GAME PREVIEW: COBRAS VS SHARKS

by Steven Shotola

Potential Championship Preview Debuts in Greensboro as #1 and #2 teams Face Off Tonight

GREENSBORO, NC –  The (9-4) Carolina Cobras host their final regular season game before the 2023 NAL Playoffs. Tonight they have the perfect opponent to prepare them for the postseason as the #2 Carolina Cobras take on the #1 Jacksonville Sharks (10-2). The last time these two teams faced the Sharks ran away with the victory 61-52 in Jacksonville, but today’s game will be the Snake Pit where the Cobras have found much success, currently 5-1 at home the Cobras will have a huge home field advantage.  


Last week the Cobras dominated the San Antonio Gunslingers on the road with a 63-45 victory. Coach Fuller and his 2023 Cobras are on a four game win streak going into this game. Tonight’s opponent includes NAL Championship MVP quarterback Sam Castronova who is on a eight game win streak. Fans will enjoy the quarterback battle as both Malik Henry and Castronova have racked up multiple offensive players of the week awards. Last week, it was Jacksonville's quarterback that won the award after a eight touchdowns for 262 yard performance against West Texas. However, week 15 belonged to offensive player of the week Malik Henry who threw eight touchdown for 303 yards. The winner of the passing battle this week will have a great chance of winning the final regular season player of the week. On the ground the Cobras have proved to have the better running attack with fullback Zack Brown and Kevin Voyles. The Cobras offense averaged 43 rushing yards per game while Jacksonville’s attack is shorter at 32 per game with a quarterback leading the team in rushing yards and touchdowns.


Defensively we are looking at the top two teams in the league. Jacksonville leads the league in fewest points allowed with an impressive 505 points all season, a 70+ point differential to other NAL teams. Leading the Shark attack is Sha-Kai Holiness who is in double digits for sacks with 11 this season. In the secondary the Sharks rely on the skill of Jabari Gorman and veteran Marvin Ross combined the two defensive backs have 14 interceptions this season. On the Carolina side of the ball veteran Kenny Veal leds the team with six interceptions, three pass breakups and 14 tackles. On the defensive line, the Cobras have a dual threat with Sha’Haun Williams and Micah Robinson combined the Cobras sack exchange has totaled 17.5 sacks this season with Williams at 9.5 and Robinson at 8. Knowing these two teams, we are looking at a potential overtime game so if your sitting in the stands or on the sofa your in for a good one tonight.


To watch the Cobras game tonight visit carolinacobras.com or visit the National Arena League’s YouTube Channel.


ABOUT THE CAROLINA COBRAS

The Carolina Cobras are members of the National Arena League (NAL). Founded in 2017, the Carolina Cobras are starting their sixth season in 2023 and were the 2018 National Arena League Champions. The Cobras play their home games at the Greensboro Coliseum. Cobra Season Ticket Memberships are on sale now call (336) 445-7232 or visit carolinacobras.com. Follow the Cobras on Facebook at facebook.com/carcobras, twitter.com/carcobras and instagram.com/carcobras.