Sharks defense torpedoes Falcons at goal line to set up winning touchdown

By Mark Jurgena

Game one. 

Triple overtime.

Winner!

Such is the beginning of the Collinsville-based River City Sharks semi-pro football team.

River City used an incredible goal line stand in the third overtime Saturday to preserve their shutout and quarterback Masico James finished the game by following his blocking into the end zone to give the Sharks their first-ever victory 6-0 over the St. Louis Falcons at the old Trinity High School in Spanish Lake, Mo.

“We were in a defensive dogfight for four straight quarters and three OTs,” said River City coach Steve Roustio. “In the third overtime, the Falcons had the ball first and goal to go on the 6-inch line, and the Sharks front six not only held but pushed them into the backfield! It was an incredible display of heart and grit.”

River City was ranked number 10 out of 11 teams in the preseason poll with the St. Louis squad ranked ninth.

“I believe that was primarily due to the fact that we are a new franchise and others do not know much about us,” said Roustio. “I feel we made a huge statement on Saturday by defeating a higher-ranked team on the road. I would say at this time, we are no longer a secret, our guys CAN play the game.”

That Sharks defense has been solid in the early season including their preseason game against the Joliet Buccaneers.

“Our defense has not allowed a single point in two hours of play and three OTs from the 20-yard line. That’s hard to do for any football team, especially when the best defensive team in the NFL (San Francisco 49ers) gave up 17.2 ppg. What’s amazing is we have had about 17-18 different defenders out there at different times.” 

River City has a bye this weekend and there is a league-wide off week on Memorial Day weekend.

The Sharks return to the field on June 3 for their home opener at Wilson Field in Collinsville against the Indy Bison.

Indy beat the Fort Wayne Tigers 43-14 Saturday.