Jax 95ers News
Jax 95ers Take Flight in Inaugural Exhibition Victory over Clermont Crocs
February 19, 2024
Jacksonville, FL - Jacksonville's newest professional basketball team, the 95ers, took to the court for the first time on February 18th, 2024, at Swisher Gymnasium at Jacksonville University. Facing off against the Clermont Crocs in an exhibition game, the 95ers soared to a convincing 135-100 victory, marking a promising start to their journey in The Basketball League (TBL).
From the opening tip, the 95ers displayed their offensive firepower. The Crocs were able to keep pace during the early stages of the contest, holding a three point lead as the first period ended. But the Crocs couldn't match the 95ers' offensive efficiency and fell behind 69-46 at the half. The home team's balanced attack, featuring contributions from throughout the roster, proved too much to handle for the visitors. The final score was 135-100 in favor of the 95ers.
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Beyond the scoreboard, the 95ers displayed glimpses of the defensive identity they are building. They hustled for loose balls, applied pressure on the perimeter and contested shots effectively. While there's room for improvement, the defensive effort instilled confidence and laid the foundation for future success.
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The inaugural game was more than just a basketball contest; it was a celebration of Jacksonville's return to professional basketball. Swisher Gymnasium buzzed with excitement as fans embraced the 95ers and their energetic brand of basketball. The atmosphere was electric, a testament to the city's passion for the sport and the high expectations surrounding the new team. The Rush Dance Team, together with basketball shooting contests for the kids, kept the fans entertained during the breaks.
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This exhibition victory serves as a springboard for the 95ers as they gear up for their official TBL season opener next month. The win not only boosts their confidence but also provides valuable insights for Coach Dwane Joshua to refine their strategies and identify areas for improvement.
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With a talented roster, a dedicated coaching staff and the support of the Jacksonville community, the 95ers are poised to make their mark in their first year in the TBL. Their inaugural victory is a step in the right direction, a glimpse into the exciting future that awaits Jacksonville basketball. The city is buzzing with anticipation, eager to see the 95ers soar even higher as the season unfolds.
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The first regular season game is on March 7th against the Rocket City Flight in Huntsville, Alabama. The season home opener is March 15 at Swisher Gymnasium against the Raleigh Firebirds in Jacksonville. Tickets will be available online soon. For tickets and further information, go to Jacksonville95ers.com.​
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Follow First Coast Sports Media for continuing coverage as we follow the Jacksonville 95ers throughout their inaugural season.
Jaguars News
Jaguars' Playoff Hopes Dashed in Heartbreaking Loss to Titans
Trevor Lawrence coming up short on fourth and goal
Jacksonville, FL - The Jacksonville Jaguars' bid for a second consecutive AFC South title came crashing down on Sunday, as they fell 28-20 to the Tennessee Titans in a tense and dramatic regular-season finale. With a win, the Jaguars would have secured the division crown and a playoff berth. But poor run defense and costly late-game mistakes proved too much to overcome. It was a must-win game for the Jaguars to keep their season alive, and they came up just short.
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The Titans held the lead throughout, with Derrick Henry, the Titans' star running back, rumbling for 153 yards on 19 carries, and one touchdown. Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, meanwhile, threw for 280 yards and two touchdowns. He also threw two interceptions. But it was on the ground that the game was ultimately decided. Jacksonville was unable to contain Henry, arguably the best pure running back in the NFL this season at the ripe old age of thirty.
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With 7:13 remaining and the Titans up 28-20, Lawrence made a fateful decision. Facing a crucial fourth-and-goal at the one-yard line, he opted to keep the ball himself instead of handing it off to running back Travis Etienne. The Titans' defense plugged the gap, stopping Lawrence short of the end zone.
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With one last chance late in the fourth quarter, the Jags had no choice but to go for it on 4th and 3 from their own 33 yard line. Lawrence overthrew tight end Evan Ingram by a wide margin. turning the ball back over to Tennessee. This missed opportunity sealed the fate of the Jaguars, who had no time-outs remaining and could only watch as the Titans ran out the clock. The loss was a bitter pill to swallow for the Jaguars and their fans. After a promising start to the season, the team stumbled down the stretch, losing five of their last six games. Lawrence, who was hailed as a savior when he was drafted first overall in 2021, faced scrutiny for his late-game decision-making.
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Despite the disappointment, the Jaguars have much to build on for the future. Lawrence, although struggling at times and hampered by injuries, showed flashes of brilliance throughout the season as his game continues to develop. The team's young defense also showed promise, particularly in the pass rush. With proper adjustments and continued development, the Jaguars should be back in the playoff hunt next season.
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For now, however, the sting of the loss to the Titans remains. The Jaguars' playoff dreams were dashed, leaving them to watch from the sidelines as the postseason unfolds. But as they lick their wounds and prepare for next season, one thing is certain: the Jaguars' fans remain convinced their best days are ahead of them, and their time in the spotlight is yet to come.
