Post by Nevadanut on Mar 18, 2025 17:34:15 GMT -8
Jacksonville Sharks at Massachusetts Pirates
What: The Sharks swim into Massachusetts to try and take a bite out of the Pirates.
When: Friday, March 21 at 4:05 p.m. PDT (7:05 p.m. EDT).
Where: Tsongas Center; Lowell, Massachusetts.
Video Stream: The IFL Network (subscription required).
2025 Head to Head: April 19 - Pirates at Sharks. May 29 - Sharks at Pirates.
Overall Head to Head: Sharks lead 5-3 (3-1 home, 2-2 away) - includes NAL.
SCtoC Logo: Created by David
The Sharks finished their first IFL season with an overall record of 5-11 and in sixth place in the Eastern Conference. They failed to reach the playoffs. The Pirates finished 2024 with a 8-8 record and in third place in the Eastern Conference. They advanced to the IFL National Championship Game where they fell to the Arizona Rattlers 53-16.
Jacksonville Sharks
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Quarterback Kaleb Barker. (Photo via IFL)
2025 ROSTER
# - name (pos)
1 - Tyler King (RB)
2 - Tyrese Ross (DB)
3 - Jimmie Robinson (RB)
4 - Ka'ron Ashley (WR)
5 - Edward Vander (RB)
6 - Jordon Whitley (DB)
7 - Kaleb Barker (QB)
8 - John Huggins (DB)
9 - Kivon Bennett (DL)
10 - Jaedon Stoshak (WR)
11 - Malik Jones (DB)
12 - Chris Rice (DL)
14 - Hayden Hatcher (LB)
15 - Blaine Espinosa (QB)
15 - Noah Lyles (DL)
20 - Korey Kelley (DB)
56 - Aric Harris (OL)
72 - Leon Brown (OL)
76 - Dominick Jackson (OL)
95 - Raashaan Wilkins (DL)
N/A - Vance Bennett (WR)
N/A - Malik Fleming (DB)
N/A - Jacorey Johns (LB)
N/A - Ronald Malbrough Jr. (LB)
N/A - Chaz Neal (OL)
N/A - Marcus Rogers (WR)
Physically Unable to Perform (PUP)
77 - Bryant Nolan Jr. (OL)
Short Term IR
15 - Marquis McClain (WR)
Transfer
N/A - Javaris Davis (DB) - Winnipeg Blue Bombers (CFL)
RTR
15 - Xavier Peters (LB)
N/A - Blace Brown (DB)
N/A - Tyler Clark (DL)
N/A - Netori Johnson (OL)
N/A - Keyron Kinsler (DB)
N/A - Devin Phillips (DL)
N/A - Devin Washington (DB)
Coaching Staff
Jason Gibson - Head Coach
Clay Harrell - Defensive Coordinator
Chris Robinson - Defensive Backs Coach
Troy Waranka - Quality Control Coach
Andrew McClellan - Quality Control Coach
Jeremy Brubaker - Quality Control Coach
BREAKDOWN
Jacksonville struggled through much of last season, but ended on a positive note as it claimed wins in three of the last four games. That momentum was begun with the signing of quarterback Kaleb Barker late in the season. Barker had led the Northern Arizona Wranglers to the IFL championship in 2022. A talented passer, he also can do damage with his legs. Speaking of the running game, the Sharks signed last season's IFL top rusher, Jimmie Robinson, who spent the past two seasons with the Pirates. He rushed for 905 yards and 18 touchdowns last season, and caught 56 passes for 418 yards and another four scores. Barker was honored with the 2022 SCtoC Golden Helmet Award for Offensive Rookie of the Year and Robinson won the honor last season. for Offensive Specialist of the Year. The Sharks bolstered their receiving corps with the re-signing of Jaedon Stoshak and Ka'Ron Ashley, who came over in a trade from the Quad City Steamwheelers. Raashaan Wilkins was resigned over the offseason and the team signed defensive lineman Noah Lyles of the Tulsa Oilers. The Sharks will compete in their second season in the IFL after having come over from the National Arena League after 2023. Head coach Jason Gibson will look to lead the Sharks to their first IFL playoff appearance.
Roster information is compiled by SCtoC staff, based on all available and verifiable information. The above rosters are subject to change and is presented here merely as a basic guide for following the game. Statistical leaders list only active players as of the compilation of this preview.
