ANAHEIM, CA – Holding a six-point lead in the final minute on Sunday, the Jacksonville Sharks needed one final stop and the defense delivered just that, as Greg Reid hauled in an interception on the final play of the game to seal Jacksonville’s 41-35 victory at Honda Center.
Jacksonville (5-5) had the ball in Los Angeles (0-9) territory at the one-minute timeout, as the Shark offense had an opportunity to either run out the clock or take a two-touchdown lead. But after an offensive penalty backed the Sharks up to 4th and 16 from the KISS’ 21, Julian Rauch’s field goal attempt missed wide right. A Los Angeles defender fell on the rebound, giving the KISS a chance to march down the field with 37 seconds left.
In the victory, QB Tommy Grady completed 20 of his 33 pass attempts, throwing for 223 yards and two touchdowns against one interception. Derrick Ross ran 11 times for 61 yards and three touchdowns. At receiver, Tiger Jones led the Sharks with nine receptions for 122 yards and a score, while Joe Hills caught seven passes for 59 yards and a touchdown.
On defense, Reid led all players with 8.5 total tackles and five pass breakups, recorded a tackle for loss and snared the game-ending interception. Terrance Smith and LaRoche Jackson added three and two pass breakups, respectively. Up front, Joe Sykes notched a pair of sacks, extending his franchise-record streak to nine consecutive games with at least one sack.
For the KISS, Southwick went 27-of-46 for 245 yards and three touchdowns against two interceptions. DeMarco Sampson led Los Angeles with 11 receptions for 104 yards, while Morgan caught 10 passes for 90 yards and two scores. On defense, Rayshaun Kizer made an impact in his first game with the KISS, recording team-high totals of eight tackles and two pass breakups.
Victory in hand, the Sharks will return to Jacksonville, preparing to host the Orlando Predators on Saturday, June 6. Kickoff on Sea Best Field is set for 7 p.m.
Game Awards
Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game – Los Angeles WR DeMarco Sampson
Riddell Defensive Player of the Game – Jacksonville DB Greg Reid
J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Game – Jacksonville WR Tiger Jones
Cutters Catch of the Game – Los Angeles WR Donovan Morgan’s one-handed touchdown catch in the third quarter
AFL Highlight of the Game – Jacksonville DB Terrance Smith’s pass breakup while leaping over the wall