Sharks Defeat Warbirds on the Road

Odessa, Texas – For the second week in a row, the (4-2) Sharks traveled to Texas, this time to take on the West Texas Warbirds (2-4). This was the season's second meeting, with Jacksonville taking the first game 54-26 in West Texas. The Sharks continued their undefeated road schedule, winning their fifth game of the year and fourth as the visitor. 

Like last game, the opening kickoff was a deuce, this time for the Warbirds and former Shark Kevin Didio-Weber. The scoring was back and forth throughout the first 15 minutes. Marquel Wade started the game for the Sharks, and Kamrin Solomon and Brian Smith followed with touchdowns of their own. Solomon continues to add to his league lead in touchdowns, now at 18. The Sharks led 21-16 after one.

The second quarter began with an extremely long drive left over from the end of the first for the Warbirds. After penalties to both sides, two potential interceptions by Jabari Gorman, and overall suburb defense by the Sharks, Jacksonville finally got the ball back with almost half of the quarter elapsed without giving up a single point. 

They quickly followed up with a touchdown by Tamorrion Terry, who had 31 yards on two receptions on the night. Later, David Gilbert forced a fumble that Jermiah Price recovered to set up Jacksonville for a touchdown to end the first half. Sha-ki Holiness scored his first of the season for the Sharks, giving them a 34-17 lead at the break.

There was back and forth scoring during the second half, including Terry's second of the game and sixth in four games with the Sharks. Justin Renfrow later scored his first touchdown of the season. Two more points were added to Jacksonville's total with a deuce from Marc Orozco, who has four in two games after coming to Jacksonville from Albany in May. The Warbirds countered with points of their own in the third quarter, but the Sharks led 49-29 going into the fourth.

The defense was crucial for the Sharks during the last 15 minutes. The Warbirds put a few touchdowns on the board late, making the score 51-45 in favor of the Sharks with less than two minutes left. However, Wade caught a deep pass from Sam Castronova to put the game out of reach, giving Jacksonville the 58-45 win.

Castronova finished the game with 277 yards and six touchdown passes for the Sharks.

To add to his touchdown, Sha-ki Holiness had four sacks, and Marvin Ross had one of his own.

The Sharks are home next Saturday, June 10th, against the Fayetteville Mustangs. It's Hawaiian Night! Grab your best floral shirt and floaties for a fun night at the Tank! Purchase tickets at www.jaxsharks.com or by calling 904-621-0700. 

This recap is brought to you by Titletown of America.

About the Jacksonville Sharks

The Jacksonville Sharks are members of the National Arena League (NAL).The 2019 & 2017 NAL Champions and ArenaBowl XXIV Champions play all their home games at the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena. Sharks season tickets for the 2023 season are now available. To become a Shark Nation member or for more information please call (904) 621-0700 or visit https://www.jaxsharks.com/shark-nation-memberships Follow the Sharks on Facebook at facebook.com/jaxsharks and on Twitter and Instagram @jaxsharks, as well as the Attack Dance Team at facebook.com/sharkattackdance and Chum at facebook.com/chumsharks.