Gunslingers Move to 2-0 with Overtime Win Against Sharks

(Photo by Michael Kelly)

JACKSONVILLE, FL - For the second week in a row the San Antonio Gunslingers were one better than their opponent as they defeated the Jacksonville Sharks in overtime, 64-63 in front of a crowd of 7,642 in Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville. The Gunslingers came back twice from two touchdown deficits to send the game into overtime and win with a Drew Pearson extra point conversion.

The Sharks (1-1) scored on their first play in overtime as rookie quarterback Conor Blount threw his fifth touchdown of the night to Khalil McClain. But the extra point attempt by Daniel Justino went wide, opening the door for the Gunslingers. McClain finished the night with two touchdown receptions and three rushing touchdowns. Blount completed 23 of 32 passes, five for touchdowns, and rushed for one more for Jacksonville. 

The Gunslingers (2-0) took advantage on their final possession, propelling Arvell Nelson into the end zone for his third rushing touchdown of the night. Nelson competed 25 of 41 passes with six touchdowns and two interceptions with three touchdown passes to Kali Rashaad, two touchdown grabs for Kadir Chisolm, and one more thrown to Phillip Barnett. Drew Pearson then put his ninth straight extra point of the game on the board to give the Gunslingers the 1 point victory.

The Sharks benefitted from two interceptions and a crucial stop to force the overtime. The Gunslinger defense got three turnovers in the second half with a stop, a strip by Justin Alexandre, and a long and unsuccessful field goal attempt on Jacksonville’s final possession in regulation.

San Antonio next faces the 1-0 Albany Empire in Albany on Saturday, April 22nd. Jacksonville travels to face the 1-0 Mustangs in Fayetteville on Sunday April 23rd.

ABOUT THE SAN ANTONIO GUNSLINGERS

The San Antonio Gunslingers are members of the National Arena League (NAL) and were awarded Franchise of the Year by the NAL for their overall performance during the 2022 season.  Gunslingers play all  home games at the Freeman Coliseum. Follow the Gunslingers on Facebook at @210sagunslingers, on Twitter @SA_Gunslingers and Instagram @sanantoniogunslingers.  For Gunslingers season tickets, group packages or partnerships, visit  https://www.sanantoniogunslingers.com/tickets or call (210) 298-6900.

ABOUT NATIONAL ARENA LEAGUE

The National Arena League was founded in 2016 and hosted its inaugural season in 2017 as the premier league in arena football. The National Arena League has kicked off its seventh season in 2023. For more information regarding expansion opportunities or partnerships, contact Commissioner Chris Siegfried at chris@nationalarenaleague.com . For more information about the NAL visit www.nationalarenaleague.com, facebook.com/nationalarenaleague, twitter.com/NALfootball, Instagram.com/nationalarenaleague.