Recap: Jaguars End Winless Preseason in Atlanta with 28-12 Loss

Photo by Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons

ATLANTA (SportsTicker) -  The Jaguars lost to the Falcons 28-12 Saturday at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta ending their preseason 0-4.

Quarterback EJ Perry played the entire game for the Jaguars. He completed 19 of 27 for 201 yards passing, with a pair of interceptions. Wide receiver Tim Jones caught three passes for 103 yards.

“I think he did some good things. I did feel like maybe there were some things he tried to press a little bit. Tried to make something happen, which sometimes young players can do that especially a quarterback," said Jacksonville head coach Doug Pederson of Perry's day. "Overall, he made some really good decisions, good throws, played tough, played physical, took some shots during the second half.”

Perry is projected to play behind starter Trevor Lawrence and veteran backup CJ Beathard.

Perry's only TD pass was to Laquon Treadwell for seven yards with 12 seconds left in the first half to cut the Falcon's lead to 14-12. Atlanta then stopped a two-point converion try.

The Jaguars took an ealry 3-0 lead.

On the very first play from scrimage, Atanta QB Desmond Ridder was picked off by Daniel Thomas. The safety returned it 10 yards to the Atlanta 35, setting up James McCourt’s 54-yard field goal.

Ridder finished 14-of-21 for 185 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

McCourt also connected from 38 yards, Jake Verity was wide left on a 46-yard try. The Jaguars are looking to find a kicker.

“Well, I think it’s enough to get on tape, but I don’t think we can necessarily decide. I think we have to figure that out this week in practice and try to go from there and make that decision," said Pederson on the kicking situation.

The club will cut the team from 80 to 53 players by Tuesday at 4 p.m., so today was an important milestone for players looking to make the roster. 

“It’s a chance to evaluate the whole thing. We've got a couple days here to do that. We’ll get in tomorrow and watch the tape with the players and make the corrections and all that. The players will be off on Monday, Pederon said. "It’s always tough this time of year. I told the guys it’s a tough part of our business and a lot of guys today made a statement for a possible roster spot or practice squad spot and those are all things that we have time to evaluate here in the next couple of days."

Jacksonville opens the NFL regular season Sept. 11 on the road at Washington.

“I think we're in a pretty good spot. We got a couple guys bouncing back fully and we're trying to get them back healthy and back out there but other than that I feel like we're really good coming out of camp and heading into the regular season," added Pederson.

---Mike Bonts

Recap: Jumbo Shrimp's Rogers Fans 12 in 5-1 Victory Over Tides

File Photo by Steve Meadows/Jumbo Shrimp

JACKSONVILLE (SportsTicker) – Trevor Rogers tied a career-high with 12 strikeouts as the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp won 5-1 over the Norfolk Tides Thursday night at 121 Financial Ballpark.

Rogers dazzled throwing six no-hit innings while tying a career-high with 12 strikeouts. 

George Soriano locked the game down with two scoreless frames, allowing one hit and walking a pair to pick up his seventh save.

Jacksonville (64-56) took the lead late after being held scoreless through the first five innings. Brian Miller led off with a double against Norfolk (54-65) reliever Denyi Reyes. Jordan Groshans flew out in the next at-bat and Miller tagged up for third. 

On a ground ball to first, Miller scored ahead of the throw to give the Jumbo Shrimp a 1-0 lead. Bryan De La Cruz followed with a single and Jesús Sánchez advanced to third. 

With runners at the corners, Erik González flew out to right and Sánchez scored on the sac fly for the inning’s second run.

The Tides plated their first run in the seventh after being held without a hit for the previous six innings. Jacob Nottingham singled and Yusniel Diaz doubled off Jumbo Shrimp reliever Will Stewart to kick off the seventh. 

With runners at second and third, a wild pitch scored Nottingham for the first run of the game for Norfolk.

The Jumbo Shrimp increased their lead in the bottom of the eighth. With two outs, De La Cruz and González knocked back-to-back singles. 

Victor Victor Mesa swatted a base hit that scored De La Cruz to push the lead to 3-1. With runners at the corners, Luis Aviles Jr. smacked a single that scored both runners to give Jacksonville a 5-1 lead.

Jacksonville continues their series with Norfolk in Friday’s 7:05 p.m. contest. LHP Matthew Kent (6-8, 5.27) gets the ball for the Jumbo Shrimp and Norfolk will start RHP Matt Harvey (4-1, 5.23). Coverage starts at 6:50 p.m. on MiLB.tv, ESPN 690 and ESPN690.com. 

