06/30/2018 8:21 PM -

By Karassa Stinchcomb

ALLENTOWN – A blocked field goal by OJ Mau sends Jacksonville (8-4) home with a 34-31 victory over the Steelhawks (0-10) in Allentown, Pa.

The game was tied 31-31 for much of the third and fourth quarters, but a field goal by Brandon Behr late in the fourth quarter and a blocked field goal by Mau against the Steelhawks helped the Sharks remain undefeated against the Steelhawks.

The Sharks answered the Steelhawks’ two-point lead from a deuce with Kicker Brandon Behr kicking a 28-yard field goal to make the score 3-2. Later in the first quarter, Fullback Derrick Ross caught an 11-yard touchdown pass from Quarterback Adrian McPherson to secure the Sharks’ lead going into the second quarter at 10-2.

Early in the second quarter, Wide Receiver Trevor Kennedy caught an 11-yard touchdown pass from McPherson to bring the score 17-2. Later in the quarter, Kennedy caught a 9-yard pass for a touchdown, making the score 17-9 going into halftime.

In the second half, the Sharks lost their momentum and allowed the Steelhawks to put up nine points in the third quarter and 13 points in the fourth quarter. Kennedy rushed two yards for a touchdown and Behr point after attempt made the score 31-18 late in the third quarter. The fourth quarter left the Sharks on the edge of their seats when the Steelhawks scored two touchdowns to tie the game 31-31. A 31-yard field goal from Behr brought the score 34-31, and the block by Mau allowed for the Sharks add another win to their record.

Penalties played a big role in the closeness of the game, with the Sharks getting 12 penalties and giving 68 yards to the Steelhawks. Cody Saul was ejected in the half-way through the third quarter, and Keith Bowers was ejected with 32-seconds left in the fourth quarter.

Kennedy and Wide Receiver Thomas Gilson saw a lot of action, both catching a combined 12 catches totaling 140 yards. The defense certainly contributed to the Sharks win with 22 tackles, and Defensive Back Seth Ellis had six unassisted tackles.

The next Sharks game is against the Columbus Lions in Columbus, Ga. on Saturday July, 07 2018 at 7:00 pm EST.

About the Jacksonville Sharks

The Jacksonville Sharks are members of the National Arena League (NAL). The 2017 NAL Champions and ArenaBowl XXIV Champions and play all home games at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. Sharks Nation Memberships for the 2018 season are now available. Shark Nation Memberships start as low as $75. To become a Shark Nation member or for more information please call (904) 621-0700. Follow the Sharks on facebook at facebook.com/jaxsharks and on Twitter and Instagram @jaxsharks, as well as the Attack Dance Team at facebook.com/sharkattackdance and Chum at facebook.com/chumsharks.