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Sharks Polish off Dusters 63-47

April 11, 2009 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Corpus Christi Sharks News Release


Corpus Christi, TX - QB Gary Cooper threw four touchdown passes and ran for three more to lead the Corpus Christi Sharks to a 63-47 victory over the Amarillo Dusters at Radiology Associates Field at American Bank Center. Cooper was recognized as the Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game. The Sharks improved their record to 1-2 while Amarillo fell to 0-3.

The Sharks drew first blood when Cooper connected with WR Brandon Hussey for a 20 yard score. Corpus Christi's defense matched that touchdown on the next possession when Darius Robinson recovered an Amarillo fumble in the Dusters' end zone. Nick Gatto's extra point gave the Sharks a 14-0 lead. Robinson, who also recovered a late 4th quarter fumble, led the Sharks defensive charge and was named Aaron's Defensive Player of the Game.

Amarillo starting QB Collin Drafts found WR Xavier Hair for an 11 yard score to close out first quarter scoring and cut the Sharks lead to 14-7. Hair collected the Drafts pass in front of the Corpus Christi secondary before weaving his way between two Sharks defenders and into the end zone.

The second quarter provided plenty of excitement as both teams combined to score 42 points. Gatto kicked things off for Corpus Christi with an 18 yard field goal which gave the Sharks a 17-7 advantage. QB Matt Bassuener replaced an injured Collin Drafts to lead the Dusters to a score on his first series. Bassuener capped off a seven play 40 yard drive with a one yard run to close the gap to 17-13.

The Dusters took a 20-17 lead when Bassuener found Hair with a 17 yard strike. Corpus Christi answered and regained the lead as Cooper dove over the left side for a 2 yard score. Amarillo jumped ahead 27-24 when Bassuener hit WR Craig Fulton Jr. for a 22 yard score.

Cooper and the Sharks countered when he combined with WR Tim Harris for a 35 yard circus touchdown. Cooper over threw Harris on the play but the ball deflected off an Amarillo defender, then off the wall and into the waiting hands of Harris who waltzed into the end zone. Corpus Christi added a safety and a 33 yard Gatto field goal as they enjoyed a 36-27 half time lead.

The Sharks outscored the Dusters 27-20 in the second half to seal the victory. Cooper scored on rushes of 1 and 2 yards as well as tossing touchdown passes of 17 and 4 yards to WR Jonathan Graham.

Corpus Christi will enjoy a week off before traveling to Rio Grande Valley and Florida for respective games against the Dorados (April 25) and Firecats (May 1). The Sharks return to American Bank Center on May 9 to host the Tennessee Valley Vipers. Kick off is scheduled for 7:05pm. For ticket information call 361-882-9292 or visit www.ccsharks.com.

Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game: Gary Cooper (CCS)

Aaron's Defensive Player of the Game: Darius Robinson (CCS)

JLS Ironman of the Game: Henry Hall (CCS)

The Big Catch of the Game: Tim Harris (CCS)

Nifty Hit of the Game: Donta Bright (AMA)

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