Sharks Playoff Preview

August 9, 2018 - National Arena League (NAL)
Jacksonville Sharks News Release

JACKSONVILLE - The Jacksonville Sharks (10-6) travel up to Greensboro, North Carolina to take on the Carolina Cobras (10-5) in the 2018 National Arena League Playoffs Tuesday, August 14th at the Greensboro Coliseum. The winner of this game will advance to the National Arena Championship. If the Sharks defeat the Cobras and Pirates fall to the Lions on Saturday, August 11th then the Jacksonville Sharks will host the National Arena League Championship. The Sharks are 1-1 against the Cobras in Greensboro and 1-2 overall in 2018, however in the playoffs it's winner takes all, making this game on Tuesday the most important game for the Sharks in 2018.

In a game where the number one spot was up for grabs for the Pirates, the Sharks battled it out against the Maine Mammoths (7-8). If the Sharks won, they would've hosted the Columbus Lions (8-7), but with a loss to the Mammoths, the Sharks now take the three seed Carolina Cobras and travel to The Snake Pit.

Last week against the Mammoths, Sharks' Quarterback Patrick McCain was 17-of-39 for 209 yards, three touchdowns, and four interceptions. McCain also rushed the ball five times for 32 yards and one touchdown. Fullback Derrick Ross rushed five times for 14 yards and one touchdown. Wide Receiver Cody Saul led the team in receptions with six for 46 yards. Tom Gilson lead the team in yards and touchdowns, carrying the team with five receptions for 67 yards and two touchdowns. Chris Gilchrist had a silent game but snagged a touchdown pass on his lone reception from 24 yards out.

The Cobras offense leads the league in scoring, averaging 52.9 points a game. The Sharks are in fourth with 43.8 points per game. The Cobras defense allows the least amount of points in the league with only 36 points per game. Jacksonville is in fourth, allowing 42 points per game. The Sharks lead the league in rushing yards per game with 37.2 while the Cobras are in last place with 14.3 yards per game. The Sharks passing game is in second in the league, averaging 213.3 passing yards per game, which is ahead of the Cobras, who sit at fourth place with 202.1 passing yards per game. The Cobras lead the league in the turnover margin. They have forced 43 turnovers and lost 32, which puts them at a +11 margin. The Sharks are in third with 41 forced turnovers and 35 lost turnovers, which is a +6 margin.

This weekend's game will be at the Greensboro Coliseum on Tuesday, August 14, at 7:00 p.m. (ET). The game will be streamed on Youtube Live, a link to the stream will be posted on www.facebook.com/jaxsharks. If you would like to buy tickets to the game call 336-455-7232 or visit carcobras.com.

Jacksonville Sharks pregame practice

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