Defense The Key In San Jose's Win
May 11, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
TAMPA, Fla. (May 11, 2003) -- The San Jose SaberCats secured a first round playoff bye and matched the Storm, Los Angeles Avengers and Orlando Predators for the best record in the Arena Football League with a 47-34 win over Tampa Bay on Sunday afternoon.
The teams played through a scoreless first quarter in what was a defensive battle.
Barry Wagner got the SaberCats on the board early in the second quarter scoring on a 2-yard run. San Jose would never trail in beating the Storm for a third straight time.
A wild play at the end of the half resulted in a score for San Jose. Daron Alcorn misfired on a field goal attempt and the ball caromed off the net with James Williams falling on it in Tampa Bay's endzone for a touchdown and a 17-6 lead at the break.
Clevan Thomas, the game's MVP, took the opening kickoff of the second half 57-yards for a score and the SaberCats had a 24-6 lead. Thomas also led the SaberCats defense by intercepting his 12th pass of the season, tying a league record, and posting six pass breakups.
George Williams picked off a John Kaleo offering and rumbled 10 yards for a score to give the SaberCats a 38-14 lead entering the final 15 minutes.
Kaleo finished the game completing just 15 of 41 attempts for 260 yards, 188 of those coming in the second half when his team was playing catch up. He also threw a season-high three interceptions.
The SaberCats conclude the 2003 season at home on Saturday, May 17, against the Los Angeles Avengers in a game that will decide the Western Division champion and, perhaps, the top seed for the playoffs.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 11, 2003
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- 'Birds Remain In Playoff Contention - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
- Defense The Key In San Jose's Win - San Jose SaberCats
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