Gates open at 6 p.m. on a Red Shirt Friday. Jumbo Shrimp players will be wearing their red Bold City jerseys to support the military. 

ECHL: Jacksonville Icemen Add Veteran Defenseman Garret Cockerill

JACKSONVILLE (Florida Sports Wire) – The Jacksonville Icemen, ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s New York Rangers and the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack announced that the team has agreed to terms with defenseman Garret Cockerill for the 2022-2023 season.   

Cockerill, 28, returns for a second stint in Jacksonville after recording 23 points (4g, 19a) in 41 games played last season with the Reading Royals.  Cockerill initially played for the Icemen during the 2018-2019 season collecting 14 points in 40 games.  

The 6-0, 210-pound defenseman has totaled 111 points (23g, 88a) in 226 career ECHL games split between the Icemen, Reading Royals, Tulsa Oilers and Kalamazoo Wings.   

 

Cockerill has also registered 19 points in 56 career AHL games with the Cleveland Monsters from 2017-2019.  Prior to his professional career, the Brighton, Michigan resident played four seasons at Northeastern University where he totaled 84 points (19g, 65a) from 2014-2018, while winning a Hockey East championship in 2016.  

The following is a list of players that have agreed to terms with the Icemen for the 2022-2023 season:   

Goaltender
Charles Williams

Defensemen
Garret Cockerill
Victor Hadfield
Bo Hanson
Brandon Fortunato
Brendan Less
Jacob Panetta

Tim Theocharidis  

Forwards
Jake Hamacher
Brendan Harris
Luke Keenan
Luke Lynch
Matt Salhany
Sam Sternschien
Mike Szmatula

The Icemen open the 2022-2023 season at home on Oct.  22 against the Orlando Solar Bears.

Motor Sports: Big Implications for NASCAR Cup Series Regular Season Finale at Daytona

Ryan Blaney

DAYTONA BEACH (SportsDay) - It all comes down to this weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series regular season finale, the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway, this Saturday, August 27 at 7 p.m. ET on NBC, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

If history is any indicator of what to expect this weekend, everybody has a shot at the win.

With Kurt Busch’s announcement to withdraw his medical waiver into the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, two Playoff spots are now up for grabs heading into this weekend, and they are currently held by Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney in 15th and Joe Gibbs Racing’s Martin Truex Jr. in 16th in the Playoff standings outlook. 

But 13 other drivers that are eligible for the postseason are facing a ‘Win or Go Home’ situation this weekend and will be vying for one of those last two postseason spots making Saturday night’s race that much more intense.

Since the inception of the Playoffs in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2004, Richmond Raceway hosted the regular season finale from 2004 to 2017 (14 years), and then from 2018-2019 Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosted the final regular season event. 

This weekend marks the third time the 2.5-mile Daytona International Speedway has hosted the Cup Series regular season finale (2020-2022).

The NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs is currently operating in its third iteration of the postseason’s points system since its inception in 2004. The first Playoff points system (from 2004 to 2009) had the top 10 to 12 drivers earn their position in the Playoffs by points only. 

The second version of the Playoff points system (2010 to 2013) incorporated the top 10 drivers to get in on wins/points with the addition of two extra drivers referred to as the Wild cards. The third version of the Playoff points system (2014 to Present) features drivers vying for the top 16 Playoff spots either by points or the ‘Win and You’re In’ rule.

 The third version of the Playoffs also instituted the elimination style format with four drivers being eliminated from the Playoffs at the conclusion of each postseason round culminating with the Championship 4 battling it out for the title in the season finale.   

Recap: Jacksonville Walks Off for De Facto Twin Bill Split Against Norfolk

File Photo by Andreea Cardani/Jumbo Shrimp

JACKSONVILLE (SportsTicker) – Despite a 6-3 loss in the resumption of Tuesday’s game, Jesús Sánchez smacked a walk-off single as the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp won 7-6 in the second game of their de facto doubleheader on Wednesday with the Norfolk Tides at 121 Financial Ballpark.

Jacksonville (63-56) took the final lead in game two in the bottom of the seventh. Willians Astudillo led off with a double and Luis Aviles Jr. entered as a pinch runner. Sánchez smacked a single with two strikes into the left field corner, scoring Aviles Jr. for the game’s winning run off Norfolk (54-64) reliever Beau Sulser (L 2-4).

Norfolk jumped in front early in the top of the first. With one out, Jordan Westburg walked and two batters later Kelvin Gutiérrez (6) walloped a two-run home run to put the Tides ahead 2-0.