Massachusetts Pirates
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Wide receiver Thomas Owens. (Photo via IFL)
2025 ROSTER
# - name (pos)
2 - Donnie Lewis Jr. (DB)
3 - CJ Holmes (DB)
4 - Jovohn Tucker (WR)
5 - Matt Elam (DB)
6 - RJ Mobley (WR)
7 - Pooka Williams (RB)
8 - Teo Redding (WR)
9 - Marquis Waters (DB/LB)
11 - Kenji Bahar (QB)
12 - Isaiah Coulter (WR)
16 - Timmy Bleekrode (K)
18 - Vosean Joseph (LB)
19 - Aeneas Dennis (QB)
21 - Sal Lupoli Jr. (DB/LB)
24 - Marcus Floyd (DB)
44 - Dominic Quewon (DL)
52 - Jeblonski Green Jr. (DL)
54 - Guy Thomas (DL)
55 - Nick Ford (OL)
64 - Jordan McCray (OL)
70 - Tommy Champion (OL)
77 - Navaughn Donaldson (OL)
81 - Thomas Owens (WR)
88 - Isaac Zico (WR)
95 - DJ Dale (DL)
97 - Terry Beckner Jr. (DL)
98 - Ifeanyi Maijeh (DL)
N/A - Paris Ford (DB)
Transfer
4 - Cyrus Fagan (DB) - (CFL)
8 - Dontay Demus (WR) - Edmonton Elks (CFL)
9 - CJ Coldon (DB) - Ottawa Redblacks (CFL)
22 - Jaiden Woodbey (LB) - (CFL)
N/A - Leon O'Neal (DB/LB) - Houston Roughnecks (UFL)
RTR
N/A - Jamoi Hodge (LB)
Coaching Staff
Fred Griggs - Head Coach/Assistant Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs Coach
Toby Johnson - Assistant Head Coach, Defensive Line Coach & Run Game Coordinator
Mark Stoute - Associate Director of Football Operations, Special Teams Coordinator & Running Backs Coach
Anthony Payton - Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach
Jordan Mosely - Offensive Line Coach/Run Game Coordinator
Mardy Gilyard - Wide Receivers Coach
Bill Savary - Senior Coaching Assistant
Kimberly Firth - Head Athletic Trainer
BREAKDOWN
Massachusetts forged a terrific late-season and playoff run which earned it a spot in last season's IFL National Championship Game. The team was then snake bitten by the Arizona Rattlers in a 53-16 loss. It was the second appearance in the title game in four IFL seasons for the Pirates, who defeated the Rattlers in the 2021 United Bowl, 37-34. The Pirates lost a couple of key players; quarterback Alejandro Bennifield to retirement and Jimmie Robinson through free agency (to the Sharks). On the other hand, they have brought back their core receiving group of Thomas Owens, Isaac Zico and Teo Redding. The question on offense will come at quarterback as Kenji Bahar seems poised to take the reigns. The chemistry he can build with the receivers will be the core of what makes the offense run. Pooka Williams is the lone listed running back on the roster. On the defensive side of the ball, the backfield seems to be where the strength is. Matt Elam, Cyrus Fagan and Paris Ford will be expected to lead the group of defensive backs. The defensive line is likely to be filled with first-year IFL players. The Pirates have yet to miss the playoffs in their four-year IFL tenure and have no intention of 2025 being the first year of doing so.
Roster information is compiled by SCtoC staff, based on all available and verifiable information. The above rosters are subject to change and is presented here merely as a basic guide for following the game. Statistical leaders list only active players as of the compilation of this preview.
Today's Game Venue
This Week's IFL Schedule
Fri., March 21 - Jacksonville Sharks at Massachusetts Pirates, 4:05 p.m.
Fri., March 21 - Green Bay Blizzard at Quad City Steamwheelers, 5:05 p.m.
Sat., March 22 - Tulsa Oilers at San Antonio Gunslingers, 4:05 p.m.
