Sharks Sack VooDoo in Home Finale

Published on July 20, 2013 under Arena Football League (AFL)
New Orleans VooDoo News Release


NEW ORLEANS "" The New Orleans VooDoo hung tough but were unable to overcome penalties and sacks as they fell to the Jacksonville Sharks 58-49 in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in front of a crowd of 7,183.

The game was essentially a back-and-forth affair for much of the contest, but the Sharks saw blood in the water on defense as they recorded seven sacks and set the single season record with 43 sacks as a team. The VooDoo put up a fight against the playoff-bound Sharks, but they had to play from behind after giving up 21 points in the first quarter.

Jacksonville got it started with a methodical drive that led to a six-yard run by Jeff Hughley. New Orleans quickly answered as quarterback Chris Dixon welcomed back leading receiver Donovan Morgan with a 32-yard strike to tie it. The Sharks came back quickly with a 48-yard touchdown pass from Bernard Morris to receiver Markee White. Two VooDoo turnovers on downs led to two more touchdowns to give Jacksonville a 28-7 advantage in the second quarter.

New Orleans started a 21-point charge in the second quarter as Dixon found Morgan again for a 17-yard score, a 16-yard strike to Courtney Smith, and an eight-yard toss to Quorey Payne. New Orleans helped their cause with a fumble recovery by Chris Brown. They also kept the Sharks in check right before the end of the second quarter. Jacksonville's only other score in the period was a three-yard touchdown from Morris to White. That made the score 35-28 heading into halftime.

New Orleans took the second half kickoff, but a sack and two incomplete passes led to a missed field goal attempt. Jacksonville capitalized on that as Morris found receiver Jeron Harvey for a 22-yard touchdown on 4th down. Harvey led the way for the Sharks with nine catches for 115 yards and three touchdowns. The VooDoo answered as Morgan grabbed his third touchdown of the game to make the score 42-35. Morgan also had six catches and 112 yards to go with those scores. The Sharks later added a field goal by Marco Capozzoli for a 45-35 edge in the third.

The VooDoo cut the lead as they opened the fourth quarter with a solid drive that ended in a Dixon touchdown pass to L.J. Castile. The ensuing possession by the Sharks was the backbreaker. Jacksonville was backed up to a 3rd and 25 after a holding penalty, a false start, and two incompletions, but the VooDoo jumped offsides to give up a first down. Morris later capped the drive with a three-yard run to make it 52-42. New Orleans kept on fighting, though, as Dixon rebounded after a sack to connect with Castile on a 38-yard score to get within three points.

Jacksonville answered and salted the game away on another touchdown run by Morris. The VooDoo struggled on the late downs as that score was also on fourth down. Morris finished his night 23-36 for 250 yards and five touchdowns. New Orleans had one last chance but the game ended as Dixon was sacked and then intercepted on the game's final play. Dixon was 18-30 for 262 yards and seven touchdowns, but the seven sacks were too much to overcome.

New Orleans falls to 5-12 on the season, and their playoff hopes are all but dashed unless Cleveland knocks off Orlando this weekend. New Orleans will travel to Orlando next weekend to finish the regular season.

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