SaberCats Defensive Lineman Joe Sykes Breaks AFL Sack Record
July 9, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
SAN JOSE, Calif. - The SaberCats announced today that defensive lineman Joe Sykes is now the Arena Football League's all-time single season sack leader with 16.0, after recording a half sack in Saturday's 55-31 win over the New Orleans VooDoo. Sykes broke the previous record of 15.5 that was held by current SaberCats teammate, defensive lineman Gabe Nyenhuis, who set that mark in the 2010 season as a member of the Tulsa Talons.
"We are very happy for Joe because he has worked so hard this year," said SaberCats Owner and Head Coach Darren Arbet. "He has earned this and one of the things that we love about him is how focused and committed he is to always getting better."
The former Southern Jaguar burst onto the scene this season with the SaberCats, his second in the AFL, and immediately made an impact along the talented and deep defensive line for San Jose. His breakout performance came on April 28 against the Iowa Barnstormers when he dominated the Iowa offensive line with a single-game franchise-record four sacks. He has posted five games with two or more sacks, which is also a franchise record.
In 16 appearances this season, Sykes has recorded 32.5 total tackles, 16.0 sacks, forced five fumbles, recovered two more, had an interception that he returned for a touchdown and returned a blocked field goal for a score.
The SaberCats wrap up their 2012 regular season next Saturday as they host the Barnstormers (6-10) at 7:30 p.m. PT at HP Pavilion. The last time these two teams met was on April 28 in Des Moines, when San Jose dominated Iowa 76-33. San Jose is then scheduled with a bye in Week 20, before the postseason begins the following weekend.
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Arena Football League Stories from July 9, 2012
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- SaberCats Defensive Lineman Joe Sykes Breaks AFL Sack Record - San Jose SaberCats
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- Soul Hosts Football and Cheer Clinic - Philadelphia Soul
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- Storm Hosts VooDoo in Game 17 - Tampa Bay Storm
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