Sharks Fall to Lions at Home 67-35

Sharks Sink to 2-4 after Another Quarterback goes down at Home

JACKSONVILLE— The Jacksonville Sharks entered the Sharks tank tonight after a big win against the Carolina Cobras last Saturday. 8,000 Shark faithful  flooded the Sharks tank tonight in hopes of another Sharks upset as they defeated the Albany Empire last time the Sharks played at home in a thrilling Sharks victory June 26 which became of the most exciting games in the NAL thus far.

Tonight's game was not a repeat performance as the Sharks faced a lot of adversity as All-NAL center Derrick Zeigler was reported out for this game, as a game day decision, All-NAL fullback Alstevis Squirewell was out still recovering from injury. In addition, one of the Sharks top receivers Jordan Williams was reported out for this game, a threat that serve on both the Sharks offense and special teams. The battered Sharks lineup battled it out ending the 1st quarter down by 8 but the Lions scored two minutes into the second quarter, filling in for Jordan Williams, Jalen Rima was the first to score for the Sharks early on an swift touchdown pass from Danny Southwick. Sharks receiver Devin Wilson retired the quarter for the Sharks second touchdown in front of an electric Sharks crowd. It what appears to be a Shark Tank curse this season, another staring quarterback went down and out due to the injury as Danny Southwick was helped off the field in the first quarter beginning the Sharks uphill battle against a thriving Lions team. Lions quarterback Mason Espinosa chased the Sharks, tossing two touchdowns in the first quarter. The Sharks fell behind going into halftime as the defense let up 25-points and Jacksonville’s offense only responded with another touchdown strike this time from Connor Kaegi who remained the quarterback for the rest of the game. 

Entering the second half down 39-14 the Sharks found them self in catch up mode to the Columbus offense piled on 28 points on the Sharks defense in the second half. The Sharks offense under Connor Kaegi put drives together scoring 15 points in the second half as well as got some help from special teams as the Sharks gained their first kick return for a touchdown courtesy of Sharks returner Paris Mack. The second half excitement was not enough to overcome the second half deficit, as the Columbus Lions came away with this week’s win 67-35 in Jacksonville, their first-ever win in the Shark tank. 

On a positive note the Sharks hold onto their 4th place standing in the NAL and still have a chance to make it to the playoffs. The Sharks fall to 2-4, as they face the Carolina Cobras (1-5) at the Shark tank. The game is set for Saturday, July 24th for Military Appreciation Night presented by Navy Federal with kickoff at 7pm. 

Tonight’s Duval Motor Company Shark Players of the Game Include:

Duval Ford Offensive Player: WR, Jalen Rima is our Duval Ford Offensive Player of the game in his first official action in the Shark Tank, scoring the first touchdown of the night and racked up receptions from both quarterbacks tonight. 

Duval Acura Defensive Player of the Game: DL, Keith Bowers despite the tough loss against the Lions put the most pressure on Mason Espinosa tonight. 

Duval Honda Special Teams Player of the Game: WR, Paris Mack. Following the Sharks first kick return for a touchdown. Mack returned to the Sharks tonight after being inactive last week against Carolina. 

About the Jacksonville Sharks
The Jacksonville Sharks are members of the National Arena League (NAL). The 2017 NAL Champions and ArenaBowl XXIV Champions and play all home games at the Vystar Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. SINGLE GAME TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE.  To become a Shark Nation member or for more ticket information please call (904) 621-0700 or visit jaxsharks.com  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.