KISS Shock Sharks 64-39

(photo credit: Los Angeles Kiss/Twitter)

The LA KISS kicked off their 2016 season with their home opener against the Jacksonville Sharks. The legendary rock band, KISS played a pre-game concert, and it was clear the team was “rocking and rolling all night” as they cruised to an upset victory over the Sharks, 64-39.

This game was wire-to-wire until the fourth quarter, when the KISS blew the game wide open.  The Sharks scored on their very first possession when Tommy Grady connected with Joe Hills on a 41 yard touchdown pass. But, Marco Capozzoli missed that extra point, which gave Jacksonville a 6-0 lead. The KISS quickly answered when quarterback Nathan Stanley executed a QB sneak to give LA the 7-6 lead. The Sharks struck back, when Grady and Roger Jackson connected on a touchdown to give Jacksonville the 13-7 lead. On a fourth down late in the first quarter, the KISS were in need of a touchdown, and Donovan “Captain” Morgan came through. Morgan caught his 250th touchdown to give LA a 14-13 lead. The back and forth game continued in the second, as Grady hooked up with Tiger Jones to give the Sharks the 20-14 lead. Again, the KISS would respond, Morgan caught his second touchdown of the game to help the KISS regain a 21-20 lead. Both teams scored two touchdowns a piece, which tied the score at 33 at halftime.

The KISS came out firing after halftime. Brandon Jackson caught a touchdown to give LA the 40-33 lead. The Sharks would respond, as Derrick Ross converted on a one yard touchdown. But another failed extra point gave the KISS a 40-39 lead. Morgan caught his third touchdown of the day, and that gave LA a 47-39 lead. A touchdown run and a field goal gave the KISS a demanding 57-39 lead. To cap off an amazing game, D.J. Stephens recovered a fumble off the kickoff to give the KISS a 64-39 lead, which was the final score.

Nathan Stanley went 27-36 with for 283 yards and five touchdowns in his first game with the KISS. Captain Morgan had seven catches for 81 yards and three touchdowns. DJ Stephens had nine catches for 101 yards, and Brandon Collins had 63 yards and two touchdowns. Rashaun Kizer had six tackles and one interception. Tommy Grady went 22-33 for 279 yards and four touchdowns. Joe Hills had nine catches for 151 yards and two touchdowns. Both teams had 20 first downs.

With the KISS winning, home teams finished 1-3 on the week. The KISS (1-0) will face the Arizona Rattlers on Saturday, and the Sharks (0-1) will play the Philadelphia Soul on Monday.