WEEK 8 PREVIEW: SHARKS VS. LIONS

Jacksonville Sharks Return Home for Rematch with the Lions 

JACKSONVILLE – The Jacksonville Sharks return home after a hard fought road game against the Carolina Cobras. Now 2-3 the Sharks move up to 4th in the NAL in the playoff race and now face the Columbus Lions (4-1)  at home. The Lions enjoyed a bye week following their four-game winning streak that included their 56-32 victory over the Sharks in Columbus.   

Last week, the Sharks played an incredible first half of football scoring 34 points with the defense holding the Cobras to only18. In the second half it became a close battle that came down to the final drive with the Sharks coming out on top 54-52. Several Sharks had notable performances including newly returned Shark Jarmon Fortson who scored three touchdowns in his first game back with the Jacksonville Sharks since the 2019 championship season. Sharks defensive back Kenny Veal has now had back to back two interception games totaling six interceptions so far this season, he now leads the NAL. Quarterback Danny Southwick completed his third straight game with five touchdowns with the Sharks. Defensive linemen Keith Bowers and Jonathan Taylor combined for three sacks, three tackles for a loss, and a forced fumble against the Cobras. Last but not least Devin Wilson continued his receiving touchdown streak where he has scored a touchdown in every game he's played in, a streak that has continued since the 2018 NAL season. 

Going into week 8, Coach Fuller has successfully assembled his top weapons for the Jacksonville Sharks in what looks like a new team since the Sharks last played the Lions in week 4.  If the Sharks can manage to stay healthy, something that has plagued the team during this half of the season, they might be ready for a postseason run. The Lions experienced less change within their roster and are showing continued success with returning quarterback Mason Espinosa leading the way.  Espinosa ranks second overall in the NAL for passing touchdowns (32) and second overall in passing yards per game (235). The real strength of the Lions this season is on the opposite side of the ball where the Columbus defensive ranks first in almost every category, most notably fewest points allowed (182). The Sharks will have their hands full with this 4-1 Lions team but if history repeats itself the Sharks will upset the Lions as Columbus has never won a game against the Sharks in Jacksonville. 

This week's game is scheduled for Saturday July 17, with kickoff at 7pm. 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. If you can't make it to the game you can watch the game locally on television’s CW-17 broadcasted throughout Northeast Florida & South Georgia or you can watch the Sharks world-wide on the NAL YouTube channel for our full game live stream. 

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