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Firecats Burn Sharks 66-48

May 1, 2009 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Corpus Christi Sharks News Release


Estero, FL - Florida QB Chris Wallace threw nine touchdown passes to 4 different receivers as he led the Firecats to a 66-48 victory over the Corpus Christi Sharks. Wallace, who completed 19 of 36 attempts for 363 yards and no interceptions, was also recognized as the Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game. The Sharks fell to 1-4 on the young season while the Firecats improved to 3-3.

The Sharks jumped out to a 6-0 lead when QB Gary Cooper found Brandon Hussey in the right corner of the end zone for a 25 yard score. Florida tied Corpus Christi at 6 when FB James Bear used a second effort lunge to score from 1 yard out.

On the following possession Corpus Christi turned the ball over on downs after Cooper was sacked at the Sharks' 13 yard line. Moments later Wallace teamed up with Chris McKinney on a 14 yard slant, the first of Wallace's 9 touchdown passes of the evening. The Sharks answered and tied the game at 13 on the first play of the 2nd quarter as Cooper found a wide open Jonathon Graham for a 23 yard score.

James Panui hauled in a 33 yard touchdown strike from Wallace to put the Firecats on top for good at 20-13 with 10:56 to play in the 2nd quarter. The Sharks pulled within 1 when Cooper dove over the right side for a 1 yard touchdown run, his ninth of the season. The Sharks were not able to convert the point after touchdown attempt and trailed 20-19.

Wallace threw touchdown passes of 45 and 42 yards respectively to Bruce Gordon and McKinney to close out first half scoring and give the Firecats a 33-19 lead at the break.

The Firecats out scored the Sharks 33-29 in the second half to preserve the win. Corpus Christi cut Florida's lead to 11 points with Mike Mouton's 1 yard run over the right side at the 8:25 mark of the 4th quarter. Wallace responded finding McKinney for a 25 yard score to extend the Firecats' lead to 59-41.

Down but not out, the Sharks again closed the gap to 11 when Nathan Fricke took a pitch from Cooper and swept wide for a 2 yard score with 50.2 seconds remaining to play. Florida's Brent Burnside spoiled any thoughts of a Corpus Christi comeback when he recovered a Nick Gatto onside kick attempt at the Sharks 14. Wallace closed out all scoring when he connected with McKinney in the back of the end zone for a 12 yard touchdown.

The Sharks return to American Bank Center on May 9 to host the defending Arena Cup Champion Tennessee Valley Vipers. The Sharks will wear pink jerseys and use pink striped footballs for this game in an effort to bring awareness to the fight against breast cancer. A portion of ticket sales and proceeds generated through a post game jersey auction will be donated to the cause. Kick off is scheduled for 7:05pm. For ticket information and more information on how you can help fight breast cancer call 361-882-9292 or visit www.ccsharks.com.

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