Jaguars News
Duval Delirium: Jaguars Silence Panthers 26-0 in New Year's Eve Shutdown
AP Photo/John Raoux
Jacksonville, FL - The Jacksonville Jaguars came away with an impressive end-of-year victory as they dominated the Carolina Panthers 26-0 on New Year's Eve. The game was a must-win for Jacksonville, who had dropped four straight games coming into the contest. Their last win had been on November 26th against Houston.
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The Jaguars took control from the opening kickoff, implementing an effective game plan on both offense and defense. With quarterback Trevor Lawrence out with a shoulder injury, Jacksonville was led by C.J. Beathard, who completed 17 of 24 passes for 178 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. gained 101 yards, averaging 6.4 yards per carry and scoring two touchdowns.
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The Jaguars had to turn to Matt Barkley, newly signed off the New York Giants practice squad, to step in under center after Beathard was shaken up in a collision with Panthers edge rusher Marquis Haynes in the first quarter. Beathard was checked for a concussion but was able to return after jsut one play. Haynes, on the other hand, took the brunt of the impact and missed the remainder of the game with a concussion diagnosis. Following the collision, the Jaguars drove down the field and came away with a field goal, extending their lead to 19-0.
But it was the defense that stood out oon Sunday. Throughout the contest, the Jaguars defense imposed its will, showcasing a relentless intensity that suffocated the Panthers' offense. Jaguars linebacker Josh Allen recorded three sacks, harassing Carolina quarterback Bryce Young all afternoon. Allen now holds the Jaguars single season franchise record with 16.5 sacks – two more than the former record set by Calais Campbell in 2017. Allen will have an opportunity to extend that record in the season finale next Sunday.
The Jaguars' entire defense was a force to be reckoned with, shutting down the Panthers' air and ground game and shutting them out for the first time since 2002. Jacksonville's defensive line relentlessly pressured Young all afternoon, allowing the rookie quarterback just 112 yards passing while sacking him six times.
The Panthers' running game couldn't find its footing either. Chuba Hubbard lead Carolina with just 45 yards rushing, while the Panthers could muster only 67 total passing yards and a paltry 124 yards of total offense. The Panthers, who entered the game with the NFL's worst record at 2-13, saw its chances of pulling off an upset dealt a significant blow even before the game began. Their kicker, Eddy Pineiro, strained a hamstring during warm-ups, with the kicking duties then falling to linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill. With no viable replacement for Pineiro, Carolina didn't attempt a single field goal on Sunday, which turned out to be a major factor in being shut out for the first time in over two decades.
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Sunday's dominant performance sets the Jaguars up for a strong finish to their season when they take on the Tennessee Titans next Sunday. If they beat the Titans they’ll be AFC South champions with the No. 4 overall playoff seed. If they lose, they’ll need some help to keep their season alive and sneak in as a wild card. Kickoff next Sunday is in Nashville at 1 pm ET. Stay tuned for an exciting finish to an up and down season for the Jaguars.
Jaguars News
Tampa Bay too much
for slumping Jacksonville
Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images
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Jacksonville, FL - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers cruised to a 30-12 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Christmas Eve in a battle of first-place teams. The victory featured outstanding play by the Buc's quarterback, Baker Mayfield, who completed 25 of 34 passes for 272 yards and two touchdowns for an outstanding 116.3 quarterback rating.
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The Buccaneers pressured Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence all game, resulting in two interceptions in the first half and a fumble in the third quarter. He left the game with a shoulder injury while still dealing with a high ankle sprain suffered during week fourteen. Lawrence now has eight giveaways in his last three games. The Buccaneers defense forced three turnovers and allowed only 305 yards of total offense.
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The Buccaneers scored on their first six possessions and took a commanding 30-0 lead. It was a dominant effort by the Buccaneers on both offense and defense. The offense scored on its first six possessions as Mayfield went 22 of 29 for 238 yards and two touchdowns in the first three quarters.
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On defense, the Buccaneers forced three turnovers and allowed 214 yards during that stretch, with Jacksonville not scoring until they had staked Tampa Bay to an insurmountable 30-0 lead. Tampa Bay simply dominated on both sides of the ball against a beaten up Jacksonville team. Tampa Bay now leads the NFC South by a game over the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints with two games to play.
Despite the loss, the Jaguars continue to lead the AFC South but only by tiebreaker. They have now lost four in a row with their season spiraling downward. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay could clinch the NFC South under certain scenarios next week with its fourth straight win.
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Stay tuned as we continue to keep an eye on whether the Jaguars can turn things around as the season winds down and the playoff picture comes into focus.
