayed at the dinner table a little too long.

Since the Fever's 46-32 loss March 28, the Tri-Cities Fever coach had done all that and now is more than anxious to see where his team is.

"I know we're a better team now than we were two weeks ago," Walker said.

The Fever (0-1) will have to be. Tri-Cities plays host to West Division rival Spokane today at Toyota Center. The Shock (2-0) is ranked second in the af2 coaches poll and coming off a record-breaking 70-12 victory over the same Lightning team that the Fever lost to in Week 1.

"That first game was an aberration," Walker said. "I'm ready. This has seemed like the longest two weeks."

But not just because Walker and the Fever have not played a game. He has had to listen to more than just a few people's two cents analyzing his coaching and some of the personnel moves he has made or should make.

While he might not agree with a lot of the criticism, Walker said it shows the type of commitment and support the community has for the team.

"You can't judge a team by one game," Walker said. "This is a long season."

The season might seem even longer if the Fever cannot find a way to beat the Shock.

Nearly 4,000 seats have been sold for today, the third meeting between the two teams that became instant rivals when the Fever joined the af2 last season.

The teams split their two meetings last season, each winning on their home field. The Shock grabbed some early, but meaningless bragging rights earlier this season with a 64-32 victory during an exhibition game in Yakima.

"As far as the rivalry goes, I don't care," Walker said. "It is what it is."

Walker, who promised changes after the Fever's loss, has made some. All-af2 defensive back Jamie Hattley was traded earlier this week to Arkansas, while he added a new kicker and a few new linemen.

Fever mainstay Emery Beckles will also be back today at linebacker after being put on the practice squad for the first game.

A healthy J.R. Thomas is also expected to make his return. Thomas, is recovering from a sprained ankle and walking pneumonia, played limited minutes against the Lightning and finished with six catches for 38 yards -- his lowest output since joining the Fever last season.

"It's to the point where I am not thinking about it anymore," Thomas said. "I feel pretty good, about 90 percent."

Thomas, who had 38 touchdowns last season, is one touchdown away from tying Cainon Lamb for ninth on the af2's all-time scoring list.

Tri-Cities is going to need to be at full strength to slow down the Shock, which just tore through the Lightning, setting a franchise record for most points scored (70) and fewest points allowed (12).

That Shock defense is anchored by defensive back Sergio Gilliam and Nygel Rogers. Gilliam has won the league's defensive player of the week the first two weeks of the season, recording six interceptions -- three in each game -- and forcing a fumble last week. Rogers leads team in tackles with 14, ranking him ninth in the league.

-- Fever defensive end Tali Ena has been placed in injured reserve with a back injury.

-- Fever lineman Willie Wise is out for the season after undergoing surgery Monday on his Achilles. Wise hurt his Achilles in the Fever's preseason win over Boise.

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