SaberCats Weekly Update

Published on April 23, 2012 under Arena Football League (AFL)
San Jose SaberCats News Release


Misc. Notes

This Week: Saturday - San Jose SaberCats (4-2) at Iowa Barnstormers (3-3) at 5:05 p.m. PT at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa. The game can be seen live on CSN and heard live on KNBR 1050

Last Game:

San Jose SaberCats 49 Kansas City Command 35 at HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.

The San Jose SaberCats (4-2) knocked off the Kansas City Command (0-5) 49-35, in front of 9,432 fans at HP Pavilion on Saturday night. Quarterback Mark Grieb finished his night completing 24-29 passes for 315 yards and six touchdowns, and was named the National Guard MVP of the Game. Wide receiver James Roe hauled in seven passes for 88 yards and one touchdown, wide receiver Samora Goodson caught six passes for 77 yards and two scores and three other SaberCats recorded touchdown receptions. The defense again posted a great performance, holding the Command offense to just 35 points. Kansas City's struggling offense came out firing, as quarterback Matt Gutierrez hit wide receiver Bret Smith for a 26-yard touchdown pass on the first play from scrimmage in the first quarter, giving the Command an early 6-0 lead after an unsuccessful extra point attempt. San Jose responded quickly behind future Arena Football League Hall of Fame quarterback Grieb. The 12-year veteran completed a pass to wide receiver Samora Goodson, who cut back sharply, caused two Command defenders to miss the tackle, and ran into the end zone for the 18-yard touchdown. Gutierrez went right back to Smith for a second 26-yard scoring strike, and Grieb connected with wide receiver James Roe for a 22-yard touchdown, giving San Jose a 14-13 advantage. After Kansas City opened the second quarter scoring with a 20-yard field goal, the Command recovered a SaberCats' fumble and attempted a second field goal. The ensuing kick was blocked by SaberCats defensive lineman Tim McGill, however, setting up SaberCats' possession at the Command 17-yard line. On the next play, Grieb found offensive lineman Mark Lewis who rumbled in for the score, giving the "˜Cats a 21-16 lead. A touchdown catch by wide receiver Bradly Chavez gave Kansas City a brief lead, but with three seconds left in the half, Grieb scrambled and hit wide receiver Hank Edwards for the receiver's 99th career touchdown reception, putting San Jose up 28-22 at the midway point. Kansas City once again grabbed momentum early in the half, as defensive back Sergio Gilliam picked off a pass and ran it back for a 51-yard touchdown return, moving Kansas City into the lead, 29-28. Pressured by the Command defensive line, Grieb was once again intercepted by Gilliam, but "˜Cats defensive back Andre Jones responded with an interception of his own on a deep out pass in the back corner of the end zone. Grieb rebounded for a 36-yard scoring strike to wide receiver Ben Nelson, putting San Jose back in front 35-29. Gutierrez found Smith for the tandem's third touchdown connection of the night, and after the missed extra point attempt, the score was knotted at 35-35. San Jose pushed down field, and wide receiver Huey Whittaker capped the drive with a two-yard run, putting San Jose in front 42-35 after three quarters.

San Jose took advantage of their third forced turnover on the night, leading to a Goodson 16-yard score which stretched the "˜Cats lead to 49-35. Overall, San Jose turned in a tremendous effort defensively, with linebacker Francis Maka and defensive lineman Joe Sykes each collecting two sacks in addition to constant defensive pressure that kept Gutierrez on the move the entire night. In the final minute of play, the "˜Cats defensive hung tough once again, stopping the Command on downs and closing out its third straight home win and 30th out of its last 35 regular season games.

Last Matchup vs. Iowa:

San Jose SaberCats 69 Iowa Barnstormers 76 at HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. on April 1, 2011