Bye - Arizona Rattlers, Bay Area Panthers, Fishers Freight, Iowa Barnstormers, Northern Arizona Wranglers, San Diego Strike Force, Tucson Sugar Skulls, Vegas Knight Hawks
Helpful Links
IFL
IFL 2025 Schedule
IFL 2025 Franchise Index
IFL Rules and Terminology
IFL 2024 Hall of Fame Inductees
SCtoC IFL 2024 Golden Helmet Awards
SCtoC IFL Golden Helmet Awards Historical Winners
SCtoC 2024 National Championship Game Recap
INDIVIDUAL TEAM SCHEDULES
Arizona Rattlers Bay Area Panthers Fishers Freight Green Bay Blizzard Iowa Barnstormers Jacksonville Sharks Massachusetts Pirates Northern Arizona Wranglers Quad City Steamwheelers San Antonio Gunslingers San Diego Strike Force Tucson Sugar Skulls Tulsa Oilers Vegas Knight Hawks
INDIVIDUAL TEAM VITAL STATISTICS
Arizona Rattlers Bay Area Panthers Frisco Freight Green Bay Blizzard Iowa Barnstormers Jacksonville Sharks Massachusetts Pirates Northern Arizona Wranglers Quad City Steamwheelers San Antonio Gunslingers San Diego Strike Force Tucson Sugar Skulls Tulsa Oilers Vegas Knight Hawks
IFL Team Venues
Arizona Rattlers - Desert Diamond Arena; Glendale, Arizona
Bay Area Panthers - SAP Center at San Jose; San Jose, California
Fishers Freight - Fishers Event Center; Fishers, Indiana
Green Bay Blizzard - Resch Center; Green Bay, Wisconsin
Iowa Barnstormers - Wells Fargo Center; Des Moines, Iowa
Jacksonville Sharks - VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena; Jacksonville, Florida
Massachusetts Pirates - Tsonga Center; Lowell, Massachusetts
Northern Arizona Wranglers - Findlay Toyota Center; Prescott Valley, Arizona
Quad City Steamwheelers - Vibrant Arena at The MARK; Moline, Illinois
San Antonio Gunslingers - Freeman Coliseum; San Antonio, Texas
San Diego Strike Force - Frontwave Arena; Oceanside, California
Tucson Sugar Skulls - Tucson Convention Center; Tucson, Arizona
Tulsa Oilers - BOK Center; Tulsa, Oklahoma
Vegas Knight Hawks - Lee’s Family Forum; Henderson, Nevada
IFL Geographical Team Map
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What: The Sharks swim into Massachusetts to try and take a bite out of the Pirates.
When: Friday, March 21 at 4:05 p.m. PDT (7:05 p.m. EDT).
Where: Tsongas Center; Lowell, Massachusetts.
Video Stream: The IFL Network (subscription required).
2025 Head to Head: April 19 - Pirates at Sharks. May 29 - Sharks at Pirates.
Overall Head to Head: Sharks lead 5-3 (3-1 home, 2-2 away) - includes NAL.
SCtoC Logo: Created by David
The Sharks finished their first IFL season with an overall record of 5-11 and in sixth place in the Eastern Conference. They failed to reach the playoffs. The Pirates finished 2024 with a 8-8 record and in third place in the Eastern Conference. They advanced to the IFL National Championship Game where they fell to the Arizona Rattlers 53-16.
