(6-27-09)

HORSEMAN GALLOP AWAY WITH WIN OVER SHARKS

Corpus Christi, TX – The Kentucky horseman moved another step closer to a post season bid by posting a 58-37 over the Corpus Christi Sharks.

Turnovers once again plagued the Sharks as they opened the game with a fumble on the very first snap. In all the Sharks had three interceptions and a fumble to finish with a -3 on the game.

QB John De Los Santos struggled for the Sharks (2-11) in his first game at the American Bank Center this season. De Los Santos, who took the majority of the snaps, ended the night going 17-35 with 2 picks, a fumble and a TD pass.

The Sharks Defense was able to overcome the fumble by providing a defensive stop. The three interceptions however were costly with Sharks sitting on the door step seemingly about to score on each of them.

Horseman (8-5) DB Quinton Griffin returned the first interception 54 yards for the first points of the game. Griffin later returned another pick, on an ill advised pass by WR Anthony Clark following a botched hand off, 40 yards for a score earning him the Aaron’s Defensive Player of the Game award.

On a night where the Horseman’s offense struggled, Kentucky’s defense became the driving force behind the win. The big play of the night came on a Sharks drive following a Lorenzen sack for a safety. With Kentucky up by 12 and the Sharks driving at the Kentucky 11, De Los Santos threw his second pick of the night to Aaron Mason. Kentucky capitalized on the pick when QB Justin Rascati hit Lonnie Dewalt for a 10 yard score to extend the lead to 34-15. The Sharks never recovered for the deficit and have now set a franchise high for losses in a season with 11.

Despite the loss a couple of Sharks players hit milestones Saturday night. WR Jonathan Graham had a game high 14 catches and went over 100 receptions for the season, and K Nick Gatto moved into a tie for second place all time for successful field goals with Milwaukee’s Alex Walls with 52.

The Sharks will have their second bye week of the season next Saturday and return to action on Saturday July 11 against the Arkansas Twisters.