Gladiators Battle Division Rival on Monday
February 3, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Las Vegas Gladiators News Release
The Gladiators will kickoff the home part of their schedule on Monday February 6th, as they will take on the San Jose SaberCats at the Thomas & Mack Center. This game will also be the first Western Division game for the Gladiators who look to even their record at 1-1.
The SaberCats come into the game looking to win their first game of the season, after they lost to the Utah Blaze 48-35 on Saturday night in San Jose. The win for the Blaze was their first in franchise history. The SaberCats are 0-1 in Western Division games with that loss.
On the first offensive drive of the game, the SaberCats lost their key WR/LB James Roe who was injured on QB Mark Grieb's first pass of the season. The pass was completed for a touchdown to give San Jose a 7-0 lead, but Roe would not return the rest of the game. In the first quarter both teams scored two touchdowns and the game was tied at 14.
The second quarter was the decisive quarter in this game as well, as the expansion Blaze outscored the SaberCats 17-0 in the quarter. The Blaze were led by the spectacular play of QB Joe Germaine who finished the game 17-27 for 199 yards and five touchdowns. Germaine was named Offensive Player of the game for his performance.
The SaberCats come into the season with high expectations once again, as they have made the playoffs every year since 1996. This year they are looking to keep that streak alive. The Sabercats go on the road for five straight road games.
The Sabercats come into the 2006 season with much of the core team that has had a lot of success over the past several seasons which have included two of the last four ArenaBowl championships.
The Sabercats will once again be led by first team All-Arena QB Mark Grieb, who had an AFL record 4,796 yards passing last season. WR/DB Charles Pauley returns to the SaberCats as well after playing for the Chicago Rush last season.
On the defensive side of the ball the Sabercats are looking to improve a defense that was ranked 11th in points scored last season. Defensivley, DS Clevan Thomas will also be a key player in the secondary as he became the San Jose franchise leader with 25 career interceptions. His six interceptions last season were good for the team lead, as well as tied for fifth in the AFL.
Both teams come into this game hungry for their first win of the season. With the SaberCats coming into this game already being 0-1 in the division and playing five straight on the road, it is important that the Gladiators defense comes ready to play.
Gladiators' 2006 season seats are now on sale. Fans interested in purchasing Gladiators' season seats can do so by calling the Gladiators office at 702-731-4977 or by going online at www.UNLVtickets.com.
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