SaberCats charm Rattlers, 63-43, in home opener
Published on March 16, 2008 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
SAN JOSE, Calif. (March 15, 2008) - HP Pavilion, better known as 'Cats Lair, is a notoriously tough place to play. The San Jose defense forced five turnovers, as the SaberCats won their 15th consecutive regular season home game in Week 3 of Arena Football on Saturday night over the Arizona Rattlers, 63-43.
Each of the three SaberCats' defensive backs recorded an INT in the contest, with Clevan Thomas earning Defensive Player of the Game honors after collecting 4.5 tackles, a fumble recovery which he returned 16 yards for a TD, and 3 PBUs.
The 'Cats offense was just as dangerous, scoring seven touchdowns, three by air, and four on the ground. Quarterback Mark Grieb completed 20 passes for 264 yards and three touchdowns. Cleannord Santil caught 6 passes for 110 yards and scored two touchdowns.
"I'm in my second year and I am still learning bit by bit, but I felt good out there tonight," stated Saintil who made his fourth career start. "The credit goes to the coaches and my teammates. It goes to Coach Malley, Mark Grieb, James Roe, Rodney Wright - I've learned from all of them."
The Rattlers (1-2), were led by backup quarterback Jeff Smoker, who started in place of injured Lang Campbell. Smoker completed 22 passes for 288 yards and three touchdowns, but threw three interceptions. Fullback-linebacker Asi Faoa rushed for two scores.
Smoker was harassed by the San Jose defensive front five all evening. Jack linebacker Steve Watson recorded 2 sacks and his partner in crime, MLB Phil Glover, notched a sack of his own as well as two fumble recoveries.
SaberCats wide receiver Jason Geathers recorded his first two career rushing touchdowns, in addition to 64 receiving yards on seven catches in his first game of the season.
San Jose offensive lineman Chris Pino left the game midway through the third quarter with a knee injury and did not return.
The SaberCats will host the Dallas Desperados (2-0) next Saturday; Arizona will head home to face the New York Dragons (1-1) on Friday. San Jose (2-1) has now won six consecutive meetings with the Rattlers.
NOTES:
The SaberCats set a team record with their 15th straight regular season home win. The Orlando Predators (1992-95) hold the all-time record at 19...K A.J. Haglund tied a team record with 4 FGs and set a team mark with 19 kicking points...San Jose has now won 13 consecutive games over Western Division opposition...The SaberCats improved to 61-8 all-time and 7-0 against Arizona when scoring 60 or more points in a game...DB Clevan Thomas intercepted his 43rd career pass moving within one of Mark Ricks for a 4th place tie...Omarr Smith moved past Pat McGurik into sole possession of 2nd place on the team's career INT list with 25 and into a tie for 15th place in AFL history with 33 while playing his 100th game...OL William Obeng had his 1st career reception...Mark Grieb surpassed the 33,000 career passing yard plateau...Jason Geathers played in his first game of the year and scored his first career rushing TDs (2) while catching a game-high tying 7 passes.
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