Offense clicks in scrimmage with Grand Rapids
Published on February 16, 2007 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
SAN JOSE, Calif. (Feb. 16, 2007) - The San Jose SaberCats scored eight offensive touchdowns and the defense forced a pair of turnovers and twice stopped Grand Rapids on fourth down conversion attempts as the two squads participated in a preseason scrimmage Thursday night before 2,566 fans at Stockton Arena.
"It was more than we expected," said SaberCats head coach and general manager Darren Arbet of his team's play. "Being the first real game-type setting for many of these guys, they performed with a lot of confidence and emotion."
San Jose's three quarterbacks combined to complete 26-of-31 passes for 228 yards and four touchdowns, rookie FB Shawn Willis scored three rushing touchdowns and the team scored eight times in their 10 possessions.
The only real blemish for the offensive unit came when Craig Whelihan's second quarter pass was intercepted and returned 12-yards for a score by Ronney Daniels after DL Chukie Nworkie deflected the ball at the line of scrimmage. Whelihan ended his night completing 11-of-14 passes for 96 yards and a score.
Mark Grieb played the first two series for the SaberCats completing 5-of-7 attempts and ended each drive with a scoring pass. Former San Jose State standout Scott Rislov completed all 10 of his attempts for 75 yards and a touchdown over the final quarter and a half.
Nine different players caught a pass with Ben Nelson, Burl Toler, Jason Geathers, Rufus Skillern and Cleannord Saintil each hauling down four. Saintil and Clevan Thomas each intercepted a pass on defense.
IRONMEN
If some think the new free substitution rule means the end of Ironman football, they should think again. Several SaberCats played on both sides of the ball during their scrimmage with Grand Rapids, including rookie Steve Watson, who saw action at fullback, linebacker and on the defensive line. "The coaches have put a lot of responsibility on my shoulders and I love it," Watson said. "I love being able to step in, rise to the occasion and hopefully I won't disappoint."
Watson scored a touchdown on his only official rush attempt, caught a 10-yard pass and was credited with 2.0 tackles on defense. "It felt good to get out here and play with these guys," he said. "We got a chance to see how our team looked and fortunately our team is one of the top in the league so I felt very prepared stepping into this one."
ROUGH START
Opening the scrimmage on defense, the SaberCats committed four penalties for 23 yards on the Rampage's opening drive, which resulted in a touchdown. "I don't think it was a discipline problem," said Arbet, "I think the guys were just excited to get on the field."
San Jose was flagged for 13 penalties resulting in 84 yards while the Rampage was whistled for 10 penalties for 57 yards.
SOPHOMORE JINX?
If Thursday's scrimmage is any indication, don't look for WR Ben Nelson to be a victim of the sophomore jinx. The 2006 AFL Rookie of the Year caught four passes, including a pair of spectacular touchdown grabs, totaling 73 yards. After dropping a pass on San Jose's first offensive play, Nelson atoned by slipping behind Rampage defender Jonathan Ordway and making a one-hand grad in the corner of the endzone for San Jose's first score.
"I'm just doing my job," Nelson said nonchalantly.
STARTERS
San Jose's starting offensive unit consisted of Dan Loney (C), Patrick Afif (OL), Todd Williams (OL), Jason Geathers (WR), James Roe (WR), Ben Nelson (WR), Mark Grieb (QB) and Phil Glover (FB). On defense the SaberCats started Alan Harper (DL), George Williams (NG), Ronald Jones (DL), Steve Watson (LB), Jason Geathers (LB), Omarr Smith (DB), Clevan Thomas (DB) and Marquis Floyd (DB).
CAMP PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Following an off day on Saturday the SaberCats resume with two-a-day practices Sunday and Monday. The team has six more days of practice before camp breaks on Saturday, Feb. 24. All local practice sessions are open to the media and public with times subject to change. Contact the SaberCats' media relations department for up-to-date practice information (408) 573-5587. Players and coaches will be made available for interviews at the conclusion of each practice session
Training Camp Practice Schedule
Sat., Feb. 17 Off Day
Sun., Feb. 18 9:00 am - 10:45 am 3:00 pm - 4:50 pm
Mon., Feb. 19 9:00 am - 10:45 am 3:00 pm - 4:50 pm
Tue., Feb. 20 9:00 am - 10:45 am
Wed., Feb. 21 9:00 am - 10:45 am 3:00 pm - 4:50 pm
Thu., Feb. 22 9:00 am - 10:45 am
Fri., Feb. 23 9:00 am - 10:45 am
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 16, 2007
- Georgia Force Training Camp Report - Georgia Force
- Offense clicks in scrimmage with Grand Rapids - San Jose SaberCats
- Blaze announce FanFest 2007 - Utah Blaze
- Desperados to scrimmage Austin Wranglers - Dallas Desperados
- Rampage Fall to SaberCats in Preseason Scrimmage, 56-29 - Grand Rapids Rampage
- Columbus Destroyers Sign WR Mark Philmore - Columbus Destroyers
- Destroyers to hold scrimmage at Nationwide Arena Tuesday - Columbus Destroyers
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