Sharks Fall 53-48 in Close Game to Carolina

Jacksonville Falls to 0-3 for the first time in team history.

GREENSBORO, NC – The 2022 National Arena League season is speedily progressing as week 3 action came tonight in a familiar match up between the Jacksonville Sharks and Carolina Cobras the two teams have a growing history of intense games tonight included. 

Jacksonville (0-3) entered the game as the underdog to the Carolina Cobras (3-0) and it didn’t take long for the dog fight to intensify as the Cobras showed quickly their record matches their play as they opened with a quick 14 to 0 lead after a Shark fumble. However Burley’s offense bounced back with a 1st quarter score by Quarterback Malik Henry who ran a quarterback keeper to jumpstart Jacksonville’s offense. Defensively the Sharks stopped the Cobras due to a clutch tackle for loss by linebacker Quayvon Hicks that slowed Cobras momentum and was followed by a successful Sharks drive that was capped by a Kamrin Solomon receiving touchdown putting the Sharks only down four with three minutes left before the half with the Cobras up 17-13. As the Cobras planned to extend their lead but the Sharks defense struck again this time with defensive back Markus Smith who intercepted a Jonathan Bane pass to give the Sharks back the ball. Quarterback Malik Henry helped march the Sharks offense into the redzone. On a much needed third down conversion with time expiring the Sharks punched in a touchdown with receiver Kamrin Solomon who gained his first rushing touchdown of the night. The Sharks nearly clinched the lead at halftime but Cobras kicker TC Stevens managed a field goal that tied the ball game at halftime. 

The Shark hit a wall in the third quarter as they didn’t score a single point the whole quarter while the Cobras tacked on 17 during Jacksonville’s draught. Determined going into the 4th quarter the Sharks dug themselves out of a deep hole scoring 28 points in the fourth quarter putting the game within a single score deficit. On the final drive the Sharks threw a touchdown pass to receiver Rob Jones which later was overturned as an incomplete pass. With only seconds the Sharks went to star receiver Devin Wilson who hauled in the touchdown with time left on the clock. The Sharks went to their new kicker Cody Barber he kicked a near perfect onside that landed in the Cobras hands on kickoff and was smacked out by linebacker Quayvon Hicks but was later ruled a penalty in favor of the Cobras. Despite closing the gap the Sharks fell 53-48 in this Saturday night showdown. Quarterback Malik Henry threw 22 passes for 213 yards, four passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdowns. Nyquan Murray, Devin Wilson, Rob Jones, and Kamrin Solomon each found receiving touchdowns tonight. Defensively, Sharks defensive back Markus Smith had a standout night with 7.5 tackles, 2 pass breakups, and a interception.  

The (0-3) Sharks return home with their first victory of the season and will host the (2-0) Columbus Lions Saturday, May 14 in Jacksonville with kickoff set for 7am. The Sharks have the opportunity to take down the undefeated Lions lined up for Saturday, May 14th. That game will be the Sharks first-ever Wizarding World Night where kids 6-16 will receive FREE Wizarding World Wands and FREE lightning bolt tattoos. Tickets start at $12 call: 904-621-0700 or visit jaxsharks.com. 

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 Nation Memberships for the 2022 season are now available. To become a Shark Nation member or for more information please call (904) 621-0700. 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