Sharks Clinch Home Playoff Game

July 13, 2019 - National Arena League (NAL)
Jacksonville Sharks News Release

WORCESTER - The Jacksonville Sharks (11-1) defeated the Massachusetts Pirates (7-5) 59-42 in an exciting Week 14 battle. Tonight's victory secures a home-field advantage in the NAL playoffs. This victory marks the Sharks 11th straight win as they return to Jackosnville to face the Pirates again next week. Jacksonville's resilience on the road plaid off as faced and won each of their three straight road games against New York, Orlando, and now Massachusetts.

Quarterback Jonathan Bane returned to the field after missing four weeks due to an injury. Bane led the Sharks to victory with 13 passes for 169 yards, and five touchdowns, and two interceptions. Wide Receiver Durron Neal totaled six catches for 55 yards and two touchdowns. Jarmon Fortson stood out as a key playmaker with 57 receiving yards, two receiving touchdowns, three rushing yards, and one rushing touchdown. The Sharks top receiver Devin Wilson faced heavy coverage from Massachusetts as he found the end zone with an over the wall touchdown reception in the second half. Wilson overall recorded four receptions for 31 yards. The newest Shark in the receiving core, Kamrin Solomon kept his touchdown streak alive tonight with two receptions for 21 yards one of which led to a score. Coach Burley's high scoring offense tonight was heavily due to its successful run game. Fullback Alstevis Squirewell had his best night of the year, rushing for 40 yards on six touches and two touchdowns.

Defensively, the Sharks were able to stop the Pirates on multiple occasions in the first half. Jack Linebacker Cody Saul had one interception that was nearly returned for a touchdown. Defensive linemen Nick Woodman had a huge night stealing the show with seven tackles, two sacks, two tackles for a loss and a fumble recovery. Fellow lineman Keith Bowers helped set up Woodman for success by forcing a lot of pressure on the Pirates elusive quarterback Sean Brackett. Bowers finished the night with a forced fumble and a 0.5 sacks.

Jacksonville has to credit another win to their league leading defense as unit Jacksonville held the Pirates to only eight points in the first quarter and completely shut them out of the second quarter. On special teams Behr had another impressive night totaling two deuces and was six of seven on extra points.

The Sharks' next game is next Saturday, July 19 as we take on the Massachusetts Pirates. The Sharks also end the regular season the following week, facing the Orlando Predators on Saturday, July 27. For tickets, please call (904) 621-0700 or visit ticketmaster.com.

Jacksonville Sharks receiver Devin Wilson celebrates a score

National Arena League Stories from July 13, 2019

• Sharks Clinch Home Playoff Game - Jacksonville Sharks

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