By Pat Byrd Story Updated August 12, 2011

Tucson, AZ—Things started out a little rocky for the Jacksonville Sharks, allowing the number 1 ranked Arizona Rattlers to score on their opening drive, number 32 Armstrong taking the ball in for the touchdown and the early 7-0 lead. On the ensuing kickoff Sharks wide receiver number 5 Jeff Hughley who has been known to run kickoffs back for touchdowns wouldn’t accomplish that tonight and only brought this kickoff out to the 9 yard line. Garcia connected immediately with number 15 Jomo Wilson for a touchdown but the point after was missed leaving the Sharks trailing the Rattlers 6-7.

After trading scores the Sharks trailed by 12 to 14. As the Sharks kicked off, number 4 of the Rattlers, Gray, was back to receive but fumbled the ball and Jacksonville recovered. A long pass to number 15 Jomo Wilson, and number 5 Jeff Hughley, and a roughing the passer penalty for picking up Aaron Garcia and slamming him to the ground, moving the ball ½ the distance to the goal line, led to a fumble recovery in the end zone by number 15 Jomo Wilson to give the Sharks a touchdown and a 19-14 lead.

On the Sharks kickoff, Rattlers number 4, Gray, returned the ball to the Rattlers 2 yard line. Arizona quarterback Nick Davila, the number one rated quarterback in the AFL was deadly accurate all night long and completed passes of 14 and 7 yards and even ran for a first down. In this series Davila threw a long pass to number 81, Chris Jackson, for a touchdown to once again take the lead at 21-19.

In Arizona’s fifth possession number 4, Gray, fumbled the ball but the referee ruled him down by contact. Sharks coach Less Moss challenged the ruling on the field and after review the call was reversed and the Sharks were given possession inciting a chorus of boos from Rattler fans. After a series of plays that put the ball at the Rattlers 1 yard line, Garcia handed the ball off to number 22, Simmons, who punched the ball through the line to score another Sharks touchdown taking the lead 32-21 after a failed extra point attempt.

With :30 seconds remaining in the half, Arizona’s Quarterback Nick Davila completed a pass to number 31, Geathers, for a touchdown to take back the lead before going into halftime, 35-32.

The Sharks first possession after halftime was unproductive. Arizona’s defense woke up and stopped the Sharks progress. The ball was turned over on downs. Arizona fared no better on their next possession. An incomplete pass, a quarterback sack and 4^th and 6^th from their own 9 yard line along with a holding penalty was a perfect storm to turn the ball over on downs. Now if I sound like I’m repeating myself, I wish I wasn’t. The Sharks had control of the ball but a broken up pass, an incomplete pass, another incomplete pass at 3^rd and 10, and another broken up pass spelled out the ball once again being turned over on downs. Both defenses had certainly showed up to play.

Arizona made quick work of the ball being turned over on downs at the Sharks 9 yard line. At 1^st and goal they scored. Arizona started a fight but it was quickly broken up. Arizona was in the lead 42-32. With 12:26 left in the 4^th quarter, the Sharks pulled close with a touchdown to number 22, Simmons, but were still down 45-49. On Arizona’s next possession, Sharks number 1, Robinson, got his first interception of the game returning the ball too the 22 yard line. With 6:21 left to play, number 31, Griffin, ran it in from 4 yards out and Coach Moss went for the 2 point conversion which was successful. The Sharks now led by 53-49.

As the clock wound down to 3:07 left in the 4^th quarter, the Sharks went on the offensive with a completed pass to number 3, Harvey. On the next play quarterback Aaron Garcia was sacked leaving just 2:38 in the quarter. At 3^rd and 8 Garcia threw a 45 yard touchdown strike to number 3 Jeff Harvey leaving 1:09 on the clock. The Sharks led 60-56. The Rattlers came back with a quick touchdown pass to number 81 Chris Jackson, once again taking a 3 point lead 63 to 60. Arizona tried an onside kick that was recovered by Sharks player number 6, Jackson, the ball placed on the Rattlers 10 yard line. After two incomplete passes Garcia connected with one of his favorite targets number 15, Jomo Wilson, for a touchdown and the lead 67-63 with less than 48 seconds on the clock. With 35 seconds on the clock, Arizona quarterback Nick Davila engineered a touchdown pass to number 15, Reed, to pull ahead 70-67.

