Week 7 Preview: Sharks vs. Cobras

Road Schedule Continues Next Stop North Carolina

JACKSONVILLE – The Jacksonville Sharks hit the road again to face the Carolina Cobras for the first time this season. Last week, the Sharks lost to the Orlando Predators 41-52 in a Friday night battle with Jacksonville taking the lead at the end of the first quarter and shutting out Orlando in the third quarter. Despite the Sharks accolades, the Preds still pulled off the win. Now 1-3, the Sharks window for error is closing with the postseason fastly approaching. Carolina has had their own fair share of struggles. Head Coach Josh Resignalo and the Cobras (1-3) have not seen much success since they defeated the Flight in week 1, falling last to the Columbus Lions in Greensboro, NC 30-54 in week 5. Carolina is currently on a three-game losing streak and ranked last in points scored and points allowed making the Cobras ideal prey for the Sharks next victory. However, the Cobras have the advantage of being well-rested as they spent last week on a bye while the Shark fought a tough battle on the road. The last time these two teams met was the 2019 championship game where the Sharks pulled ahead in the final seconds of the game to secure their second NAL title in thrilling fashion with a 52-48 final. 

During the Cobras last home game they suffered their third loss of the season against the Columbus Lions (4-1). Overall, the Cobras offense fell short and their defense allowed the Lions to put up 24 points in the second half. The Sharks over the last two weeks have been reinvigorated by their new presence at the quarterback position with arena veteran Danny Southwick under center. Southwick has thrown five touchdowns in each of his two games with the Sharks this season and the primary receiver on the other end of those scores has been star receiver Devin Wilson, who scored four of the five TD’s last week against Orlando. The Sharks look to take advantage of a struggling Cobras secondary this week for what Shark nation hopes to be an explosive offensive performance from Jacksonville on Saturday. 

Defensively the Sharks held up against Orlando until the fourth quarter holding the Predators to only seven points in the second quarter and completely shutting out Orlando in the third. Defensive standout Kenney Veal has had All-NAL like numbers racking up three interceptions in his first two games. The Sharks are second in the NAL for fewest points allowed (218) with veterans like defensive lineman Keith Bowers and linebacker Zack Brown leading the way in the trenches. Staying healthy and keeping that consistency on defense should position the Sharks for a much needed win on the road this week. 

This week’s game is scheduled for Saturday, July 10, with kickoff set for 7pm. Fans can watch the game on YouTube Live or come to one of our two Dicks Wings Watch Parties Saturday night.  One will be at the Dicks Wings Fleming Island located at 1803 East-West Parkway and the other in Arlington at 9119 Merrill road. The watch parties will start at 6:30pm with the game displayed on the TVs for the 7pm kickoff. Fans are encouraged to wear Shark gear as the watch party location may offer promotions to Sharks fans watching the game. There will be prizes given out and also a free ticket drawing at each location.

The Jacksonville Sharks return to the Shark Tank July 17, tickets for our summer themed Shark-A-Rita-Ville presented by Baptist Health & Jacksonville Orthopedic Institute are on sale now starting at just $10. The easiest way to purchase Sharks tickets is online at jaxsharks.com or you can call David Diana at 904-621-0700 ext. 717 or visit the arena box office.

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 of their home games at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. Shark Nation Memberships for the 2021 season are still available. Call David Diana at 904-621-0700 Ext. 717 or visit jaxsharks.com