Talons Regroup for a Sharks Showdown

Originally Published: Apr 29, 2010 9:56 PM CDT

Bobby Lewis
Oklahoma Sports Mobile Journalist

TULSA, Oklahoma – Before Thursday’s practice, players and coaches admitted that last week’s loss to Arizona on the game’s final play was about as painful as it gets.

“It was a tough game,” said Talons’ head coach Mitch Allner. “Probably one of the toughest we’ve had in the history of our franchise.”

“You’d rather lose by 40 then lose on the last play of the game,” said linebacker Jamar Ransom.

The sting of that loss has faded, some, and the team has redirected its focus to winning its first road game of the season. The Talons will travel to north Florida to take on the Jacksonville Sharks on Saturday.

“This week will be an opportunity to bounce back,” said Allner. “We’re going to have to play a clean game to win.”

The offense has cruised so far this season, scoring 69, 63, and 77 points so far in the young season. The defense struggled against the speedy Arizona wide outs in week three, allowing 413 yard receiving. They expect to play better against a Sharks lineup that is scoring just over 53 points per game this season.

“It’s a reaction,” explained Ransom. “You’re out there basically one-on-one. Our film work definitely helps us out there on defense.

Jacksonville is 2-1 this season, tied with the Alabama Vipers for first place in the America Conference’s South Division.

“They’re a good veteran football team,” Allner said. “It’s going to be a fight from start to finish again.”