The Jumbo Shrimp responded with a run in the bottom of the first. Erik González led off with a single and went to third on a single by Jordan Groshans. With runners at the corners, Bryan De La Cruz swatted a base hit to score González and cut the deficit to 2-1.

The Tides didn’t wait too long, building their lead back up in the top of the third. Greg Cullen led off with a single, Gunnar Henderson walked and Westburg singled to load the bases. Robert Neustrom reached on a fielder’s choice as Cullen was thrown out at home. With the bases loaded and one out, Gutiérrez reached on a fielder’s choice and two runs scored on an error, giving Norfolk a 4-1 advantage.

The lead was cut back down to a one-run game in the bottom of the third. De La Cruz led off the inning with a solo home run (3). Astudillo followed with a double and advanced to third on a passed ball. Sánchez grounded out but Astudillo scored from third to make the score 4-3.

The pendulum swung back into the favor of Norfolk in the fourth inning. Shayne Fonatana led off with a single and went to second on an error. Two batters later, Cullen reached on a fielder’s choice that put runners at the corners. Westburg then singled with two outs to score Fontana to increase the lead to 5-3.

The Tides clawed their way back to a three-run cushion in the top of the fifth. Brett Phillips led off with a walk and Brett Cumberland was hit by a pitch. A wild pitch allowed Phillips to advance to third and Anthony Bemboom plated Phillips with a sac fly, increasing the Norfolk lead to 6-3.

Jacksonville had their greatest run output in the fifth inning, plating three runs. Groshans singled and De La Cruz doubled to start off the frame. Three batters later, Victor Victor Mesa singled home both runners to make the score 6-5. Brian Miller struck out, but was able to reach first on a passed ball. With runners on first and second, Mesa scored on a base-hit from Bryson Brigman to tie the game at six.

Game two resumed in the top of the fourth with two runners on for Norfolk, as the Tides led 2-1. Jeff Brigham started the resumed game for Jacksonville and retired the side to keep the game at a 2-1 deficit.

It took until the top of the fifth for the Tides to start heating up. With one out, Henderson walked and Westburg (12) continued his hot hitting for Norfolk with a two-run blast to push the lead to 4-1. 

Norfolk took a bigger lead in the seventh, adding two more runs to their tally. Yusniel Diaz led off with a double and Jacob Nottingham (13) launched a two-run home run, the third one of the day, as the Tides padded their lead to 6-1.

The Jumbo Shrimp tried to rally late but couldn’t keep the momentum going. With one out in the eighth, Groshans singled and Sánchez walked. With two runners on, Astudillo singled loading the bases. Two batters later, Ryan Lavarnway was hit by a pitch, scoring Groshans to cut the deficit to 6-2.

One more run crossed the plate for Jacksonville in the ninth inning. González led off with a single and went to second on a wild pitch. Miller swatted a base hit to score González to make it a three-run contest, but the rally stopped there.

Jacksonville continues their series with Norfolk in Thursday’s 7:05 p.m. contest. LHP Trevor Rogers (0-1, 22.50) gets the ball for the Jumbo Shrimp and Norfolk will hand the ball to RHP Mike Baumann (1-6, 5.14). Coverage starts at 6:50 p.m. on MiLB.tv, ESPN 690 and ESPN690.com. 

Moeller: Red Zone Production is at the Top of the Jaguars' Offensive Wish List

Photo by Nancy Beecher/Florida Sports Wire

By Jeff Moeller

JACKSONVILLE (Florida Sports Wire) - The Jaguars’ first-team offense played four series in the opening half in the team’s 16-15 loss to Pittsburgh at TIAA Field Saturday night.

They produced six points in just over 19 minutes holding the ball. So far this preseason, the Jags’ first-team unit has produced one touchdown in two games.

Those two facts may be a little unnerving, but you must put everything in perspective. Look at the big picture here and think back to the days of Urban Meyer.

It’s just a reminder that it is all about patience. This should be the real deal.

New head coach Doug Pederson has been running a vanilla-type offense in the last three weeks, and you must figure there is more to come. Pederson will get it done.

Lead running back James Robinson has clearly stated that he is taking his time to come back from his Achilles injury he suffered late last season. His consecutive 1,000-yard plus seasons verify his status as a legitimate threat.

Second-year back Travis Etienne has shown that he can stay low to the ground and create another hole when one is closed. Etienne’s numbers are shattering, but he’s proved he can be a weapon this fall.

Then there’s the quarterback. Trevor Lawrence has shown the ability to move out of the pocket as well as stay in there if needed.

