Weekly LandSharks update

04/30/03 LandSharks Press Release

THIS WEEK’S GAME: BYE

TOP STORY – LANDSHARKS LOSE FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS SEASON; REMAIN IN 1^ST PLACE IN THE ATLANTIC SOUTH

The Lake Charles LandSharks lost their first game of the season to the Houma Bayou Bucks 48-35 Saturday night at the Reef.  Before the game Saturday, the LandSharks suspended WR Jacobe Austin indefinitely.  The LandSharks started the game without intensity and remained that way most of the night.  The Bucks, on the other hand, came out fired up, led by QB Herb Tyler who made his season debut Saturday against the LandSharks.  It wasn’t what Herb Tyler did, it was what he didn’t do; Tyler did not turn the ball over.  The Bucks opened the scoring with a field goal and did not look back as they led throughout the game improving their record to 3-3 and 2-2 in the Atlantic South.  In the second half, the LandSharks clawed their way back and took the momentum in the 3^rd Quarter.  Down 27-21, the LandSharks were driving down the field when WR Jermaine Martin caught a pass and was tackled.  Once down, the ball came out and was ruled a fumble; returned by the Bucks.

Turnovers and missed opportunities were the name of the game Saturday night.  The LandSharks turned the ball over five times.  QB Ted Robison threw four interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown.  The LandSharks also dropped balls and blew defensive assignments.  The LandSharks hope this will serve as a wake-up call for the team.  The LandSharks have a BYE this week before traveling to the Houma Bayou Bucks on May 10^th.  The LandSharks will be back home at the Reef on May 17^th to play the Oklahoma Crude for Military Salute Night.  Keep up-to-date with the latest news from the Lake Charles LandSharks by visiting our website at www.landsharksfootball.com or visit the NIFL website at nationalindoorfootballleague.net and follow the links.

The Lake Charles LandSharks are still on top of the Atlantic South with a 5-1 overall record and a 4-1 division record thanks to the Tupelo FireAnts beating the Beaumont Drillers Saturday.  The Drillers dropped to 4-2 and 3-2 in the division, while the FireAnts improved to 1-4 and 1-3 in the division.  The LandSharks are looking forward to their rematch with the Houma Bayou Bucks in two weeks, while the Bucks must first play the Tupelo FireAnts this Saturday. 

The LandSharks continue to make their presence felt in a number of league statistical categories. As a team, Lake Charles ranks second in net points: +18.67 points per game, second in points scored: 50.50 points per game, and second in points allowed: 31.83 points per game.