Jacksonville Sharks
Quarterback Kaleb Barker. (Photo via IFL)
2025 ROSTER
# - name (pos)
1 - Tyler King (RB)
2 - Tyrese Ross (DB)
3 - Jimmie Robinson (RB)
4 - Ka'ron Ashley (WR)
5 - Edward Vander (RB)
6 - Jordon Whitley (DB)
7 - Kaleb Barker (QB)
8 - John Huggins (DB)
9 - Kivon Bennett (DL)
10 - Jaedon Stoshak (WR)
11 - Malik Jones (DB)
12 - Chris Rice (DL)
14 - Hayden Hatcher (LB)
15 - Blaine Espinosa (QB)
15 - Noah Lyles (DL)
20 - Korey Kelley (DB)
56 - Aric Harris (OL)
72 - Leon Brown (OL)
76 - Dominick Jackson (OL)
95 - Raashaan Wilkins (DL)
N/A - Vance Bennett (WR)
N/A - Malik Fleming (DB)
N/A - Jacorey Johns (LB)
N/A - Ronald Malbrough Jr. (LB)
N/A - Chaz Neal (OL)
N/A - Marcus Rogers (WR)
Physically Unable to Perform (PUP)
77 - Bryant Nolan Jr. (OL)
Short Term IR
15 - Marquis McClain (WR)
Transfer
N/A - Javaris Davis (DB) - Winnipeg Blue Bombers (CFL)
RTR
15 - Xavier Peters (LB)
N/A - Blace Brown (DB)
N/A - Tyler Clark (DL)
N/A - Netori Johnson (OL)
N/A - Keyron Kinsler (DB)
N/A - Devin Phillips (DL)
N/A - Devin Washington (DB)
Coaching Staff
Jason Gibson - Head Coach
Clay Harrell - Defensive Coordinator
Chris Robinson - Defensive Backs Coach
Troy Waranka - Quality Control Coach
Andrew McClellan - Quality Control Coach
Jeremy Brubaker - Quality Control Coach
BREAKDOWN
Jacksonville struggled through much of last season, but ended on a positive note as it claimed wins in three of the last four games. That momentum was begun with the signing of quarterback Kaleb Barker late in the season. Barker had led the Northern Arizona Wranglers to the IFL championship in 2022. A talented passer, he also can do damage with his legs. Speaking of the running game, the Sharks signed last season's IFL top rusher, Jimmie Robinson, who spent the past two seasons with the Pirates. He rushed for 905 yards and 18 touchdowns last season, and caught 56 passes for 418 yards and another four scores. Barker was honored with the 2022 SCtoC Golden Helmet Award for Offensive Rookie of the Year and Robinson won the honor last season. for Offensive Specialist of the Year. The Sharks bolstered their receiving corps with the re-signing of Jaedon Stoshak and Ka'Ron Ashley, who came over in a trade from the Quad City Steamwheelers. Raashaan Wilkins was resigned over the offseason and the team signed defensive lineman Noah Lyles of the Tulsa Oilers. The Sharks will compete in their second season in the IFL after having come over from the National Arena League after 2023. Head coach Jason Gibson will look to lead the Sharks to their first IFL playoff appearance.
Roster information is compiled by SCtoC staff, based on all available and verifiable information. The above rosters are subject to change and is presented here merely as a basic guide for following the game. Statistical leaders list only active players as of the compilation of this preview.
Massachusetts Pirates
Wide receiver Thomas Owens. (Photo via IFL)
2025 ROSTER
# - name (pos)
2 - Donnie Lewis Jr. (DB)
3 - CJ Holmes (DB)
4 - Jovohn Tucker (WR)
5 - Matt Elam (DB)
6 - RJ Mobley (WR)
7 - Pooka Williams (RB)
8 - Teo Redding (WR)
9 - Marquis Waters (DB/LB)
11 - Kenji Bahar (QB)
12 - Isaiah Coulter (WR)
16 - Timmy Bleekrode (K)
18 - Vosean Joseph (LB)
19 - Aeneas Dennis (QB)
21 - Sal Lupoli Jr. (DB/LB)
24 - Marcus Floyd (DB)
44 - Dominic Quewon (DL)
52 - Jeblonski Green Jr. (DL)
54 - Guy Thomas (DL)
55 - Nick Ford (OL)
64 - Jordan McCray (OL)
70 - Tommy Champion (OL)
77 - Navaughn Donaldson (OL)
81 - Thomas Owens (WR)
88 - Isaac Zico (WR)
95 - DJ Dale (DL)
97 - Terry Beckner Jr. (DL)
98 - Ifeanyi Maijeh (DL)
N/A - Paris Ford (DB)
Transfer
4 - Cyrus Fagan (DB) - (CFL)
8 - Dontay Demus (WR) - Edmonton Elks (CFL)
9 - CJ Coldon (DB) - Ottawa Redblacks (CFL)
22 - Jaiden Woodbey (LB) - (CFL)
N/A - Leon O'Neal (DB/LB) - Houston Roughnecks (UFL)
RTR
N/A - Jamoi Hodge (LB)
Coaching Staff
Fred Griggs - Head Coach/Assistant Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs Coach
Toby Johnson - Assistant Head Coach, Defensive Line Coach & Run Game Coordinator
Mark Stoute - Associate Director of Football Operations, Special Teams Coordinator & Running Backs Coach
Anthony Payton - Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach
Jordan Mosely - Offensive Line Coach/Run Game Coordinator
Mardy Gilyard - Wide Receivers Coach
Bill Savary - Senior Coaching Assistant
Kimberly Firth - Head Athletic Trainer
BREAKDOWN
Massachusetts forged a terrific late-season and playoff run which earned it a spot in last season's IFL National Championship Game. The team was then snake bitten by the Arizona Rattlers in a 53-16 loss. It was the second appearance in the title game in four IFL seasons for the Pirates, who defeated the Rattlers in the 2021 United Bowl, 37-34. The Pirates lost a couple of key players; quarterback Alejandro Bennifield to retirement and Jimmie Robinson through free agency (to the Sharks). On the other hand, they have brought back their core receiving group of Thomas Owens, Isaac Zico and Teo Redding. The question on offense will come at quarterback as Kenji Bahar seems poised to take the reigns. The chemistry he can build with the receivers will be the core of what makes the offense run. Pooka Williams is the lone listed running back on the roster. On the defensive side of the ball, the backfield seems to be where the strength is. Matt Elam, Cyrus Fagan and Paris Ford will be expected to lead the group of defensive backs. The defensive line is likely to be filled with first-year IFL players. The Pirates have yet to miss the playoffs in their four-year IFL tenure and have no intention of 2025 being the first year of doing so.
