In only its second year of existence, the Jacksonville Sharks franchise has already conquered some incredible feats. The Sharks finished their first season in 2010 at 12-4 and first in the American Conference. However, a loss to Orlando in the first round of the playoffs left Head Coach Les Moss and some key players like veteran quarterback Aaron Garcia and cornerback Micheaux Robinson very disappointed. Garcia, who is 40 years old, played in 16 AFL seasons and has yet to capture an ArenaBowl title. Garcia and the team were determined to come back in 2011, correct previous mistakes and take home the team’s first AFL title.
The first game of the 2011 season for the Sharks was a road matchup against the Arizona Rattlers. The matchup featured the eventual top two candidates for MVP in quarterbacks Aaron Garcia and Nick Davila and the two best teams in the 2011 season. The game was tight throughout but Davila found Jason Geathers for a 9-yard touchdown with 31 seconds remaining, securing the Rattlers a narrow 55-52 victory.
The next game for the Sharks was a matchup at home against the Georgia Force. Jacksonville posted 71 points and defeated the Force, behind strong performances from Jeron Harvey and Micheaux Robinson. The Sharks remained at home in Week 3 in another matchup against a South Division foe, the New Orleans VooDoo. Sharks quarterback Aaron Garcia was nearly perfect, completing 17-of-19 passes for 308-yards and eight touchdowns. The Sharks continued to dominate, defeating their next six opponents by double digits.
In Week 8, against the Orlando Predators, Garcia became the first player to throw 1,000 career passing touchdowns and cemented himself as one of the greatest quarterbacks to suit up in AFL history. The next matchup for the Sharks was in Week 11 against the Georgia Force. Garcia found Harvey for an 11-yard touchdown with 1:29 remaining that gave the Sharks a 62-55 lead and eventual victory. The Sharks rattled off 10 straight victories through 11 weeks and had their eyes set on the record for consecutive wins in a single season, previously set by the San Jose SaberCats in 2002 with 12. After a 62-55 road win over New Orleans, the Sharks traveled to Orlando in its most difficult matchup since Week 1. Fullback/wide receiver Jamarko Simmons rushed for a 1-yard touchdown with 29 seconds left, to give the Sharks a 68-61 lead. However, Predators quarterback Nick Hill connected with TT Toliver with seven seconds remaining to tighten the score to 68-67. Orlando decided to attempt a two point conversion and go for the win. Jacksonville stopped Orlando in the final play and earned their 11th straight victory.
In order to tie San Jose’s record from 2002, the Sharks would need to defeat the Milwaukee Mustangs at home in Week 15. Garcia was precise, connecting on 28-of-36 passes for 326-yards and seven touchdowns, while leading the Sharks to a 62-47 win. They remained at home in Week 16 in a matchup against the Tampa Bay Storm with a chance to make history. Garcia recorded his best performance of the season, completing 22-of-27 passes for 288-yards and a season high nine touchdown passes. The Sharks won 13 consecutive games and set the greatest single season winning streak in AFL history.
The following week, the Sharks traveled to San Jose to face Mark Grieb and the SaberCats. Garcia put up another nine passing touchdown performance, but the Sharks fell short, 70-83. The loss was the teams first in nearly four months.
After falling short in their next two games to the Dallas Vigilantes and Kansas City Command, the Sharks returned home to face the Spokane Shock in Week 20. Behind a big performance from KR/WR Jeff Hughley, Jacksonville won 75-56 and gained momentum heading into the postseason.
In the First Round of the American Conference playoffs, Jacksonville hosted the Orlando Predators for the third time of the season. Just like the first two meetings, the Sharks were able to get an early lead and hold onto it. The Sharks won 63-48 and avenged their first round playoff loss to Orlando last season.
In the end, Jacksonville’s 2011 campaign was successful. Garcia finished the season with 116 touchdowns (one behind the All-Time Record) and at the top of nearly every quarterback statistical category. The Sharks were also only one of a few teams that featured three receivers with over 1,000 receiving yards. Wide receiver’s Jomo Wilson, Jeron Harvey and Jeff Hughley all provided big targets for Garcia and posted incredible statistical seasons. The defensive side of the ball for Jacksonville also featured players with impressive statistics throughout the season. Second year defensive back Micheaux Robinson enjoyed another stellar season, intercepting 11 passes and leading the League in passes defended per game (3.2). Defensive lineman Derrick Summers posted noteworthy statistics as well, finishing the year with 11 sacks and six forced fumbles.
In 2011, the Jacksonville Sharks demonstrated what it takes to win in the Arena Football League. The team finished the regular season at 14-4 and earned home field advantage throughout the American Conference Playoffs. During the season, the team featured a high powered offense with an experienced quarterback, and a defense that had the ability of making key stops. If Jacksonville can continue to showcase these talents, Garcia and the Sharks have a very good chance of taking home their first ArenaBowl Championship.
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