(7-20-08)

After spending eight weeks on the inactive list, Corpus Christi Sharks wide receiver Nate Fricke got his first start of the season on Sunday and made the most of the long awaited opportunity.
Just 3:50 into the first professional football game of his career, Fricke found his way into the end zone giving the Sharks an early 6-0 lead en route to a 51-49 victory over the division rival Texas Copperheads in front of 5,812 fans at Radiology Associates Field inside the American Bank Center.
With their playoff chances on life support, the Corpus Christi Sharks appeared to be cruising to a victory and preserving their lives for one more week when Booker Jenkins’ 1-yard touchdown run on the first play of the fourth quarter gave opened up a 48-21 lead.
The Sharks offense sputtered from that point forward and Ervin Dickerson of the Copperheads had three catches, all of which went for scores, and 76 yards as Texas cut the Sharks lead to 51-49 with :58 left to play.
After a missed field goal by Dylan Pohlman gave the Copperheads the ball at their own five yard line the Sharks defense stiffened, and Nick Gatto, one of the best kickers in the af2 banged a 43-yard field goal attempted off the left upright. Ivory McCann covered the ball for the Sharks with 2.8 seconds remaining and Sharks quarterback Fran Johnson took a knee to close out the victory on the next play.
Fricke, the offensive player of the game, finished with five catches for 72 yards and two touchdowns and to go with his two-yard rushing touchdown to open the scoring.
Brandon Hussey, who reached the 100 reception plateau for the second consecutive season, added nine catches for 98 yards and a score.
The Sharks will close out the regular season with a must win game against the Manchester Wolves on Saturday night in Manchester, New Hampshire.