Lawrence has a busy half against the Steelers, completing 14 of 21 attempts for 133 yards. The drawback was that he couldn’t find the endzone. He had his chances, but he overthrew or under threw his targets.

He did hit several targets, and there seems to be a growing bond between him and wide receiver Christian Kirk, who had five catches for 54 yards, including a 22-yard seamer.

Lawrence did have the strong support from his offensive line that allowed just one sack by TJ Watt and his aggressive unit. The Jags’ first teamers produced 187 yards in the opening half and had just one penalty.

Like it has been and will be for Lawrence, it is about experience. Pederson explained.

“In Trevor’s case, we’ve just got to get him to calm down early in the football game and settle in. There were some throws that were missed that I know he would want back, and we’ve seen him make those throws in practice, so we know he’s capable of doing it 

“It’s just a matter of just taking a deep breath as he starts the game and settles in. But those are all things that we continue to work on. We’ve got a couple of weeks left here in camp, and we’ll try to get better.”

Translation: Lawrence has the ability, and his coach has faith in him. 

This latest game – now maybe regarded as the dress rehearsal due to the one less preseason game for the Steelers – wasn’t perfect and had its flaws. Yet, it is far from last year’s circus with a ringleader named Meyer.

Red zone offensive production is at the top of the offensive wish list. Lawrence’s continued adjustment to the situation is right there, too.

 In three weeks, you’ll have your assumptions confirmed either way.

(Columnist and reporter Jeff Moeller covers the Jacksonville Jaguars and other sports for the Florida Sports Wire and SportsDay publications)

Recap: Nashville Takes Game One of Doubleheader, 7-0; Jumbo Shrimp Win Nightcap 6-3

Photo by Nancy Beecher/SportsDay

By Mike Bonts

JACKSONVILLE (SportsTicker) – The Nashville Sounds scored four runs in the first inning and went on to a 7-0 win over the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp in the opening game of a doubleheader on Sunday.

A crowd 5,249 fans saw Jordan Groshans blast a three-run home run as the Jumbo Shrimp won 6-3 in the second game of their doubleheader with the Nashville Sounds at 121 Financial Ballpark.

In the opener, the Sounds peppered starter Jeff Lindgren with two doubles and three base hits and a 4-0 lead before recording their first out.

Esteury Ruiz smacked a solo home run in the second to make it 5-0.

More trouble for the hosts in the fourth. Will Stewart came on in relief.

Two runs scored on Joey Wiemer’s single with the bases loaded and Patrick Dorrian’s infield out.

Nashville’s Tyler Herb cruised through the seven-inning game, allowing five hits. Three by leadoff man Brian Miller.

The righthander struck out five in picking up his fourth win of the season

In the nightcap Jacksonville (62-55) took the final lead in game two in the bottom of the sixth. With one out, Bryson Brigman and Ray-Patrick Didder singled off Nashville (70-46) reliever J.C. Mejía (L, 0-1). Following a pop out, Groshans (2) blasted a three-run home run, his first with Jacksonville, to give them the 6-3 lead, which was enough to put them in the win column..

The Jumbo Shrimp are home for a six-game series against Norfolk beginning Tuesday.

Recap: Pittsburgh Rallies to Get Pre-Season Win Over Jacksonville, 16-15

Photos by Nancy Beecher/SportsDay

By Mike Bonts

SportsDay

JACKSONVILLE (Florida Sports Wire) – Pittsburgh quarterback Mason Rudolph threw a one-yard TD pass to Tyler Snead following the two minute warning as the Steelers upended the Jaguars 16-15 in a NFL preseason game at TIAA Bank Field.

"There's still a lot of – I think there's a lot of good, positive takeaways from tonight with the starters and I feel good there. The young guys are going to learn. There were some good things that they did. But obviously sort of the obvious things are [that] we can't turn the ball over in the red zone," said head coach Doug Pederson. "We got points there again potentially. We've got to tackle better and things of that nature in the second half. But I think if you look at where we are at starters, I think we're right on track to where we need to be and where we want to be, and that gives us a lot of hope as we head into the regular season."

Jacksonville quarterback C.J. Beathard ran for a fourth quarter touchdown and Ryan Santoso connected on two of four field goal attempts for Jacksonville.

"Yeah, obviously not good enough. We had a chance to win the game, had a chance to start the game 3-0, and it's disappointing. But I know he'll battle back this week and try to correct it," Pederson said of Santoso's night.

Travis Etienne Jr. rushed for 29 yards on eight carries to lead Jacksonville.