Roster information is compiled by SCtoC staff, based on all available and verifiable information. The above rosters are subject to change and is presented here merely as a basic guide for following the game. Statistical leaders list only active players as of the compilation of this preview.
Today's Game Venue
This Week's IFL Schedule
Fri., March 21 - Jacksonville Sharks at Massachusetts Pirates, 4:05 p.m.
Fri., March 21 - Green Bay Blizzard at Quad City Steamwheelers, 5:05 p.m.
Sat., March 22 - Tulsa Oilers at San Antonio Gunslingers, 4:05 p.m.
Bye - Arizona Rattlers, Bay Area Panthers, Fishers Freight, Iowa Barnstormers, Northern Arizona Wranglers, San Diego Strike Force, Tucson Sugar Skulls, Vegas Knight Hawks
Helpful Links
IFL
IFL 2025 Schedule
IFL 2025 Franchise Index
IFL Rules and Terminology
IFL 2024 Hall of Fame Inductees
SCtoC IFL 2024 Golden Helmet Awards
SCtoC IFL Golden Helmet Awards Historical Winners
SCtoC 2024 National Championship Game Recap
INDIVIDUAL TEAM SCHEDULES
Arizona Rattlers Bay Area Panthers Fishers Freight Green Bay Blizzard Iowa Barnstormers Jacksonville Sharks Massachusetts Pirates Northern Arizona Wranglers Quad City Steamwheelers San Antonio Gunslingers San Diego Strike Force Tucson Sugar Skulls Tulsa Oilers Vegas Knight Hawks
INDIVIDUAL TEAM VITAL STATISTICS
Arizona Rattlers Bay Area Panthers Frisco Freight Green Bay Blizzard Iowa Barnstormers Jacksonville Sharks Massachusetts Pirates Northern Arizona Wranglers Quad City Steamwheelers San Antonio Gunslingers San Diego Strike Force Tucson Sugar Skulls Tulsa Oilers Vegas Knight Hawks
IFL Team Venues
Arizona Rattlers - Desert Diamond Arena; Glendale, Arizona
Bay Area Panthers - SAP Center at San Jose; San Jose, California
Fishers Freight - Fishers Event Center; Fishers, Indiana
Green Bay Blizzard - Resch Center; Green Bay, Wisconsin
Iowa Barnstormers - Wells Fargo Center; Des Moines, Iowa
Jacksonville Sharks - VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena; Jacksonville, Florida
Massachusetts Pirates - Tsonga Center; Lowell, Massachusetts
Northern Arizona Wranglers - Findlay Toyota Center; Prescott Valley, Arizona
Quad City Steamwheelers - Vibrant Arena at The MARK; Moline, Illinois
San Antonio Gunslingers - Freeman Coliseum; San Antonio, Texas
San Diego Strike Force - Frontwave Arena; Oceanside, California
Tucson Sugar Skulls - Tucson Convention Center; Tucson, Arizona
Tulsa Oilers - BOK Center; Tulsa, Oklahoma
Vegas Knight Hawks - Lee’s Family Forum; Henderson, Nevada
IFL Geographical Team Map
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