Rush Throttles SaberCats, 70-47, In Season Opener
Published on March 3, 2008 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
Rosemont, Ill. (Mar. 3, 2008) - Chicago's newest additions were on display in the Rush's 70-47 opening night Arena Football League victory over the San Jose SaberCats on Monday night.
Quarterback Sherdrick Bonner, who spent the first 14 seasons of his AFL career with Arizona, threw for 261 yards and six touchdowns, Damian Harrell had 128 yards and two scores on five catches and fullback Dan Alexander ran for 11 yards and a touchdown to help the rush post its first season opening win since 2004.
San Jose committed five turnovers in a game for the first time since the 1999 season and all five led to Chicago scores, including four in the second half, as the Rush blew open a close game at halftime.
After falling behind by 14 points just two-and-a-half minutes into the game, the SaberCats rallied and took their first lead of the game, 21-14, on a 6-yard Mark Grieb to Rodney Wright scoring pass early in the second quarter.
A career-long 45 yard field goal by A.J. Haglund pulled San Jose to within 28-27 at halftime, but consecutive turnovers to start the second half doomed the SaberCats. Dennison Robinson's interception led to a 33-yard Harrell TD catch and a James Roe fumble after a 13-yard gain resulted in a spectacular one-handed scoring catch by Travis LaTendresse giving Chicago a 42-27 lead.
San Jose quarterback Mark Grieb threw for 353 yards and five touchdowns on 35-of-46 passing, but was intercepted three times. San Jose also fumbled the ball five times losing it twice.
San Jose's receivers all had big nights with James Roe and Rodney Wright each catching 12 balls and Cleannord Saintil adding a career-best 10 catches for 129 yards.
San Jose travels to Grand Rapids next Monday before returning home for its opener on March 15 against division rival Arizona.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 3, 2008
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