Last Second TD Pass Lifts San Jose To 62-55 Win
April 4, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
Tampa, Fla. (April 4, 2004) - James Roe caught a San Jose game record seven touchdown passes, including the game-winner with seven seconds left in regulation, and the SaberCats edged the defending ArenaBowl champion Tampa Bay Storm, 62-55, Sunday afternoon.
Mark Grieb matched a San Jose record and career-high with nine scoring passes and completed 27-of-34 for 351 yards. He tossed six TD passes in the second half to help the SaberCats overcome a 17-point halftime deficit.
Lawrence Samuels help stake the Storm to a quick 14-0 lead. He caught a 10-yard scoring pass from Shane Stafford on the first offensive possession of the game and recovered a loose ball for a net recovery touchdown on the ensuing kickoff.
A 30-yard Stafford to T.T. Toliver scoring play with eight seconds left in the first half gave Tampa Bay a 38-21 lead at the break. San Jose lost two fumbles and failed on a field goal attempt after a bad center snap in the first half.
Roe scored all three San Jose touchdowns in the third quarter on grabs of 10, 12 and 29 yards and his sixth TD catch of the game, a 6-yarder with 12:28 remaining in the game, gave the SaberCats their first lead of the game at 48-45.
Following a Grieb to Fred Coleman scoring toss of 26 yards, Storm kicker Matt George tied the game at 52-52 by connecting on a 21-yard field goal with 28 seconds left in the fourth.
Grieb completed three consecutive passes to march San Jose from their own 5-yard line to the Tampa Bay seven setting up the game-winner.
Roe, the Offensive Player of the Game, led all players with 11 receptions for 158 yards.
San Jose defensive specialist Omarr Smith, who played with Tampa Bay last season, intercepted a desperation Stafford pass at the final horn. It was the 10th career interception for Smith as a SaberCat, tying him with Herschel Currie for fifth place on the team's career list.
San Jose has now won four straight on the season and four consecutive games over Tampa Bay. The SaberCats return to action on Saturday, April 10 when they travel to Dallas to face the Desperados.
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