Sharks Keep Lead Over Cobras, Winning 61-52
JACKSONVILLE, FL – During a rare Monday night game, the Sharks (6-2) took on the Carolina Cobras (5-3) for the first time this season. After an unexpected week off, the Sharks were looking to keep their second-place lead in the standings against the team right on their tails.
This was Devin Wilson's first game back for Jacksonville. He returned to play with applause from Sharks fans.
The week off did not stop Jacksonville from getting off to a hot start. On the game's first play, Sam Castronova threw a 40-yard bomb to Marquel Wade for a touchdown. The next play on offense resulted in another touchdown—this time from Kamrin Solomon, his 20th of the season.
However, after a blocked extra point and even scoring from both sides, the Sharks were down 14-13 after the first quarter.
The second quarter started just like the first. Castronova threw a touchdown on the first play. This time to Solomon, his second of the game; he scored again later in the quarter on a kickoff return. An interception by Marquel Wade led to a one-yard rushing touchdown by Castronova, extending Jacksonville's lead. The Sharks continued to thrive from long passes, as Castronova threw one to Tamorrion Terry for a touchdown, his first catch of the game.
Jacksonville led 40-29 going into halftime.
Scoring slowed down for both teams in the third quarter. Terry scored his second of the game off of another pass from Castronova. Carolina also only scored once.
The score was 47-36 Jacksonville going into the last 15 minutes of play.
After Carolina's risky onside kick attempt, the Cobras got the ball back after scoring a touchdown with just over 11 minutes left. An ensuing touchdown kept the Sharks up by just one with eight and a half left in the game. Castronova and the Sharks answered immediately with a rushing touchdown from the quarterback.
Another quick touchdown by Carolina put the Cobras' within two, but a missed two-point conversion and failed onside kick gave the Sharks the ball with less than a minute left. Another Solomon touchdown, his FOURTH of the night, put the Sharks up for good. He finished the game with four touchdowns, 106 receiving yards, and 89 returning yards.
The second-place Sharks took down the third-place Cobras 61-52 in a nail-biter.
Castronova finished the game with six touchdown passes and two rushing touchdowns. He also had 25 rushing yards.
Jabari Gorman led the way with 15 tackles for the defense.
Kicker Nick Belcher also returned to the Sharks this week after signing with the team. In his return, he went seven for nine on extra-point attempts.
The Sharks will be home on July 15 to take on in-state rival Orlando Predators. The theme night is Halloween in July, so dress to impress! To purchase tickets, visit www.jaxsharks.com or call 904-621-0700.
This game 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.