Sharks enjoy another successful regular season

07/09/03 LandSharks Press Release

The Lake Charles LandSharks won their second straight Atlantic South Division Championship in 2003 and will be playing in the postseason for the third straight year.  That means the Lake Charles LandSharks have never missed the playoffs; unfortunately, the LandSharks are 0-2 in the playoffs.  The LandSharks believe they have the right formula to make a run in the playoffs this year.  The LandSharks have a more balanced attack, which will enable them to make a serious run at the NIFL Championship.

The LandSharks have seen a lot of change this year.  The entire offense was overhauled in the offseason and quarterback has been a carousel.  The season opened with Ted Robision at quarterback, but Freddie Harrison took over after back-to-back losses to division rival Houma.  Harrison went 3-0 as the starter before turning the reins over to veteran QB Johnny Johnson.  Johnson also went 3-0, but watched young Freddie Harrison play the season finale

Offensively, the LandSharks rely on their ground game, which features RB David Winbush.  Winbush had a great year for the LandSharks, setting several team rushing records: 139 attempts, 687 yards, and 22 touchdowns on the season.  Winbush also had a 40 yard run against the Tennessee RiverHawks to set the longest run in LandSharks history.

The receiving corps of the LandSharks is one of the best in the league.  The Sharks started the season with Earl Vercher, Jermaine Martin, and Jacobe Austin at receiver.  Veteran Eric Young was added in Week 13.  Vercher led the team with 41 receptions, 541 yards, and 14 touchdowns.  Martin set the team record with 15.29 yards per catch.

Kicker Clint Sanford solidified the LandSharks special teams.  Sanford set several team records: kicking 75 of 81 extra points (92.59%), 48.15% on field goals and set the team scoring record with 153 points.

Records were also broken on the defensive side of the ball.  DB Anthony Porter had 84 total tackles and 65 solo tackles.  DE Kendel Shello set the record for sacks in a season with 26.5 and had a game-high 5 sacks against Tennessee.  LB Darnell Lee set the single game record for tackles with 14.5 against Tennessee. 

The Sharks return to the Reef this Saturday, July 12th to host the Houma Bayou Bucks in the first round of the playoffs.  Purchase tickets by calling the Civic Center Box Office at 337-491-1432 or visit our website at www.landsharksfootball.com.  For group sales call 1-888-422-9682 or 1-337-477-3467.   All fans who wear their official 2003 Division Championship T-shirt to the game will receive a coupon for $10 off at Six Flags-New Orleans and a LandShark coupon for 10% off Merchandise at the 7/12/03 game.   If you don't have your official 2003 Division Championship T-shirt, go by the LandShark office in the Civic Center and get yours (All sizes available) $10/ea.

The LandSharks practice on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 6:30 PM at the Lake Charles Civic Center.