In 2010, the Jacksonville Axemen Rugby League team went undefeated in their regular and post season play. Lead by local sensation Apple Pope (USA Tomahawks Captain), the Axemen put a hurting on every team they played. In some cases, the games were blow-outs to where the Axemen would have huge leads going into the final minutes of the game. In the Grand Final, the Axemen proved they were the best by beating the Philadelpha Fight, also by a large margin. In most recent years, the Axemen have been trying to get back in the Championship form and have the squad to do it. Look out for there games this summer, starting in early June. Check out http://www.jaxaxe.com/ for more details.
In 2011, the Jacksonville Sharks showed what it took to be a champion. Only being around for a year gave the Sharks an edge because opposition did not know what to expect. Lead by veteran Quarterback Aaron Garcia, the Sharks polverized their competition, both on the ground and in the air. They had one of the best offenses in the league and werent too shabby on the defensive end either. I still remember watching the ArenaBowl that year at the local Alehouse. The game kept going back and forth all the way until the final seconds. It was a hail mary pass to WR Jeron Harvey, which he caught the ball and ended the game with the victory. It has to be one of the most memorable moment in ArenaBowl history. With the retirement of Aaron Garcia, the Sharks have been set-back this season. They are playing right now if you want to go watch. Check out http://www.jaxsharks.com/ to get full coverage and schedules of the games.
Now we are in 2012 where our own Jacksonville Giants showed up. The Giants have also been around for only a year AND were coming off a undefeated season that fell short in the Final game. But the Giants would not let that hold them down. Their team stayed pretty consistent with their starting five, aside from a few players leaving. The Giants did not get a undefeated record, but that did not matter. They wanted to bring a title back to Jacksonville. They ran through the playoffs and came back home with the hardware (pictured). Look for more Giants basketball around the beginning of December. Check out their site for more updates http://www.jacksonvillegiants.com/
So who is next? I bet every reader is hoping the Jacksonville Jaguars. But what about some minor league teams? Maybe the Jacksonville Suns? Or maybe it could be a local college that comes back with the National Title. All I do know is that there is some competition brewing up in Jacksonville, and I am loving it!