Sharks One Point Shy of Victory Against Albany

Jacksonville Suffers Second Loss in 61-60 Overtime Defeat

PHOTOGRAPH BY: Tim Davis

Jacksonville, FL – The 2022 National Arena League season jumped to week two with a competitive face off against the Albany Empire. 

The Jacksonville Sharks returned home after a devastating loss in overtime to the Columbus Lions at the Columbus Civic Center. The last time the Sharks and the Empire faced off in 2021 it was a neck-to-neck game with the last point coming in at 5 seconds to go leading to the Sharks victory of 61-59. The Sharks got off to an early start with an impressive opening score from quarterback Malik Henry to wide receiver Rob Jones. The Sharks strong 1st quarter was not matched as they entered halftime behind 40-26. 

During the second half the Sharks defense held the Empire to only 14 points in the second half. The Empire strung together a string of plays that landed them in the endzone, but defensive back Kenny Veal gained an interception changing the momentum for Jacksonville that was followed by 54-54 tie sending both teams to overtime. The Empire scored on their first play landing the extra point pulling them ahead. The Sharks struggled on their first few plays until Malik Henry threw a long pass to Devin Wilson who scored his second touchdown of the night. The game quickly ended when kicker Brand Behr missed the final field goal of the night bringing the final score to 61-60. 

With back-to-back overtime games this season there is no doubt the Sharks have what it takes to be a top team this season but must eliminate their self-inflicted errors on the field including penalties and none more severe than the game deciding missed extra point. Although the final did not favor the Sharks, Jacksonville had several playmakers on both sides of the ball none shined brighter than Rob Jones who got 5 receptions for 94 yards and scored 5 touchdowns by the end of the night. All of his touchdowns came through the air by way of new Sharks quarterback Malik Henry who threw 13 passes for 230 yards and six passing touchdowns along with a rushing touchdown that helped send the Sharks into overtime. 

The (0-2) Sharks will look to bounce back this week against the undefeated Carolina Cobras (2-0) in Greensboro, North Carolina on Saturday, May 7th with kickoff at 7pm.

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.