The Rattlers did not try an onside kick this time but kicked the ball away relaying on their defense to hold the game for them. Number 5 Jeff Hughley returned the ball to the 23 yard line with just 15 seconds remaining. An incomplete pass left just :09 seconds on the clock. Garcia managed to complete a long pass to his go to guy number 15, Jomo Wilson but had to quickly call time out leaving just :02 seconds on the clock. With time for only one play Garcia dropped back, scrambled, then found Harvey in the end zone, touchdown Sharks to take the lead and the Championship 73-70.

The Arena Bowl Trophy was presented amongst disgruntled Arizona Rattler fans that were praised by the AFL Commissioner but still booed the ceremony. Booed or not the ceremony went forward and the Jacksonville Sharks were crowned the Arena Bowl XXIV Champions. This is quarterback Aaron Garcia’s first Arena Bowl Championship in 17 years in the league.

By James Critch Story Updated June 18, 2011

Going into tonight’s game, the Jacksonville Sharks (11-1) were facing the Milwaukee Mustangs (4-8) who have the best secondary in the AFL, allowing only 236 yards per game. The Sharks are the number one passing team in the AFL averaging 276 yards per game.  The Sharks also needed only one more win to clinch a playoff berth.

If the play made by Jamarko Simmons on the kick off was any indication of how the game was going to go, it was going to be a hard hitting, neck crunching knock out fest. Unfortunately, that is not how this game turned out.

The Sharks defense came alive on the opening drive and stopped the Mustangs on fourth and five from the twenty five-yard line. Turning the ball over to Jacksonville’s Aaron Garcia with this short of a field to work with cost the Mustangs six points. Garcia found Jomo Wilson in the end zone to take an early 6-0 lead at the 10:26 mark.  On the Mustangs following drive they would be pinned back deep in their own territory following a sack by Jacksonville’s Jerry Brown. Holding the Mustangs to a fourth and twelve, Milwaukee tried a long field goal but came up just short.  On the Sharks second drive of the evening, Garcia was sacked, and fumbled the ball which was picked up and returned 27-yards for a touchdown by Milwaukee’s Dewayne Lefall.  The first quarter ended 7-6 Mustangs.

The second quarter began on a good note for Jacksonville when Jeff Hughley caught a seven yard pass for a touchdown from Garcia. Milwaukee came right back and took the lead when Mykel Benson rumbled in for a touchdown from three yards out. At the 4:57 mark Jacksonville’s WR Jamarko Simmons took a handoff from Aaron Garcia and powered his way into the end zone to give the Sharks a 20-14 lead. On the Mustangs next drive, Jacksonville’s defense held them on a fourth down for the second time in the game. This time it was on a fourth and one on the Sharks 14-yard line. Following the big defensive stance, Garcia answered when he found Jomo Wilson open in the back of the end zone increasing the Sharks lead to 27-14. The Sharks followed up their touchdown with an onside kick that was illegally touched by a Shark player. This gave the Mustangs the ball at the 5-yard line. On the next play, a defensive penalty moved the ball to the three yard line. On the ensuing play, Milwaukee’s Mykel Benson ran in for a touchdown with 44 seconds left. Garcia got the ball back and had just under a minute to work with. Unfortunately, he threw an interception in the end zone and gave the Mustangs one last shot before half. Jacksonville answered with their own defensive stand. With 06 seconds left, Micheaux Robinson came up an interception. The half came to an end with the Sharks leading 27-20.

The Sharks came out in the second half a little off track. They were unable to convert on a fourth down when Jomo Wilson dropped a touchdown pass in the end zone. The Mustangs took advantage when quarterback RJ Archer found Dwayne Eley on a 5-yard touchdown pass at the 6 minute mark tying the game at 27 apiece. The Sharks following drive was the Jeff Hughley show. He started the drive with a 27-yard kickoff return and ended the drive with a 25-yard touchdown. The Mustang’s following drive began and ended when Kelvin Rodgers returned the kickoff for a touchdown. The third quarter ended in a tie at 34 all.

In the fourth quarter the Sharks took the lead when Garcia found Wilson in the end zone on a fourth and five at the 13:30 mark. A minute and a half later, Jacksonville began to take control of the game when LJ Jackson returned an interception for a touchdown and Jeff Hughley ran in a two point conversion to give the Sharks a 14 point lead with eleven minutes to go. The Mustangs would not go quietly. With six minutes left, running back Benson scampered into the end zone to make it a one score game. Garcia however could smell blood and he went in for the kill. With five minutes left, he found Simmons open on a twenty five yard touchdown pass to all but seal the victory. The game ended with Jacksonville winning 62-47.

Next week the Tampa Bay Storm come to town. The Sharks are going for a record setting 13 straight wins. This will be the longest winning streak in AFL history.