A Friday night shootout between the San Jose SaberCats and Iowa Barnstormers ended in a 76-69 victory for the visiting Barnstormers as the SaberCats fell to 2-2 on the season. SaberCats quarterback Mark Grieb finished the game with 391 yards and nine touchdowns through the air. The Barnstormers were led by quarterback Brad Banks, who threw for 383 yards and had 11 total touchdowns (ten passing, one rushing). The SaberCats wasted no time scoring a touchdown in Grieb's 100th consecutive Arena Football League start on a 17-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Nichiren Flowers, who tied a single-game career high with four touchdown receptions. Iowa struck back with a touchdown of their own on a short pass to wide receiver Errick McCown. The Barnstormers recovered a SaberCats fumble on the ensuing drive and turned it into a seven point lead after a two-play drive was capped by a touchdown pass from Banks to wide receiver Todd Blythe. San Jose answered with the second touchdown pass of the game from Grieb to Flowers, putting the SaberCats up 14-13, made possible thanks to a one-handed catch by Goodson on the previous play in a fourth and long situation. Following an Iowa touchdown and second missed extra point of the game, the SaberCats answered with an 18-yard connection from Grieb to fullback Chad Cook. The teams then traded touchdowns and Grieb connected with Goodson for a 23-yard score to give the "˜Cats a 28-27 lead. After Iowa regained the lead 34-28, offensive lineman Mark Lewis hauled in his second touchdown reception of the season to tie the game at 34 at halftime. Goodson finished with career-highs in receptions (10) and receiving touchdowns (two). Iowa kicked off the second half with a touchdown on the first play regaining a seven point lead before Flowers caught his third touchdown of the game for San Jose in the corner of the end zone to knot the game at 41. Following another Iowa touchdown the SaberCats drove the length of the field scoring on another Cook touchdown run, his eighth rushing touchdown of the season to knot the game at 48 following the third stanza. Iowa struck back with a touchdown pass to wide receiver Jesse Schmidt, who led the Barnstormers with 178 yards on 12 receptions for six touchdowns. The SaberCats answered back quickly when wide receiver Burl Toler caught his first career touchdown, a 47-yard strike from Grieb, to even the score at 55. Another Iowa touchdown put the Barnstormers ahead by seven before the SaberCats answered with the fourth touchdown reception of the game for Flowers. With the score tied at 62, Iowa connected on a deep touchdown pass, pulling ahead 69-62. An Iowa interception gave the Barnstormers the ball near midfield, and after advancing inside the ten-yard line, SaberCats defensive lineman Chris Perri forced a fumble that was recovered by San Jose. The "˜Cats were unable to convert on a fourth down, and Iowa regained possession of the ball with less than three minutes remaining. Banks rushed for a touchdown to extend the Iowa lead to 14 points. Grieb connected with Goodson for a touchdown to pull the "˜Cats within seven with 28 seconds remaining. An unsuccessful onside kick attempt by San Jose allowed Iowa to run out the clock and preserve the seven point victory.

SJ-Iowa Connections

"The Doctor" Knows Iowa

Current SaberCats kicker and owner of a PhD degree Nich Pertuit will face off against the Iowa Barnstormers, a team he kicked for last season. Pertuit appeared in ten games for Iowa, converting 53-64 extra points (83%) and 6-11 field goals, he finished fourth on the team in scoring, posting 71 points.

The Simpson(s)

Barnstormers defensive back Jason Simpson is tied for the league lead in interceptions with five. San Jose must be cognizant of his play-making ability in order to exploit the Iowa secondary.

Something about Schmidt

The SaberCats defense must be ready to shut down one of the league's top receiving threats-Iowa wide receiver Jesse Schmidt. Currently, Schmidt is third in the league in touchdowns with 17 and also ranks second in the league with 50 receptions.

Bull(ish) Behavior

SaberCats wide receiver Huey Whittaker attended the Univ. of South Florida from 2001-03, starting in 21 games for the Bulls, while also hauling in 117 receptions for 1,447 yards and seven touchdowns. Another South Florida Bull will be on the other side of the football, playing defense for the Iowa Barnstormers. Defensive lineman David Bedford also played for the Bulls from 2008-2010 where in 32 career games he compiled 52 tackles, including seven for loss and two-and-a-half sacks.

Back in "˜97

During the 1997 season, the SaberCats faced the Iowa Barnstormers in the playoffs. Unfortunately San Jose lost the game 68-59, Iowa eventually ended up making it to the ArenaBowl that season. It is the only time that the two teams have faced each other in the postseason.

Sack Attack

The SaberCats have the top three active sack leaders on their defensive line; Jermaine Smith (46.0 career sacks and currently on injured reserve), Gabe Nyenhuis (33.0 career sacks) and Tim McGill (28.0 career sacks).

Meet Me at the Quarterback

San Jose applied constant pressure on Kansas City Command quarterback Matt Gutierrez on Saturday night, recording five total sacks, and six quarterback hurries. San Jose has now recorded a total of 15 sacks in just six games, which ranks second in the Arena Football League, behind only the Utah Blaze (21).

Maka Wreaks Havoc

SaberCats linebacker Francis Maka continued his hot start to the 2012 season, recording two sacks and recovering one fumble on Saturday night in the win over the Kansas City Command. Maka now has a total of five-and-a-half sacks on the season tied for fourth in the league. He has also forced one fumble and recovered two more.

Sykes Sacks

SaberCats defensive lineman Joe Sykes posted two more sacks this past Saturday night at the Kansas City Command, giving him six on the season. He is tied for second in the Arena Football League along with the Spokane Shock's Jeremy Geathers and just behind Utah Blaze defensive lineman Mike Smith (nine).

Offensive Juggernaut

After finishing sixth in scoring offense in 2011, San Jose is currently second in the Arena Football League at 63.2 points per game for the 2012 campaign. The team is also first in total offense with 336.0 yards per game. In their season-opening win over archrival Arizona, they racked up 71 points. Following a bye week, San Jose tallied 59 in a loss at Utah. They then posted 69 points in a win over the Spokane Shock, a season-high 76 in their win over San Antonio, 55 in a loss at Philadelphia and 49 this past Saturday in a win over Kansas City. Quarterback Mark Grieb has thrown for 1,910 yards and 38 touchdowns. Wide receiver Ben Nelson leads San Jose with 654 yards receiving and 13 touchdowns, after catching three in each of his first four games.

