With 19 weeks in the books, the Pittsburgh Power return home this Friday for their final game of the season. After finishing off the Georgia Force last weekend, the Power sit at 5-12 looking to get their fourth season win against South Division opponents as the defending champion Jacksonville Sharks come into town.

After a strong output from the Power in Georgia that yielded a 58-41 victory, the Power have decided to remove the “interim” tag from Coach Derek Stingley’s tittle giving him the reigns for the 2013 season. Stingley has been a huge part of a turnaround for the team that has earned three victories since he became head coach in Week 11.

The Power utilized a balanced game plan in their victory over Georgia gaining 285 yards of total offense. Andrico Hines threw for 266 yards and six touchdowns. Mike Washington hauled in four receiving touchdowns while P.J. Berry added another three scores for the Power.

Pittsburgh’s defense also stepped up, stopping the Force offense on five of their 11 possessions. Christian Wise has been a huge part of Pittsburgh’s defensive effort hauling in three interceptions in two weeks.

“Turnovers and stops, that’s what Sting preaches,” Wise said. “These past two games have been nothing but organized chaos and constant aggression.”

Jacksonville defeated the Orlando Predators last week by a score of 48-30 giving them their third straight playoff berth. The win was their second straight moving them to a game above .500 on the season.

Wise is pumped for a chance to play against a good playoff team and ArenaBowl defending champions.

“It doesn’t matter if they’re the defending champions,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if they have a playoff berth. We want to come to finish this season with a win.”

Jacksonville is led by former Power quarterback Bernard Morris who has thrown for 2,233 yards and 51 touchdowns on the season.

“He’s very athletic,” Stingley said. “He can make plays and naturally with his legs. Third and fourth downs will be key for us to keep him in the pocket because we don’t want to extend the drives.”

The Sharks come in as the league’s second worst passing offense and will have their hands full playing Pittsburgh who ranks first in total defense.

“It took a while, but things are clicking on all cylinders now,” Wise said. “We plan to come out this Friday and do the same thing.”

“I want to go out as a winner,” Stingley added. “Not necessarily our win-loss record but to at least win our last game to where looking forward we can pick up where we left of for a new season.”

Practice Notes

After being ejected from last week’s game, Bryan Williams has been suspended for this week’s contest. The secondary will be led by Chris LeFlore, Christian Wise and Davion Mitchell. If John Green needs to be moved into the secondary, A.J. Jackson will take his place at jack linebacker.

Happy with kicker Ryan Gates performance? You can possibly expect a better one this week. After competing for the job last week, Coach Stingley says they might have overused his leg. He should be more rested up and ready for Jacksonville this week.

Quotes of the Week

Christian Wise has been with Coach Stingley since his days in South Georgia.

“Congratulations to him for getting a head coaching job. I’ve always believed in him since he found me in 2008 at South Georgia. He’s always been a great coach.”

Coach Sting is ready for Jacksonville’s best effort knowing they can still lock up the South Division.

“If they win this one they can still win their division. By us knowing we’re going to get their best, I’m willing and ready for us to give them our best as well.”

Game Information

Jacksonville Sharks (9-8)

Last Game: W vs. Orlando 48-30

Player to Watch: Terrance Smith- Smith has been balling for the Sharks this season. Smith has 100 receptions, 30 of which have gone for scores. Special teams also has to watch out. Smith has three returns for scores as well.

Game Time: Kickoff from CONSOL Energy Center is Friday night at 8 p.m. The game will be broadcasted on NFL Network as well as TribLive Radio and our Ustream Page.