With the victory over Milwaukee, the Sharks have clinched a spot in the playoffs. If things keep going the way they have been, they will host playoff games at Sea Best Field. The worst spot they could obtain is the number three seed.   

Sharks Hold On To Beat the Predators

By James Critch. Story Updated Saturday June 11, 2011

Heading into Saturday’s game versus the Orlando Predators (8-3), the Jacksonville Sharks (10-1) were looking to put themselves in position to take full control of the South division. A victory would give the Sharks a commanding three game lead and leave them needing only three more victories to clinch the division. Jacksonville was going up against the AFL offensive yards leader, Nick Hill, as well as the number one offensive team in Orlando, who put up 55 points in a loss at Jacksonville.  The overall series was tied 2-2, with Jacksonville winning the first of this years two game match up. This was a pivotal game at an important time of the year.

The game started out with the Sharks defense holding the Predators on a forth down. On the following play, Jacksonville’s quarterback Aaron Garcia would hook up with Jomo Wilson for a 25-yard touchdown pass.  Garcia was given time to allow Wilson to get open, as he has with all receivers this year, and it is due to his offensive line. Garcia has been sacked a league low four times this season.

Orlando’s quarterback Nick Hill answered when he found Bobby Sippio wide open on a 10-yard touchdown completion.  The extra point was no good giving Jacksonville the lead at 7-6. The Sharks came right back and put up another seven points when Garcia completed a 3-yard swing pass to Jeron Harvey. 14-6 at the 4:45 mark.  Orlando closed out the first quarter with a score when Hill completed a pass to T .T.  Toliver on forth and goal from the five yard line.  

The second quarter ignited a scoring frenzy.  Jacksonville turned the ball over on forth down, and two plays later on third and four from the Shark's ten yard line, Orlando’s Hill threw a pass into the end zone which was intercepted by the Sharks Micheaux Robinson. Jacksonville’s Garcia took full advantage of the opportunity and found Wilson on a forty yard pass reception that ended with seven points at the 8:45 mark. The following drives went back and forth with Orlando’s Bobby Sippio adding two more scores, followed by T.T. Toliver contributing once again. For Jacksonville, three different receivers got involved in the scoring. Harvey, Wilson, and Sale’ Key all reach pay dirt. At halftime the score was 40-33 Jacksonville.

With the third quarter under way, Jacksonville wasted no time to adding to their lead. Sale’ Key went in for his second touchdown of the night. Orlando’s Sippio would follow that with his 4^th touchdown of the evening. Not to be out done, Jacksonville’s Jeron Harvey scored his 4^th td of the game and Garcia reached the mark of his 12^th straight game with five or more touchdowns in a game.  The third quarter came to end when Orlando’s Robert Quiroga scored his first touchdown of the game, giving Jacksonville the lead with a score of 54-47.

Jacksonville started off the fourth quarter the same way they did the third, with a score. This time it was Garcia to Harvey, who was hurt on the play. He left the game with 10 receptions for 145 yards and 5 touchdowns.  The score was Jacksonville 61-47.

At the 7:48 mark, Orlando’s Hill connected with speedy receiver Josh Bush for a twenty three yard td reception, cutting Jacksonville’s lead to 61-54. Orlando’s defense stopped Jacksonville on their next drive.

With the Sharks defense on the verge of holding off Orlando’s scoring threat, Jacksonville’s Charlie Hunt was called for a crucial facemask penalty. Following the penalty, the Predators James Lynch ran in from the two yard line. The score was now 61-61 with: 52 seconds left.

Orlando tried an onside kick which was recovered by the Sharks Jomo Wilson at the 15-yard line. Wide receiver Jamarko Simmons ran it in from the 2-yard line to take the lead with: 23 left. However, in arena football you can score quickly as the Sharks would come to find out when Orlando quarterback Hill connected with T.T. Toliver for six with only: 07 left. Orlando was faced with tying an extra point or go for two for the win. They chose the win. On their first try, it was unsuccessful, but a holding penalty in the end zone gave Orlando a second try. On the second opportunity, Hill went to his big play maker, Sippio, but the pass was deflected and broken up by Jacksonville’s Terrance Smith. To this point in the season, that play could be, arguably, the biggest defensive play to date.

The Sharks return home this Saturday to face the Milwaukee Mustangs after three games on the road. It is Halloween night at Sea Best Field, so come dressed accordingly and welcome home your 11-1 Jacksonville Sharks.   

