Sharks Return Home after Loss to Lions 56-32

June 20, 2021 - National Arena League (NAL)
Jacksonville Sharks News Release

COLUMBUS - The Jacksonville Sharks return back to Jacksonville after their 56-32 loss on the road against Lions (3-1) in Columbus, GA. This was the first time the Sharks and the Lions have played since the Sharks beat the Lions 67-43 in the 2019 playoff opener. The NAL rival Columbus Lions entered the game 2-1 under head coach Jason Gibson who has struggled against the Sharks in past seasons losing three out of his last four matchups against the Sharks. Tonight was a different outcome, the Sharks had a slow start falling behind 12-0 in the first quarter. The Sharks struck back with a 30-yard touchdown pass from Breck Ruddick to receiver Jordan Williams the Sharks quickly added a deuce by kicker Brandon Behr, that was his second deuce of the season. The Sharks showed momentum but Lions QB Mason Espinosa continued to respond with five passing touchdowns in the first half alone including a 21 yard pass to Desmond Reece to put the Lions up 32-12 at the half.

Entering the second half it was a race to play catch up and turnovers became costly. Quarterback Connor Kaegi played the entire second half for the Sharks he ended the night 17 for 31 with 162 passing yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. As a team Jacksonville turned the ball over six times tonight between four interceptions and two fumbles on offense. On defense the Sharks did manage to get an interception that was caught by Sharks defensive back Cris Page. The Sharks defensive line landed two tackles for loss and a fumble recovery but it was not enough to shut down the Lion's offense scoring 56 points in tonight's game. The Sharks return home to face the Albany Empire (4-0) this Saturday, June 26 at 7pm. Tickets are now on sale at jaxsharks.com and Youth Football Camp will be this Saturday, have your child sign up for Youth Football Camp learn from the Sharks players & coaches before they play Saturday night against the Empire. Visit jaxsharks.com to sign up or email dave@jaxsharks.com.

Tonight's Duval Motor Company Shark Players of the Game Include:

Duval Ford Offensive Player: WR, Jordan Williams. The speedy receiver / kick returner is a new addition to the Shark offense this year. In his second game as a Shark he was on a roll with seven catches for 85 yards and one touchdown he was on pace to go into double digits in receptions but left the game due to injury. Williams also returned five kicks for 85 yards.

Duval Acura Defensive Player of the Game: DB, Cris Page, racked up five tackles in tonight's matchup and picked off Lions quarterback Mason Epinosa for his first career interception as a Shark.

Duval Honda Special Teams Player of the Game: K, Brandon Behr continues to impress going into his third season with the Sharks. Behr finished this road game with three PATs, a 20-yard field goal, and he knocked down a deuce in the first half.

Jacksonville Sharks receiver Rashaun Simonise vs. the Columbus Lions

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