Beathard finished 6 of 10 for 52 passing yards. E.J. Perry came in for Beathard late in the final quarter. Perry threw one interception.

The Steelers added a 38-yard field goal by Chris Boswell in the final quarter to make it 15-10.

Third Quarter: Rudolph started at QB in the third quarter for Pittsburgh. Rudolph was called for intentional grounding at his three-yard line, resulting in a safety.

Third Quarter Quick Takes: The Steelers went for a first down on fourth and one at the Jacksonville 45. Gunner Olszewski tried to run ran around left end and fumbled, caused by Dawuane Smoot and recovered by Jacksonville’s Adam Gotsis.

Game Notes: Beathard started the second half for the Jaguars…Trubisky finished 5 of 8 for 60 passing yards.

Jacksonville 6, Pittsburgh 7

Second Quarter: Rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett led Pittsburgh on a five play, 63-yard drive to the Jaguars 29. He hit Benny Snell in the flat for a TD with 23 second to play in the second quarter.

Pickett was 7 of 6 passing for 76 yards.

"That was all I had planned to play him. I would have liked to possess the football more in the first half and thus have a bigger body of work, but some things are outside of your control," said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin." We've got to get first downs in order for that to happen. Oftentimes when you're not possessing the ball enough, there's not enough snaps to go around for everyone. So, it could be said for some of the offensive people we wanted to take a look at, a lack of conversions limits some of that.”

Santoso’ 25-yard field goal capped off the Jaguars best drive of the game so far. Jacksonville drove 83 yards on 15 plays to take a six-point lead.

Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence finished the first half 14 of 23 passing for 133 yards. His favorite target was Chris Kirk with five catches for 54 yards.

"There was definitely more good than bad today. Obviously, the end result is not what you want. You want to win the game. But I think there was a lot of good things we did and a lot to learn from," noted Lawrence. "Third down has been something the last two weeks we've done a really good job. That's been a big emphasis for us because last year we weren't a good third down team. So you've got to be if you're going to be a good offense"

Second Quarter Quick Takes:  Pickett came in at QB for the Steelers with six minutes to play in the first half. The rookie played at Pittsburgh…the Jaguars went for fourth and one at the Steelers’ 39, but Lawrence’s pass to Even Engram was incomplete.

First quarter: Quarterback Mitch Trubisky led the visitors down the field to open the game. The drive stalled at the Jaguars 35. Boswell’s 53-yard field goal try hit the left upright.

Santoso’s 51-yard try on the Jaguars next possession was wide right. He gave Jacksonville the lead with a 53-yarder with 2:26 to play in the first quarter.

First Quarter Quick Takes: Arden Key sacked Trubisky…Jacksonville's Laviska Shenault recovered his own muffed a punt at the Jaguars 27. 

Pederson on Dawuane Smoot and Arden Key: "Really good things, honestly. Two players that are I think dynamic pass rushers. Smoot is a little different. He's more of a bull type guy. He's physical and strong. Arden is quick and slithery and can bend. I think both of them have unique skills that obviously we can exploit defensively for us, and I think they're both having a really good camp right now."

Game notes: Cornerback Darious William, running back James Robinson, linebacker Devin Lloyd and offensive linemen Badara Traore and Will Richardson Jr. did not play...the Jaguars travel to Atlanta for their final preseason game.

---Mike Bonts

Marlins’ Rogers Rocked in Rehab Start; Jumbo Shrimp Rally Falls Short

Photo by Nancy Beecher

By Mike Bonts

SportsDay

JACKSONVILLE – It’s not how Miami Marlins’ pitcher Trevor Rogers wanted his first rehab start with the Jacksonville Shrimp to go.

He surrendered five runs on seven hits over two innings to the Nashville Sounds in the first game of a doubleheader at 121 Financial Ballpark. Rogers struck out two and walked one.

The Jumbo Shrimp rallied from six runs down but fell in the opener 6-5. Jacksonille dropped the second game 7-2.

The big blow was Brice Turang’s three-run homer in the second inning scoring Matt Lipka and Sal Frelick to make it 5-0.

Rogers’ first inning got off to a rocky start.

The Miami lefthander gave up a base hit to Frelick. He went to third on Esteury Ruiz’s double to left field. They both scored on Turang’s single up the middle. Turang finished the game with five RBI.

Luis Aviles’ solo home run in the sixth cut into the Nashville lead. Brian Miller would walk and eventually score on a force out for Jacksonville’s final run.

Trailing by six runs, the Jumbo Shrimp got on the scoreboard in the fifth inning.