Sharks Shred Predators

By James Critch   Story Updated April 30, 2011

Following a week of talk, threats and billboard signs, the game was finally ready to be played. And played it was. The Sharks and Orlando Predators are a heated in state rivalry, and when a little fuel was added to the fire, there was one intense battle.  But tonight was a historical night for the Sharks as well, for a few different reasons.

Sea Best Field was alive with an electric crowd that came to support the 5-1 Sharks who were facing the 4-2 Orlando Predators. This was a payback game for the Sharks since the Predators knocked Jacksonville out of the playoffs last season. Payback was served up cold, like chum.

Jeron Harvey got the scoring started with a nine-yard rushing touchdown at the 11:44 mark. But Orlando answered quickly when Bobby Sippio caught a 6-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Nick Hill to tie the game. On the Sharks next possession, quarterback Aaron Garcia threw an interception. A few plays later the Predators took the lead following a touchdown pass to Sippio from their own nine-yard line on a fourth and six.

The Sharks started the second quarter with a touchdown pass from Garcia to Harvey. Unfortunately, kicker Marco Capozzoli missed the extra point and the Predators took the lead 14-13.  At the 12:33-minute mark, Orlando on fourth and four from the twenty-four yard line, Hill found Josh Bush for a score. This gave the Predators a 21-13 lead.  A few plays later, Jomo Wilson hooked up with Garcia for a score to bring the Sharks within a point of tying the game.  On the following offensive series for the Predators, the Sharks defense rose up and stopped Orlando on 4^th and goal from the nine-yard line. Jacksonville’s Garcia answered with a touchdown pass to Jeron Harvey.  At this point in the game, everything came to a stop. The reason? Aaron Garcia had just thrown for his 1000^th touchdown pass. Garcia is the first quarterback to throw for 1000 touchdowns in professional football history.  The NFL Hall Of Fame is observing this accomplishment by enshrining Garcia’s football, helmet and jersey from tonight’s game.

 On Orlando’s following possession, Jacksonville’s LB/WR Charlie Hunt intercepted Hill and Hunt would return it 26 yards for another touchdown. With only one minute left, the Sharks would try an onside kick that would be inadvertently kicked twice. This penalty would set up the Predators at the Sharks 2 yard-line.  Hill would take advantage of this mistake and add another score for the Predators. Following a failed onside kick of their own, Orlando gave the ball to the Sharks at the nine- yard line. Sale’ Key made a difficult catch for Garcia in the end zone to expand the Sharks lead.  With only seconds left, Orlando’ s Bobby Sippio scored another touchdown, giving him three on the night, to take the game into halftime with the  score 40-35 Sharks.

The second half started out with Orlando taking the lead following a touchdown pass from Hill to Bush. The Sharks bounced right back and regained the lead following Jomo Wilson’ s touchdown reception on fourth down from the twelve yard line with 4:30 left in the quarter. On the next series, Orlando’s Hill fumbled the ball and Jacksonville’s rookie Derrick Summers recovered it at the ten yard line.   Wilson added another score for the Sharks and they lead 54-42 at the end of the third quarter.

Jacksonville’s defense turned the ball over to their offense following a big stop on 4^th and 12.  Following a few Garcia pass completions to various wide receivers, the Sharks ended the drive with a three-yard touchdown run from FB Kirby Griffin. (61-42). The night didn't get any easier for Orlando’s quarterback Hill and his passing attack. On the following offensive series, Hill was picked off once again, this time by Jacksonville’s WR/CB Terrance Smith at the one-yard line.  On the next play, Griffin rumbled down the field to the Predators 15 yard line, but then fumble the ball. Fortunately for the Sharks, Jeff Hughley was johnny on the spot for the fumble recovery and finished off the last fifteen yards to add another six points to the Sharks already widening lead.

With 10: 20 left to play in the game the lead was now 67-42. Jacksonville’s defense increased the team’s lead on the following play by registering a safety. The Predators would not go quietly, when Bush scored again making the score 69-49 with 4:45 to play. On the Sharks following possession, Kirby rumbled his way into the end zone from four yards out.  On the final offensive series of the night Orlando’s Hill would scramble and brake out of the pocket and score on a run. The Predators went for a two-point conversion, but Jacksonville’s L.J. Jackson would intercept it.

Tonight’s game was a special one for a few reasons. Griffin rushed for 130yards, which is a team record for one game. The Sharks scored a franchise record amount of points in one game and of course the professional football record setting touchdown passes of 1000 by Aaron Garcia.  This was to be the Sharks night and the Predators felt every bit of the bite. The game will be broadcast on the NFL Network on Sunday at 3pm.