Jaguars News
Ravens Soar Past Jaguars, Clinching Playoff Berth in Dominant Week 15 Win
Jaguars Quarterback Trevor Lawrence
Jacksonville, FL - The Baltimore Ravens soared into the playoffs on Sunday night, leaving the Jacksonville Jaguars grounded at TIAA Bank Field. The final score of 23-7 painted a clear picture of Ravens dominance, as Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore defense stifled Jacksonville's offensive efforts throughout the game.
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Jackson, in his MVP-caliber form, carved up the Jaguars secondary with pinpoint throws and electrifying scrambles. He finished the night with 157 passing yards and 55 rushing yards, orchestrating two touchdown drives and keeping the Jacksonville defense on its heels. Tight end Mark Andrews emerged as his favorite target, hauling in five passes for 58 yards and a touchdown.
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The Ravens defense, led by the relentless Marcus Peters, proved equally stingy. They intercepted Trevor Lawrence twice, shut down the Jaguars' running game, and forced four fourth-down stops. The Jaguars didn't get on the board until the second half when Jamal Agnew broke free untouched for a 65-yard touchdown. That play marked both the longest touchdown pass of Lawrence’s career, and the Jaguars’ longest play from scrimmage so far this season.
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The victory clinched a playoff berth for the Ravens, their 11th in John Harbaugh's 16 seasons as head coach. It also solidified their lead in the AFC North and ensured they'll host a playoff game. For the Jaguars, the loss extended their losing streak to three games.
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Lawrence went 25-of-43 for 264 yards with a touchdown in the losing effort. He also rushed for 41 yards on four carries, making him the Jags leading rusher. Agnew had 70 receiving yards on two catches. The Jaguars, now 8-6, will take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next week. The Colts and Texans are also 8-6, which should make for an exciting finish in the AFC South.
Stingrays vs. Icemen
Pro Hockey News
Stingrays Sink Ugly Sweater Icemen in Overtime Thriller
Jacksonville, FL - The Jacksonville Icemen, sporting festive holiday jerseys for the occasion, fell victim to a stinging overtime defeat at the hands of the South Carolina Stingrays on Saturday, December 16th. Despite a valiant comeback effort, the Icemen couldn't overcome the Stingrays' resilience, ultimately succumbing 3-2 in the extra frame.
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The Stingrays struck first in the opening period, capitalizing on early power-play opportunities with goals from Matheson Iacopelli and Josh Wilkins. The Icemen, however, refused to be left behind, responding with tallies from Brett Budway and Matt Salhany to tie the game heading into the final stanza.
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The tension was palpable in the third period, with both teams trading chances but failing to find the go-ahead goal. As the clock ticked down, overtime seemed inevitable, and it was the Stingrays who emerged victorious. Patrick Harper netted the game-winner less than two minutes into the extra frame, dashing the Icemen's hopes for a holiday victory.
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Despite the loss, the game was a thrilling display of ECHL hockey, with both teams showcasing their skill and determination. The Icemen's specialty teams were particularly impressive, converting two of their four power-play opportunities.
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"We battled hard tonight," said Icemen coach Jason Christie. "We never gave up, and I'm proud of the effort our guys put in. We just have to find a way to bury our chances and get those extra two points."
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The loss drops the Icemen to third place in the ECHL's East Division, but they remain firmly in the playoff picture. With another key divisional matchup against the Florida Everblades looming on Wednesday, the Icemen will need to regroup quickly and refocus their efforts on climbing back up the standings.
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With the sting of defeat still fresh, the Icemen will look to put on a better show for their fans in their upcoming games. So, if you're looking for an exciting night of hockey filled with action, heart, and maybe even a few ugly sweaters, be sure to catch the Jacksonville Icemen in action.
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Their next game is Wednesday, December 20th at home against the Florida Everblades.
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Admirala vs. Icemen
Pro Hockey News
Icemen Stay Hot, Cool Off
Admirals with 4-1 Victory
Norfolk, VA - The Jacksonville Icemen continued their scorching run on December 8th, skating away with a chilly 4-1 victory over the Norfolk Admirals at the Norfolk Scope Arena. The win extends the Icemen's hot streak to five games and solidifies their second-place spot in the ECHL (formerly East Coast Hockey League) South Division.
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The game started scoreless until midway through the second period when Brendan Harris broke the ice for the Icemen, assisted by Nicolas Savoie and Riley Fiddler-Schultz. This goal opened the floodgates, as Jacob Panetta added another tally just a few minutes later, assisted by Andrew McLean and Carson Golder.
The Admirals managed to pull one back late in the third period through Mathieu Roy, but it was too little too late. Christopher Brown put the icing on the cake for the Icemen with an empty-net goal in the final minute, sealing the 4-1 victory.
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Michael Houser was stellar in net for the Icemen, stopping 25 of 26 shots. His performance earned him the first star of the game, while Harris and Panetta shared the second and third star honors, respectively.