They added two runs on Bryan De La Cruz RBI single. Miller would score on Willians Astudillo’s sacrifice fly.

Friday night fireworks came early. The benches emptied in the fourth when Jacksonville catcher Peyton Henry and Ruiz got into an altercation at home plate. Both were ejected.

Rogers was placed on the Marlins’ injured list on July 29 due to back spasms.

He began his rehab assignment with Double-A Pensacola on Aug. 9, and made two starts for the Blue Wahoos, totaling 8.0 innings.

He picked up 11 strikeouts without walking a batter. In 19 starts thus far in 2022 with Miami, Rogers has gone 4-10 with a 5.85 ERA in 87.2 innings.

Rogers’ time with Jacksonville is the 11th rehab stint for a Miami Marlins player in Jacksonville this season.

Originally a first-round pick, 13th overall, by the Marlins in the 2017 draft out of Carlsbad High School (Carlsbad, N.M.), Rogers did not pitch in 2017 before totaling 17 starts with Low-A Greensboro during the 2018 season.

After recording a 2.53 ERA with Low-A Jupiter to start the 2019 campaign, he made four starts with then-Double-A Jacksonville to close the season, going 1-2 with a 4.50 ERA.

Over 26.0 innings with the Jumbo Shrimp, Rogers fanned 28 against nine walks and 26 hits allowed.

Rogers made his major league debut for the Marlins in 2020 at the New York Mets. He wound up making seven starts in 2020, recording a 6.11 ERA but with 39 punchouts in 28.0 innings.

He finished second in the 2021 National League Rookie of the Year balloting after going 7-8 with a 2.64 ERA. In 25 starts over 133.0 innings, Rogers fanned 157 against 46 walks and 107 hits allowed.

(Thanks to Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Media Relations for contributing to this report.)

 

 

Arena: Jacksonville Sharks Name Jason Gibson New Head Coach

JACKSONVILLE (SportsDay) - The Jacksonville Sharks announced today that former Columbus Lions head coach Jason Gibson will be the Sharks next head coach going into the NAL’s 2023 season. 

Gibson spent 16 seasons with the Lions, amassing a 131-73 record as the team’s head coach and general manager. Gibson won three league championships between the Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL), Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL), and American Indoor Football League (AIF). 

Gibson and the Lions joined the National Arena League in 2017 as a founding member. During his time in the NAL, Gibson became the longest active NAL head coach serving as the head coach of the Lions in every NAL season (2017-2022). 

The Lions became the only team in NAL history to make it to the playoffs in every single season of play while also playing in three championship games in five seasons

Gibson coached against the Sharks in the NAL’s inaugural Championship game in 2017 where the thrilling game was decided on the very last play where the Sharks came out on top 27-21. 

In 2021, Gibson and the Lions finished 6-2 in the regular season and advanced with a playoff victory to their third NAL Championship appearance in four seasons. Gibson was named the 2021 NAL Coach of the Year.

Last season, the Lions finished third in the NAL with a 7-5 regular season record and finished strong winning their last three regular season games including a 71-14 victory over the Orlando Predators in Columbus for their final home game. 

Gibson not only brings the experience as a coach but also as a player has he played college football at Fairmont State University in West Virginia and had a long professional career playing in multiple league’s including the CFL, GFL Europe, and AF2.

Florida State College at Jacksonville Welcomes New Athletic Director Jerry Thor

JACKSONVILLE (SportsDay) – Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) has named Jerry Thor as its new athletic director. 

Thor will provide leadership and oversight for the BlueWave Athletics Department which consists of seven competitive collegiate teams, five fitness centers, intramural events and the Outdoor Education Center.

Thor has been a well-respected athletics administrator for 10 years, guiding teams and athletic departments to national success. He brings expertise in financial management, event management, NJCAA rules and regulations and data-informed strategic planning. 

His career highlights include transforming three underperforming junior college tennis teams into Top 10 ranked programs with more than 100 players transferring to the next level, founding one of the first college esports programs in the country and leading the development of the Triton Esports Arena funded with a capital budget allocation and external fundraising. 

He also developed the complete curriculum for a sports and recreation facility management degree program.

“Jerry is taking on an athletics program that is doing some great and innovative things,” said Vice President of Student Services Dr. Linda Herlocker. “Several of our teams have emerged as serious competitors in their divisions; some of our student athletes have received state and national recognition for both athletics and academic achievements. We look forward to Jerry taking us to the next level.”

