Sharks Fall to Predators On Friday Night 52-41

Neck to Neck Battle Ends in Orlando’s Favor

ORLANDO — The Jacksonville Sharks entered the Amway Center tonight after a big win against the undefeated Albany Empire last Saturday. Hundreds of the Sharks faithful fans followed the team down to Orlando in what became an impressive crowd in the Amway for this in-state rivalry that ended in a "Friday Night Fight to the finish." 

The Sharks exited the first 1st quarter on top 14-13 but the Predators remained close as Sharks quarterback Danny Southwick & Jacksonville’s offensive line punched one in from the ground for Jacksonville’s first score. Sharks receiver Devin Wilson retired the quarter for the Sharks second touchdown. Predators quarterback Pat O’Brien chased the Sharks, tossing two touchdowns in the first quarter. The Sharks fell behind going into halftime as the defense let up 13-points and Jacksonville’s offense only responded with another Devin Wilson touchdown strike thrown by Danny Southwick. 

Entering the second half down 26-21 the Sharks continued this close battle gaining multiple stops on defense and defensive back Kenny Veal snatched an interception to position the Sharks for a comeback. Jacksonville’s defense completely shut out Orlando in the third quarter but the effort went unmatched this time from the offense who struggled to put points on the board with a lone third quarter touchdown from Sharks receiver Greg Phillips and two more touchdowns from Devin Wilson that came late in the fourth quarter. The combined production fell short of victory tonight the Predators piled on 26 points in the fourth quarter alone, sinking the Sharks with the 52-41 final from Orlando. Sharks quarterback Danny Southwick finished the night with 21 passes for 215 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions. Jacksonville falls to 1-3, as they head to Greensboro next week to face the Carolina Cobras (1-3). The game is set for Saturday, July 10th with kickoff at 7pm. 

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

Duval Ford Offensive Player: WR, Devin Wilson. The Sharks star receiver stood out tonight catching nine passes for 138 yards and four touchdowns. 

Duval Acura Defensive Player of the Game: DB, Kenny Veal. Led both teams in interceptions tonight racking up two against the Predators. This is Veal’s second game as a Sharks and third interception this season. 

Duval Honda Special Teams Player of the Game: K, Brandon Behr. Although he did not kick a deuce tonight Behr was solid from point after attempts going five of six against Orlando tonight. 

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.