As the Sharks announcer would say throughout the evening, “We need to put the smack down on these boys that come from Mickey Mouse town”. And boy did they. 

Sharks quiet the Storm

By James Critch Story Updated April 1, 2011  

Tampa, FL--The 2-1 Jacksonville Sharks traveled to Tampa to face their 1-2 division rivals, the Tampa Bay Storm. Tampa started the game quickly with a 21 yard pass play from quarterback Grant Gregory to wide receiver Armony Jackson. Tampa was able to put the game’s first points on the board following a four yard pass from Gregory to Huey Whitaker.  Jacksonville began their drive from the thirteen yard line at the 10:25 mark. The drive lasted 4 plays. After a crucial offensive pass interference penalty in the end zone, and a dropped touchdown reception, both by Wilson, Tampa took over at the Sharks nine yard line. Three plays later, Gregory would throw his second touchdown, again to Jackson. On the Sharks second offensive possession; they moved the ball quickly down the field. Garcia connected with Wilson from their own thirteen yard line down to the Storms six yard line. On the next play, Sale' Key made a one handed circus catch and followed that by flipping over the end zone wall but would retain possession for the touchdown. The extra point was missed. The Sharks trailed 14-6 at the end of the first quarter.

It only took Tampa one play at the beginning of the second quarter to put up another seven points. For the second time in the first half, it was a pass from Gregory to Whitaker.  Jacksonville answered quickly. After moving down the field through the air, running back Kirby Griffin took the handoff from Garcia and dove into the end zone from the two yard line for the Sharks second score of the night. It was 21-13 Tampa at the 11:40 mark. Tampa added another three points on a 41 yard field goal. Jacksonville's Jeff Huely caught a nine yard touchdown pass from Garcia to close the gap to 24-20 with five minutes to go in the first half. After a strong defensive stand by the Sharks at their own three yard line, Tampa missed a field goal. Jacksonville got the ball back with only 38 seconds left. Garcia orchestrated a drive that ended in a touchdown pass to Wilson. The Sharks led 26-24 at half time.

Tampa had an opportunity to take the lead, but missed a 20 yard field goal. The Sharks took full advantage when Garcia threw a 4 yard pass to Hughley for another 6 points. Jacksonville extended their lead to 33-24 at the 8:31 mark. Tampa's quarterback Gregory answered with a 20 yard touchdown pass to Hank Edwards. The score was 33-30 Sharks.  Garcia came right back and connect with Key on a 7 yard pass to extend the lead to 10 points. Jacksonville recovered a fumble at the Storms 7 yard line and followed that up with the second touchdown run from Griffin. They led by 17 points at the end of the third quarter.

Sharks Cast Spell on VooDoo

By Pat Byrd  Story Updated March 26, 2011

Jacksonville, Fl—The Jacksonville Sharks had a scary start Saturday night at Sea Best Field at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. After the Sharks kicked off in the opening quarter, the division rival 0 & 2 New Orleans VooDoo scored on a 35 yard pass from their 20 yard line but missed the extra point.  The Sharks got the ball back on their 5 yard line where quarterback Aaron Garcia hooked up with Jomo Wilson for a long touchdown strike with 12:22 remaining in the first quarter, the extra point attempt was unsuccessful.

Both teams swapped successful scoring drives with Jacksonville coming out on top at the half 32, New Orleans 19.

The Sharks began the second half firing on all cylinders.  Starting on their own 5 yard line the Sharks quarterback Aaron Garcia completed a 36 yard pass to wide receiver number 3 Jeron Harvey for a touchdown capped off with an extra point by number 7, kicker Marco Capozzoli.  The Sharks kept the lead 39, VooDoo 19.  The Sharks kicked off and the VooDoo returned the ball to their 13 yard line.   On their next play New Orleans scored edging closer, Sharks 39, VooDoo 26.

In the third quarter number 15 Jomo Wilson was back in the action catching a short pass from Garcia but turning it into a long run for a touchdown, the point after try was no good.  Jacksonville 45, New Orleans 26.

The Sharks put a Lid on the game in the fourth quarter with a final score of 64, New Orleans 33.  Quarterback Aaron Garcia threw 8 touchdown passes for a total of 308 yards.  The Sharks had a total of 374 total offensive yards and two interceptions.

The Sharks next game is Friday April 1^st at 8 p.m. at the Tampa Bay Storm.  The game will be aired on the NFL Network and on 1010xl radio.

Sharks Beat the Storm 49-47