Prior to coming to FSCJ, Thor served as the athletic director at Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg, IL, and assistant athletic director, head tennis coach and director of esports at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, IA, where he led the institution to win the Daktronics Cup and the Learfield Director's Cup four years consecutively, honors which are awarded to the nation’s top two-year athletic departments. 

He also served as the head men’s and women’s tennis coach at Eastern Florida State College in Melbourne and Seward County Community College in Liberal, KS.

For more information on BlueWave Athletics, visit gobluewave.com.

Recap: Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Fall 6-2 After Late Nashville Sounds Rally

File Photo by Steve Meadows/Jumbo Shrimp

JACKSONVILLE – Erik González’s early home run gave the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp an early lead, but the Nashville Sounds rallied late to take a 6-2 win Wednesday night at 121 Financial Ballpark.

Nashville (67-45) tied the game in the bottom of the sixth inning. Sal Frelick started the inning with a walk and Esteury Ruiz singled. 

With two men on, Omar Narvaez hit into a double play and Frelick moved safely to third. Jon Singleton walked and with runners at the corners, Pablo Reyes smacked an RBI single to cut the deficit 2-1. 

Singleton went first to third on the base hit from Reyes and then scored the tying run on a single from Brice Turang off Jacksonville (61-52) reliever Colton Hock (L, 1-1).

The Sounds took their first lead in the top of the seventh. After two quick outs, Frelick and Ruiz smacked back-to-back singles. 

Narvaez followed with a deep double off the right-center field wall, scoring both runners to give Nashville a 4-2 lead. Singleton followed with the fourth consecutive hit of the inning, scoring Narvaez to push the lead to 5-2.

The final run of the game came in the top of the eighth inning. Turang walked and Joey Wiemer reached on a fielder’s choice. Garrett Mitchell and Weston Wilson both walked to load the bases. Frelick swatted a base hit, increasing the Nashville advantage to 6-2.

Jacksonville initially got on the board first in the bottom of the second inning. With two outs, González (3) walloped a solo home run to put the Jumbo Shrimp ahead 1-0.

The Jumbo Shrimp added to their lead in the bottom of the fourth. Willians Astudillo singled and went to third on a double from Jordan Groshans. Victor Victor Mesa drove in Astudillo with a sac fly to give Jacksonville a 2-0 lead.

Jacksonville continues their series with Nashville at 7:05 p.m. on Thursday from 121 Financial Ballpark. 

The Jumbo Shrimp will hand the ball to RHP Cody Mincey (1-2, 3.52 ERA) and the Sounds will counter with RHP Dylan File (7-6, 4.40 ERA). Coverage begins at 6:50 p.m. on MiLB.tv, ESPN 690 and ESPN690.com.

 

NFL: Nassib Back to the Bucs

TAMPA (SportsDay) - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers today signed outside linebacker Carl Nassib.

Nassib (6-5, 275) returns to Tampa Bay for his second stint with the Buccaneers after previously spending two seasons with the team from 2018-19. 

In that time, Nassib put forth the two most productive seasons of his NFL career, totaling 63 tackles (20 for loss), 25 quarterback hits, 12.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, two passes defensed and one fumble recovery.

Following his time in Tampa, Nassib spent two seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders (2020-21). 

He originally entered the league as a third-round selection (No. 65 overall) of the Cleveland Browns in the 2016 NFL Draft and went on to play two seasons in Cleveland (2016-17) before being acquired off waivers by the Buccaneers on Sept. 3, 2018.

Over 86 career games, including 37 starts, Nassib has amassed 113 tackles (39 for loss), 53 quarterback hits, 22.0 sacks, 16 passes defensed, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one interception.

The Penn State product was a unanimous All-American during his senior season in 2015, while racking up 15.5 sacks to set the single-season program record. 

Nassib is a native of West Chester, Pennsylvania, and will wear No. 93 for Tampa Bay.

MLS Notebook: Soccer Season Enters Home Stretch Following All-Star Week

 ORLANDO (SportsTicker) - In the aftermath of the MLS All-Stars’ 2-1 victory over their LIGA MX counterparts, all eyes turn towards the home stretch of the 2022 MLS regular season. With 10 or fewer games remaining for all 28 MLS clubs, the stakes are higher for every match, and every minute carries more meaning.

Twenty-four of the league’s 28 clubs enter this week in contention for the Audi 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs by virtue of maintaining a place above the playoff line or by sitting within six points of a playoff spot.

 Atop the Western Conference is the Los Angeles Football Club, which leads the league with 54 points as winners of their last six straight matches. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Union (48 points) top the Eastern

Conference, currently holding a five-point advantage over CF Montréal (43 points) and a six-point lead over defending MLS Cup champions New York City FC (42 points), who sit in third place on the strength of one of the league’s staunchest defenses.

