Portland Faces 4-0 SaberCats in Second Pacific Division Match-Up

April 21, 2015 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Portland Thunder News Release


PORTLAND -The Thunder (2-2, 1-0 in Pacific) head out for their second of three consecutive away games this Saturday, traveling to San Jose to face the 4-0 SaberCats from the SAP Center. Kickoff is set for 7:30pm. Fans can listen on 750 AM The Game (102.9 FM) starting at 7:00pm, and watch live on ESPN 3 or the WatchESPN.com app.

The Thunder head to central California for just the second time in what will be the fourth meeting between the two clubs. 0-3 all-time against the SaberCats, the Thunder found tough sledding their last time out against the three-time ArenaBowl Champions. Portland dropped a 64-27 decision in San Jose in Week 10 last season. This weekend's match-up is the first of three games for the Thunder against their Pacific Division rival, and the first divisional game for San Jose this season. The Thunder are 1-0 in the Pacific following their 47-43 victory over the Spokane Shock Week 3.

Portland will look to use this game as a litmus test following a difficult Week 4 loss to the Arizona Rattlers. "We played hard enough, I just don't think we played well enough," was the judgement from Head Coach Mike Hohensee regarding the Thunder's performance. The numbers from the night reflect that gritty effort against the defending champions, with positive showings again from receivers Jamar Howard and V'Keon Lacey, and jack linebacker Bryce Peila.

Peila forced his third turnover in two games, intercepting Arizona QB Nick Davila in the second quarter, just the third interception this season thrown by the Rattler signal caller. Howard tallied his fourth straight 100+ yard receiving performance to start the 2015 season, catching nine balls for 138 yards and four touchdowns, while Lacey recorded his second straight 100+ yard performance, gathering eight passes for 108 yards and two scores.

To ensure success against San Jose, Portland's defensive front must look to disrupt SaberCat QB Erik Meyer. A great manager of the game, Meyer has done well settling in to his new role with San Jose, completing over 60% of his passes while boasting one of the league's best touchdown to interception ratios (21 TD to 1 INT). Thunder DE Marquis Jackson will look to add to his league leading sack (4), and team leading pass break up (7) total to help deter the former Spokane Shock signal caller.

Despite the relatively short history between the teams, the family ties run very deep. The Thunder's first ever game was against San Jose, a 64-34 loss. Former Thunder DL Donte Paige-Moss is now a member of the San Jose Sabercats following a preseason trade for OL Jordan Mudge. DB Eric Crocker started in all 18 games last season for the Portland Thunder prior to signing with the 'Cats this offseason.

Transactions: The Thunder made two additions this week that will likely play a part in this weekend's proceedings. DB Quincy Butler was assigned to the team on April 16, and brings over eight seasons of NFL and CFL experience to the Thunder backfield. It is likely we will see the former TCU standout in action due to DB Andre' Martin's trip to IR.

Portland also added to its already proficient receiving corps, acquiring 2012 AFL Rookie of the Year Jared Perry from the Arizona. Perry totaled 11 catches for 170 yards and two scores in two games for the Rattlers this season, prior to his reassignment.



Arena Football League Stories from April 21, 2015


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