05/29/2022 5:18 AM –
GREENSBORO, NC – The Carolina Cobras (5-1) fell to the Jacksonville Sharks (2-4) in a Saturday night showdown as both teams battled all four quarters for a blow for blow high scoring game. Despite tremendous play from the Cobras offense and some key stops by the Carolina defense the Cobras lost 59-57 in a Saturday night nailbiter.
The Sharks came out hot in the 1st quarter with new quarterback Arvell Nelson who scored on his first play with the Sharks. The Cobras however ended the quarter up 16-14 with back to back scoring drives that included a receiving touchdown by Kendricks Ings, a rushing touchdown by quarterback Jonathan Bane and a deuce by kicker TC Stevens. If the 1st quarter was fight the second quarter would be consider a brawl as the Cobras and Sharks went on a high scoring blow for blow battle. The Cobras offense point up 26 points in the second quarter including last second rushing touchdown by FB/LB Zack Brown who brought the game to 37-36 going into halftime.
Into the 3rd quarter the Cobras had ups and downs the team struggled to score on the opening drive of the half but saw success on defense as WR/DB Kendrick Ings caught an interception the play was later overruled but Ings and the secondary forced the Sharks to a turnover on downs. Carolina would convert a touchdown from Bane to Ings to get the score to 46-43. Following a tough quarterback sneak for a score by Jacksonville the Cobras responded with a clutch 4th & 4 touchdown reception by receiver Lance Evans. The play not only cut the score to 53-50 but gave Carolina the energy to make a come back. The Cobras would score again with local receiver James Summers but Shark had their share of 4th quarter scores to keep them ahead by a slim margin 59-57.
The Cobras offense showed has the potential to be a 60 point a game force when called upon. Despite the loss Cobras quarterback Jonathan Bane racked up 22 completions, 265 yards, seven passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. His receiving core was led by Kendrick Ings who caught eight receptions and three touchdowns. Right behind him was his co-star Lance Evans who produced four catches for two touchdowns. On the ground it was Zack Brown who rushed tonight for five times for 14 yards and one touchdown. Bane pitched on the ground support adding a rushing touchdown.
The Cobras defense had mixed results between the quarters last week the Sharks scored 29 points against the Empire tonight the Sharks scored 59 points the most points allowed by the Cobras defense all season. Defensive back Joe Powell, led the team tonight with eight tackles. Kicker TC Stevens was 7/7 in extra points, 0/1 in field goal attempts, and did knock down deuce tonight. Next week the Cobras head to Albany, NY to take on the (4-1) Empire kickoff is set for Saturday, June 4 at 7pm. Fans can watch live at the National Arena League YouTube Channel. In Guilford County you can hear the game live on WWBG1470am or online at TobaccoRoadSportsRadio.com
