Sharks Slip Past Cobras 54-52 in Nailbiter

July 10, 2021 - National Arena League (NAL)
Jacksonville Sharks News Release

Jacksonville Sharks kicker Brandon Behr and receiver Jarmon Fortson
(Jacksonville Sharks)

The Sharks had a strong start ending the first 1st quarter on top 21-12, with a rushing touchdown by fullback Zack Brown and two passing touchdowns from quarterback Danny Soutwick to receivers Jarmon Fortson and Jordan Williams. The Cobras stayed close behind as an injured quarterback James Summers was replaced by Sam Castronova that found rhythm early but struggled to score as Sharks defensive back Kenny Veal slowed the Cobras pursuit with an interception before the end of the half and the Sharks defense held Carolina to only six points.

Coming into the second half up 33-18 the Sharks continued to battle as Jacksonville gained multiple stops led by the guys upfront as Shark defensive lineman Keith Bowers piled on two sacks in the second half and a tackle for loss, fellow lineman Jonathan Taylor added two tackles for a loss, a sack, and a forced fumble while defensive lineman Justin Marcus kept the pressure on with four tackles and a pass block. To add on the defensive onslaught Kenny Veal gained his second interception of the night toward the end of the third quarter. The fourth quarter became a different story for Jacksonville as the defense lost 28 points to the Cobras offense who made a last chance run for a comeback to win at home. The back and forth battle came down to the final three drives; the Cobras forced a touchdown on the ground with a one yard rush by fullback Dashawn Johnson putting the Cobras up 52-48. The Sharks rebounded with a 25-yard touchdown pass from Danny Southwick to Devin Wilson to make the score 54-52 with 21 seconds left. In a final drive eerily similar to the 2019 NAL championship the Cobras struck fast down the field in range to win with less than 10-seconds left on the clock, quarterback Sam Castronova made a touchdown attempt that was deflected by Sharks defensive back Kiante Northington to win the game in a another nail biting game against the Carolina Cobras.

Sharks quarterback Danny Southwick finished the night with 18 completions for 201 yards, five touchdowns and one interception. Shark receivers combined five touchdowns with Willliams and Wilson recording one each and Jarmon Fortson leading the team tonight with three. Sharks kicker Brandon Behr had a much better game on the road in Carolina knocking down two deuces and a field goal. The Sharks (2-3) return home next Saturday, July 17 to face the rival Columbus Lions (4-1) with kickoff for Shark-A-Ritaville set for 7pm. Tickets are on sale now online at jaxsharks.com.

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

Duval Ford Offensive Player: WR, Jarmon Fortson. The Sharks receiver stood out tonight catching seven passes for 40 yards and three touchdowns. His best game of the season and second game with the Sharks in 2021.

Duval Acura Defensive Player of the Game: DB, Kenny Veal. Led both teams in interceptions tonight racking up two against the Cobras. Veal also added a tackle for a loss and a pass breakup.

Duval Honda Special Teams Player of the Game: K, Brandon Behr. Behr finished the night with two deuces and a field goal.

Jacksonville Sharks kicker Brandon Behr and receiver Jarmon Fortson

National Arena League Stories from July 10, 2021

• Sharks Slip Past Cobras 54-52 in Nailbiter - Jacksonville Sharks
• Cobras Fall in 54-52 Nailbiter to Sharks - Carolina Cobras

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