SaberCats battle Rampage in joint practice
January 16, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
SAN JOSE, Calif. (Jan. 16, 2006) - The two-time Arena Bowl Champion San Jose SaberCats began their second week of training camp on Monday hosting the Grand Rapids Rampage in a joint practice session at Sartatoga High School.
The teams conclude their two-day joint practice session with a scrimmage game Tuesday at HP Pavilion in a live-game setting.
Quarterback Stoney Case likes the idea of finally playing a real opponent. "I am looking forward to it. It will be the real test to see what we look like."
The late morning practice session was a spirited affair that saw several skirmishes breakout among the team's linemen. San Jose line coach Dave Witthun put things in perspective. "I thought the practice went real well. It made me feel like we got something accomplished in camp."
"It just feels really good to beat up on somebody else besides ourselves," said FB/LB Brian Johnson.
"Today gave us a chance to get a good look at some guys who really stepped up," said Fullback/ Linebacker coach Derrick Chachere. "It's good to get some live opponents because our guys look at each other and think you're my brother as a teammate, so I'm not going to give you everything I have."
SCRIMMAGE UPDATE: MEDIA ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND
The SaberCats will face the Rampage tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. in a scrimmage at the HP Pavilion. The contest is closed to the public but media looking to get a first-hand look at the SaberCats are welcome to attend. If you want to witness the action, call or email the SaberCats media relations department to be included on the list of people for access to the arena. Entry to HP Pavilion will be through the security/employee entrance in the rear of HP Pavilion next to the service loading dock area.
ROOKIE TRIES TO EARN HIS WINGS
For former Stanford Cardinal quarterback Chris Lewis, today was the start of a whole new football career. "It's a learning experience, this whole time getting used to a different game. It's fun, a little more competitive, gets the juices flowing a little bit."
Today was a new experience for Lewis but he got a little help from his offensive lineman. "They were going crazy, getting in little shoving matches. You always feed of that, as a quarterback you try to stay calm and collected, but when that kind of stuff goes on, the juices fly a little more and you want to get in there and throw a little shoulder yourself."
With the practice against the Grand Rapids Rampage under the rookie's belt, Lewis sets his sights towards tomorrow's scrimmage. "This is what I've been waiting for, to get a chance to play in a real live situation and see how I do."
TICKETS
The SaberCats open their 12th season in the Arena Football League on Saturday, January 28 when they host the expansion Utah Blaze. Season and group tickets for the 2006 season are available by contacting a sales representative at (408) 573-5577. Individual game tickets range in price from $15 to $50 and can be purchased through any Northern California Ticketmaster outlet, online at ticketmaster.com or at the HP Pavilion box office. More information is also available at http://www.sanjosesabercats.com.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from January 16, 2006
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