Sharks Return Home after Loss to Lions 56-32

Turnovers Put Defending Champs at 0-2

COLUMBUS – The Jacksonville Sharks return back to Jacksonville after their 56-32 loss on the road against Lions (3-1) in Columbus, GA. This was the first time the Sharks and the Lions have played since the Sharks beat the Lions 67-43 in the 2019 playoff opener. Longtime rival Columbus Lions entered the game 2-1 under Columbus head coach Jason Gibson who has struggled against the Sharks in past seasons losing three out of his last four matchups against the Sharks. Tonight was a different outcome, the Sharks had a slow start falling behind 12-0 in the first quarter. The Sharks struck back with a 30-yard touchdown pass from Breck Ruddick to receiver Jordan Williams the Sharks quickly added a deuce by kicker Brandon Behr, that was his second deuce of the season. The Sharks showed momentum but Lions QB Mason Espinosa continued to respond with five total touchdowns in the first half alone including a 21 yard pass to Desmond Reece to put the Lions up 32-12 at the half. 

Entering the second half it was a race to play catch up and turnovers became costly. Quarterback Connor Kaegi played the entire second half for the Sharks he ended the night 17 for 31 with 162 passing yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. As a team Jacksonville turned the ball over six times tonight between interceptions and fumbles on offense. On defense the Sharks did manage to get an interception that was caught by Sharks defensive back Cristophe Page. The Sharks defensive line landed two tackles for loss and a fumble recovery but it was not enough to shut down the Lion’s offense scoring 56 points in tonight's game. The Sharks return home to face the Albany Empire (4-0)  this Saturday, June 26 at 7pm. Tickets are now on sale at jaxsharks.com. 

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

Duval Ford Offensive Player: WR, Jordan Williams. The speedy receiver / kick returner is a new addition to the Shark offense this year. In his second game as a Sharks he was on a roll with seven catches for 85 yards, and one touchdown he was on pace to go into double digits in receptions but left the game due to injury. Williams also returned five kicks for 85 yards. 

Duval Acura Defensive Player of the Game: DB, Cristophe Page, racked up five tackles in tonight's matchup and picked off Lions quarterback Mason Espinosa for Page’s first interception as a Shark. 

Duval Honda Special Teams Player of the Game: K, Brandon Behr continues to impress going into his third season with the Sharks. Behr finished this road game with three PATs, a 20-yard field goal, and he knocked down a duece. 

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.