Teams closing in on the first Audi MLS Cup Playoffs appearance in club history include second-year standout and current Western Conference No. 2 seed Austin FC (48 points), FC Cincinnati (33 points), and Charlotte FC (29 points), as all three clubs are looking to punch their first tickets to the postseason.

With only 54 days until MLS Decision Day 2022, stakes continue to rise as the postseason picture starts to take shape.

Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Homestand Highlights Aug. 16-21

JACKSONVILLE  - The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp 2022 season presented by FIS continues Tuesday, Aug. 16 with a six-game series against the Nashville Sounds, Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers, that runs through Friday, Aug. 19 and after an off day on Saturday, Aug. 20, ends on Sunday, Aug. 21 at 121 Financial Ballpark. 

 

Tuesday, August 16, 2022, 7:05 p.m. (Gates open at 6 p.m.) 

Community First Credit Union Two for Tuesday: Community First Credit Union members using their CFCU credit or debit card can receive two-for-one tickets at the box office, and non-CFCU members can learn more about memberships on the concourse. 

Shrimp Coin Giveaway: Join the Jumbo Shrimp on the blockchain as they enter the world the cryptocurrency. The first 500 fans through the gates will get one Shrimp Coin, which is the latest and hottest valueless coin on the market. 

National Rum Day: On National Rum Day, the Jumbo Shrimp will have rum specials at all bar locations, including Marlin & Barrel, Wheelhouse, Coors Lite Tiki Terrace and Intuition. 

 

Wednesday, August 17, 2022, 7:05 p.m. (Gates open at 6 p.m.) 

VyStar BOGO Tickets presented by VyStar Credit Union: VyStar Credit Union members using their VyStar credit or debit card can receive a Buy-One, Get-One-Free ticket offer. This special is valid for a ticket of equal or lesser value, and ticket offers cannot be combined. 

Good Is Everywhere Wednesdays presented by VyStar Credit Union: Join VyStar Credit Union as they partner with Catholic Charities to raise awareness and funds throughout the game through ticket sales and promotions. 

Halfway to Groundhog Day!: The Jumbo Shrimp have a special celebration planned for the halfway point to Groundhog Day. 

 

Thursday, August 18, 2022, 7:05 p.m. (Gates open at 6 p.m.) 

Budweiser Thirsty Thursday: All Thursday home games are the best happy hour on the First Coast. Fans can purchase $2 (12 oz. draft) and $3 (24 oz. draft) Budweiser products on the left field berm canopy, Oasis concession stand, and right field bleachers., you never know when live music will appear at the Coors Light Tiki Terrace on Thursdays. 

Crustacean Court: Judge Scampi Presiding: JudgeScampi will be laying down the law with a baseball in one hand and a gavel in the other in this courtroom known as 121 Financial Ballpark. 

 

Friday, August 19, 2022, DOUBLEHEADER BEGINNING AT 5:05 p.m. (Gates open at 4:30 p.m.) 

Red Shirt Friday: Jumbo Shrimp players and staff will wear red on each Friday to support the military, and fans wearing red can save $1 on their tickets at the box office or donate that $1 to charity. 

Friday Night Lites presented by Miller Lite: Friday Night Lites shine on the Jumbo Shrimp with $2-12 oz. Miller Lites and $1 off craft beers at both the Craft Cave near the Third Base gates and Brown Canopy near the Coors Light Tiki Terrace! 

Friday Night Fireworks presented by the University of North Florida: Stick around after the game for a Friday Night Fireworks spectacular to celebrate UNF’s 50th anniversary. The fireworks will also be themed to celebrate Rock & Roll icons as part of Rock Induction Night. 

Rock Induction Night: Join the Jumbo Shrimp as they celebrate another class of Rock & Roll icons with some themed fireworks and the music of the incoming class of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees. 

 

Sunday, August 21, 2022, 6:35 p.m. (Gates open at 5:30 p.m.) 

Baptist Health Sunday Family FUNday presented by Baptist Health: Each Sunday home game starts with a pregame catch on the field from 5:30-5:50 p.m., and fans may receive complimentary pregame face painting and balloon animals. Plus, kids can feel like the pros by running the bases after the game. 

Imaginary Friends Day: The Jumbo Shrimp are giving out free imaginary tickets to fans’ imaginary friends alongside imaginary field games, an imaginary first pitch, and imaginary gifts. Imagine the fun that’ll be had.