Air Strike

The SaberCats' offensive success can primarily be attributed to their prowess through the air, as the team is second in the league in passing offense at 315.7 yards per game. Quarterback Mark Grieb has continued cementing his place among the game's elite quarterbacks, and is averaging 318.3 yards per game and is second behind only Arizona quarterback Nick Davila. Grieb and Ben Nelson have continued their excellent chemistry from years past, and Nelson is among the league leaders in receiving touchdowns (13). Additionally, Grieb has displayed confidence in receivers James Roe, Samora Goodson and Huey Whittaker, as each have already come up with big plays during the young season.

The Ultimate Target

When talking about wide receivers and receiving records for the SaberCats, one name stands alone, and that name is James Roe. Entering his 11th season with San Jose, Roe holds multiple receiving records for the team, including: receptions (850), receiving yards (10,414) and touchdown catches (257). From 2003-2005 Roe made three straight All-Ironman Teams, was ArenaBowl XVIII Ironman award winner with five receiving touchdowns, and is second in SaberCats history in games played, behind only quarterback Mark Grieb.

New DB's Making Immediate Impact

Defensive backs Vince Hill and Andre Jones were brought in from Arizona and Milwaukee, respectively, to bolster the SaberCats secondary in 2012. Their impact has been immediate, and the pair find themselves near the top of the league leaders in tackles. Hill is fifth in the Arena Football League with 40.0 total tackles, (32 solo and 16 assisted tackles) along with three interceptions. Jones is right behind his teammate with 37.0 total tackles, (31 solo and 12 assisted tackles) along with one interception.

Jones Gets his First

SaberCats defensive back Andre Jones recorded his first interception of his SaberCats career, intercepting Kansas City Command quarterback Matt Gutierrez in the third quarter of San Jose's 49-35 win on Saturday night.

Hill Moves into Team Lead

SaberCats defensive back Vince Hill intercepted his third pass of the season on Saturday night in a win over the Kansas City Command. Hill is now in the team lead, as his fourth quarter pick helped solidify San Jose's fourth win of 2012, setting up their final score.

Offensive Line Stands Tall

The SaberCats have allowed just eight sacks through the first six games. San Jose's offensive line features two new SaberCats: 2011's Spalding Offensive Lineman of the Year Rich Ranglin and Emmanuel Akah, and returning SaberCats Mark Lewis and Robbie Powell. The group has adeptly protected quarterback Mark Grieb, affording him time to spot open receivers and drive the "˜Cats downfield.

Lewis Showing Versatility

San Jose offensive lineman Mark Lewis does more than just protect his quarterback Mark Grieb. He has now found the end zone in four consecutive games after his 17-yard touchdown reception on Saturday in the SaberCats 49-35 win over the Kansas City Command. In addition to his three rushing scores on the year, Lewis has factored in the passing game as well, having posted four catches for 71 yards on the year and the touchdown against Kansas City.

Goodson Grabs Two (Again)

SaberCats wide receiver Samora Goodson caught two touchdowns for the second straight week this past Saturday against the Kansas City Command, finishing his day with six receptions for 77 yards. Goodson now is the team's second leading receiver, posting 36 catches for 433 yards and seven scores.

Edwards Nears 100

SaberCats wide receiver Hank Edwards made a diving 11-yard touchdown reception with three seconds remaining in the first half on Saturday against the Kansas City Command. He finished with five catches for 45 yards and the score, the 99th of his career. Edwards could potentially hit the 100 mark this Saturday against the Iowa Barnstormers.

Spreading the Wealth

San Jose quarterback Mark Grieb certainly spread the ball around this past Saturday, as five different receivers hauled in touchdown passes in the 49-35 win over the Kansas City Command. Grieb threw for over 300 yards for the fourth time this season.

2012 Season Tickets are on Sale Now

Pro-rated season ticket packages for the 2012 San Jose SaberCats season are on sale now, starting as low as $60. The SaberCats regular season package consists of the six remaining home games at HP Pavilion, and benefits include: an invite to the SaberCats annual team Barbeque/Meet and Greet with the SaberCats players, coaches and the SaberKittens, an exclusive invitation to monthly meet and greets with Hall of Fame Coach Darren Arbet, a special Season Ticket Holders Pin and ID Card, tickets are priced less than individual game tickets, a huge savings over the course of the season, the ability to purchase extra tickets to any game at 50% off the individual game ticket price and season ticket holders receive a 15% discount on merchandise purchased online or at the Sharks Store at the HP Pavilion. For more information or to get your season tickets today, click here, or call 408-673-3400.

Individual Game Tickets are on Sale Now

The San Jose SaberCats announced that individual tickets are on sale now and can be purchased for as low as $12 per ticket. The SaberCats next home game is on Friday, May 11 against the Utah Blaze at 7:30 p.m. PT at HP Pavilion in San Jose. Individual tickets can be purchased by visiting ticketmaster.com, through the HP Pavilion box office, by phone at 1-800-745-3000, or at any Ticketmaster outlet locations.

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Arena Football League Stories from April 23, 2012


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