Jacksonville and Columbus fight for first win in 2019

April 18, 2019 - National Arena League (NAL)
Jacksonville Sharks News Release

JACKSONVILLE - The Jacksonville Sharks (0-1) travel to Georgia to take on NAL rival the Columbus Lions (0-1) in a week 2 NAL battle. Both teams are coming off hard-fought losses, and look to rebound in the second week of the season. Last week the Lions fell on the road to the Orlando Predators 42-40 in Orlando. The Sharks struggled at home, losing to the New York Streets in Jacksonville 52-41.

Despite the Week 1 loss, Jacksonville came out of the game with several offensive statistical improvements from last season. Quarterback Jonathan Bane was 24-of-40 for 301 yards, four passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. Last week the Sharks offensive converted 4-8 (50%) on 3rd down conversions vs. last seasons 39% average. Bane's favorite target Devin Wilson finished the night with 11 receptions for 140 yards and one touchdown. Former Lions Jarmon Fortson scored the first touchdown for the Sharks in the 2019 season with a 13 yard touchdown catch, and looks to score more against his former team.

The rivalry between the Lions and Sharks is young, but seems to grow stronger every year. The Sharks lead the rivalry at 5-2, however, both of those losses were at Columbus where the Sharks are only 1-2. Winning on the road this week would be a huge victory for the Sharks, marking their first win of the season and also proving the Sharks can win on the road in one of the NAL's toughest places to play.

Kickoff for this Week Two matchup is on Friday, April 19, 2019 at 7:00 pm at the Columbus Civic Center. Sharks fans can watch the full game live on Youtube Live. To find the game, go to the National Arena League Youtube Channel or check out the link posted on the Sharks "Watch Live" facebook page during each and every game day.

Jacksonville Sharks huddle

• Discuss this story on the National Arena League message board...

National Arena League Stories from April 18, 2019

• Pirates vs. Cobras: Round Two - Massachusetts Pirates
• Figaro: Back at Home, Back to Basics - Massachusetts Pirates
• Jacksonville and Columbus fight for first win in 2019 - Jacksonville Sharks
• New York Streets Host Orlando Predators in Franchise's First-Ever Home Game - New York Streets

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Jacksonville Sharks Stories

• Sharks Suffer Major Loss in Quad City
• Week 6 Preview: Sharks vs Steamwheelers
• Sharks Fall to Pirates
• What You Need to Know: TV Night
• Sharks Steal Victory in Tucson