The win was a crucial one for the Icemen, as it keeps them within striking distance of the first-place Greenville Swamp Rabbits. With their impressive recent form, the Icemen are looking like a serious contender for the ECHL championship.
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Key Takeaways:
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The Icemen extended their winning streak to five games.
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Brendan Harris, Jacob Panetta, and Christopher Brown scored for the Icemen.
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Michael Houser made 25 saves for the Icemen.
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The Icemen remain in second place in the ECHL's South Division.
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Upcoming Games:
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December 16th vs. South Carolina Stingrays
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December 17th vs. Orlando Solar Bears
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December 22nd vs. South Carolina Stingrays
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The Jacksonville Icemen are heating up the ECHL with their impressive play. Be sure to catch them in action at their next home game on December 16th against the Orlando Solar Bears!
Admirals vs Icemen
Pro Hockey News
Admirals Sink Icemen in
Hard-Fought Battle
Jacksonville, FL - The Jacksonville Icemen hosted the Norfolk Admirals on December 9th for a thrilling ECHL matchup, but ultimately fell 4-1 to their divisional rivals. Despite a valiant effort, the Admirals' firepower proved too much for the Icemen, leaving them searching for answers in the split series.
Early Onslaught Sets the Tone for Norfolk:
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The Admirals came out flying, grabbing an early lead through Keegan Iverson's goal just 3:01 into the game. This set the tone for a dominant first period, with Norfolk dictating the pace and capitalizing on the Icemen's penalty troubles. Stepan Timofeyev added another for the Admirals before the period ended, putting Jacksonville on the back foot.
Icemen Fight Back, But Fall Short:
The Icemen showed resilience in the second period, finally getting on the board thanks to Matheson Iacopelli's goal early in the third. However, their momentum was short-lived as Justin Robidas and Timofeyev (again) netted goals for the Admirals, putting the game out of reach.
Special Teams Disparity Proves Costly:
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One of the key factors in Norfolk's victory was their strong power play. They converted two of their three opportunities, while the Icemen went just 1 for 7 on the man advantage. This disparity in special teams efficiency ultimately proved decisive in the final outcome.
Looking Ahead:
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The loss leaves the Icemen with a 11-8-2-0 record, still sitting comfortably in playoff contention. However, they'll need to find a way to improve their special teams play and tighten up their defense if they want to make a deep playoff run. As for the Admirals, the win keeps them in the hunt for the top spot in the division, showcasing their offensive prowess and resilience.
With both teams boasting talented rosters and passionate fan bases, the rivalry between the Icemen and Admirals is sure to heat up further as the season progresses. The next chapter in this exciting matchup is set for December 29th in Norfolk, and hockey fans won't want to miss it.
Stingrays vs Icemen
Pro Hockey News
Stingrays Sting Icemen
in 3-2 Overtime Win
Jacksonville, FL - The Jacksonville Icemen dropped a close game to the South Carolina Stingrays in overtime at Vystar Arena on Friday, December 22d. The Icemen struggled to get any offense going in the early going as the Stingrays jumped to a 2-0 lead before the halfway mark of the first period. Jacksonville had solid opportunities to score, but their shots were not on target the opportunities were squandered. The Icemen held the Stingrays scoreless in the second period, though, with both teams playing tough on the puck and stalling one another in the neutral zone.
Icemen Fight Back, But Fall Short:
Neither team scored in the second period, although the Icemen continued to get good looks. In the third period things heated up. Icemen forward Chris Grando scored his fourth goal of the season, making the score 2-1 Stingrays. The ensuing celebration turned into a full-fledged skirmish, leading to a 10 minute misconduct penalty for the Stingrays forward Jackson Leppard. Totaling up all the penalties issued from the post-goal fight resulted in a powerplay for the Icemen. Jacksonville captain Christopher Brown was able to capitalize, scoring his 11th goal of the season on the powerplay with 8:02 left to play.
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The 2-2 score would stand until the final whistle, pushing the game into overtime. Jacksonville played quick during the OT period, finding open ice and moving the puck end-to-end. The Icemen had their chances, but couldn’t get the puck in the net. With just 2:43 left to play in overtime, South Carolina’s Patrick Harper picked up the game-winning goal.
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The Stingrays' overtime win left the Icemen with a record of 1-2 over the three-game homestand and in third place in the division.
Looking Ahead:
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The team will next head north, with three games against opponents outside of their division. They take on the Cincinnati Cyclones on Dec. 28 and Dec. 31 and have one game in Indianapolis against the Indy Fuel on Dec. 29. The four-game road trip wraps up in Orlando on Jan. 3 before the Icemen return home for their first home game of 2024 on Jan. 5 against the Savannah Ghost Pirates. Hockey fans won't want to miss this exciting action.