Special to Florida Sports Wire
TULSA, OK – Celebrations are in full swing as the Jacksonville Sharks head back home from Tulsa, Oklahoma with their first win in the Indoor Football League .The Sharks topped the Oilers 47-44 at the BOK Center last night .
The Sharks took an early lead with a touchdown on their opening drive by Tamorrion Terry. After the Sharks stopped the Oilers on 3rd down they attempted a field goal on their first possession but missed wide right. Boom Williams scored the Sharks second touchdown with a run down the left side. The Sharks then attempted an onside kick, but it was recovered by the Oilers. Jarrod Ware scored the Oilers first touchdown of the night on the following play. The score at the end of the first quarter was 14-7, Jacksonville.
In the second quarter, the Sharks faced a big setback as they incurred two unsportsmanlike penalties, pushing them out of the red zone and back to their own 15-yard line. The penalties resulted in a challenging 2nd and 34 situation. Despite their efforts, the Sharks failed to convert on the field goal attempt. However, the Sharks managed to regain some momentum when DB Caleb Ham intercepted an Oilers pass. This turnover set up a scoring opportunity, which the Sharks took advantage of with a Terry touchdown, extending the Sharks lead. The 1st half concluded with the Sharks ahead 20-14.
In the third quarter, the Oilers took the lead with a 40-yard touchdown reception by Jonathon Nance, followed by a successful extra point, making the score 21-20. However, the Sharks quickly regained the lead with a fantastic touchdown from Kamrin Solomon, who dove over the boards to complete the scoring pass. The Oilers next drive was helped by a penalty against the Sharks defense for being offside, giving the Oilers a first down at the Jacksonville 9-yard line. Daniel Smith rushed for 9 yards and the touchdown for the Oilers. The extra point attempt was good, making the score to 28-27 Oilers. In response, Jacksonville QB Fred Payton Jr. completed a 6 yard touchdown pass to Solomon the extra point was successful, putting Jacksonville in the lead with a score of 34-28 at the end of the third.
In the 4th quarter, the Oilers responded with a touchdown pass to Jonathan Nance for 8 yards, to take the lead making the score to 35-34. On the next drive Sharks QB Fred Payton Jr. scored a rushing touchdown giving the Sharks the lead 40-35 after a successful extra point. The Sharks held the Oilers again on 3rd down and they decided to try a FG. The 26 yard attempt was good making the score to 40-38. With only 1:15 on the clock, and a chance to put the game out of reach QB Payton Jr. stood in the pocket and completed a 13 yard touchdown pass to Jeremiah Payton. Giving the Sharks a 47-38 lead with time ticking away. After a couple scary plays the Sharks defense helped run down the clock until Jarrod Ware completed the hook and ladder for a 6-yard touchdown. The clock ran out and the game was over. Final score 47-44 Sharks.
With a thrilling performance in the final moments, the Jacksonville Sharks have secured their first victory of the season. The hard work, determination, and resilience of the coaches and teammates paid off, culminating in an exciting triumph over the Tulsa Oilers. This win marks the beginning of what promises to be an exhilarating journey for the Sharks as they strive for further success in the Indoor Football League this season.
The Sharks remain on the road this week as they face the Frisco Fighters in Texas on Saturday, May 11th.