WEEK THREE PREVIEW: SHARKS VS. COBRAS

Jacksonville Sharks Battle (2-0) Cobras on the Road

JACKSONVILLE, FL – The Jacksonville Sharks enter week three after a nail biting overtime loss at home against the Albany Empire (1-1) in front of a packed Vystar Memorial Arena. 

This week the Sharks have to hit the road and head to Greensboro to play in the Snake Pit.  The 2-0 Cobras are off to a great start with victories against both the Albany Empire and last week against the Orlando Predators where the Cobras pounded the Preds 48 - 26. 

Jacksonville (0-2) has had two close games so far this season losing both in overtime with the last game having a heartbreaking one point differential. The Sharks offense almost stole the game away from the Empire as Malik Henry had his best game of the season throwing for seven touchdowns and 469 passing yards. Receiver Rob Jones had his Shark Tank deput scoring five receiving touchdowns including two in the first quarter to give the Sharks the early lead. Defensively the Sharks struggled in the first half allowing over 40 points in the first two quarters however the Sharks defense flipped the switch in the second half only allowing seven points in the third and seven points in the fourth their best second half of the season. Sharks defensive back Kenny Veal had his second interception of the season and finished the night with two interceptions, seven tackles, and two pass breakups. Fullback/Linebacker Quayvon Hicks led the pack on pressuring the quarterback receiving the first sack of the night and forced multiple qb hurries to keep the Empire offense at bay. Despite a strong second half the Shark fell short in overtime to the visiting Albany Empire. 

Going into this week the Sharks will need to be solid on both sides of the ball as the 2-0 Carolina Cobras have had little struggles so far this season. Carolina is led by quarterback Jonthan Bane and averages 53 points per game while holding opponents to 38 points per game, which currently ranks as the best defense in the NAL thus far. Both of these quarterbacks have some familiarity as the Cobras Jonthan Bane and Sharks Malik Henry were teammates last year with the Frisco Fighters. Looking deep, Burley’s high-scoring offense currently outscores the Cobras offense as the Sharks are averaging 54 points per game notching their highest scoring game last week against the Empire. The key to a week three victory might not be the offensive battle but may come down to the Sharks defense and special teams as the Sharks had a PAT determine the game last week and the Sharks defense currently rank second to last in points allowed surrendering 117 points so far in two games. 

Eager to watch this great NAL matchup? Join us for the Dicks Wings & Grill Watch Party this Saturday at their Merrill Road location. All fans wearing Sharks gear (21&older) will be offered $8.99 pitchers of Bud Light and Budweiser while watching the Sharks vs. Cobras game on their multiple TV screens. See below for address. This week's Dicks Wings Watch Party will be located at 9119 Merrill Road suite 19-20, Jacksonville, FL. You can also watch the game live on the National Arena League YouTube Channel by using this link: https://www.youtube.com/c/NationalArenaLeague or check out our game day social media post on Facebook & Twitter displaying the link to Saturday’s game. 

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.