NAL Jacksonville Sharks

Week 16 Preview: Sharks vs. Predators

Published on July 23, 2019 under National Arena League (NAL)
Jacksonville Sharks News Release


JACKSONVILLE - The #1 Jacksonville Sharks (12-1) will close the regular season this Saturday night when they face in-state rival, the Orlando Predators (2-11). This is the fourth and final meeting between the two teams this season. The Sharks are 3-0 against the Predators, outscoring them 61-7, 48-20, and 76-30, respectively. The Sharks have secured the top-seed for the 2019 NAL play-offs while the Predators have been eliminated from the postseason.

So far against the Predators, the Sharks have been able to dominate with both quarterbacks (Jonathan Bane and Mike Fafaul). Last week against the Massachusetts Pirates (7-6), Bane started the game, but Fafaul finished it in overtime and helped the Sharks win their 12th game in a row. This season, Bane is currently 160-of-290 (55.17%) for 1,844 yards, 39 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. On the other hand, Fafaul is 106-of-162 (65.43%) for 1,155 yards, 29 touchdowns, and five interceptions. No matter who seems to sling the ball the Sharks receiving core always seems to be there to catch it. If history repeats the Sharks receivers look to have a field day with the struggling secondary of the Orlando Predators. Currently the Sharks receivers average 220 passing yards and almost six passing touchdowns against the Predators.

Wide Receiver Devin Wilson has achieved something that has never been done in NAL history, racking up 1,000 receiving yards in two consecutive seasons. He also tied the record for the most active games with a receiving touchdown last week against the Pirates (16 consecutive active games).

The Sharks are coming off another great defensive game, forcing three interceptions, two pick-six interceptions, five sacks, and six tackles for a loss against the Pirates. Defensive Lineman, NAL defensive player of the week ,Nick Woodman, still leads the NAL in sacks with 12. Even though Defensive Back Seth Ellis didn't come away with any picks last week, he still leads the league in interceptions with 13, which is the current NAL record.

This weekend's home game is Saturday, July 27 at 7p.m. (ET) versus the Orlando Predators it's the final regular-season showdown. Get your tickets now for Saturday's game, tickets start at just $10. Enjoy up to 50% off select Sharks merchandise at the arena. The Sharks host the Columbus Lions in the first round of the playoffs on Tuesday, August 6. For tickets to the playoff game, please call (904) 621-0700, visit www.jaxsharks.com or www.ticketmaster.com or go to the arena box office. Both games will be streamed live on the National Arena League YouTube channel.

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National Arena League Stories from July 23, 2019


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