JACKSONVILLE - The Jacksonville Sharks look for a second straight win as the team will open up its 2016 home slate against the in-state rival Orlando Predators on Monday, April 18. Kickoff for “Redneck Night” at Sea Best Field is set for 7 p.m.
Monday’s game will be the first of three meetings between Jacksonville (1-1) and Orlando (2-0) this season. The Predators took two of the three regular-season matchups a year ago, but the Sharks won when it mattered most, defeating Orlando by a 55-33 count in the opening round of the playoffs.
Last week, the Sharks fired on all cylinders, never trailing en route to a 59-41 victory over the Philadelphia Soul. The game remained close into the third quarter before Jacksonville broke it open by scoring 24 consecutive points.
QB Tommy Grady 21 completions for 326 yards and seven touchdowns with no turnovers. With his dominant performance, Grady became the league leader in passing yards with 605 total yards in two games.
Grady’s chemistry with Joe Hills, continued this week, as they connected for nine receptions for 154 yards and four touchdowns. Hills maintained his spot atop the league leaderboard with 305 yards on the season so far. A key factor in Grady and Hills’ performance was the play offensive line, which did not allow a sack for a second straight week.
The Sharks’ defensive collected an impressive four turnovers with three interceptions and a fumble recovery. Greg Reid led the Sharks with his 10 tackles, two key interceptions and forcing one fumble that kept the momentum in the team’s favor. At one point, the Sharks forced a turnover on three straight Philadelphia possessions.
Kicker Marco Capozzoli connected on all extra points and hit a 26-yard field goal at the beginning of the fourth quarter.
This week, the face a Predator team which ranks second in the league in both scoring offense and defense.