SaberCats look to push bar even higher in 2004
Published on January 25, 2004 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
SAN JOSE, Calif. (Jan. 25, 2004) â Thanks to the record-setting ways of Mark Grieb, James Hundon, James Roe, Barry Wagner and company, the SaberCats have raised the bar of offensive production to parts previously unknown in Arena Football League history. Few would be surprised if the SaberCats' offense ever asked themselves: âWhat else is there?' Like a five-star general, or a football player in the Hall-of-Fame, San Jose's offensive unit has nothing left to achieve in their line of work.
San Jose dominated offensively in 2003, setting AFL records for touchdowns (137) and points scored in a season (966). They were nearly perfect in the red zone, scoring 68 times in 70 chances. The balanced attack paced the league in rushing attempts (169) and rushing yards (589), while setting another AFL record with 47 rushing touchdowns. The SaberCats averaged over 60 points a game for the second consecutive season and for the third time in four years â no other franchise has topped 60 points more than once.
With so much productivity and success over the past few seasons, offensive specialist James Hundon says the best way to stay motivated is always wanting more.
" Just pick up where we left off and get better," Hundon said of the upcoming season. "We've set a standard and we'd like to keep it offensively and defensively. Sixty points a game â that's our standard and we'll try to exceed that."
Hundon has done his share of exceeding during his three seasons in San Jose. Already the team's all-time leader in touchdown receptions (78), the former Cincinnati Bengal also ranks third in receiving yards (3,395) and sixth in receptions (220). He credits playing alongside superstar teammates like Roe and Wagner with helping him have an instant impact in Arena Football.
"Not only does it help me, but we help each other out," Hundon explained. "I think Roe, Wagner and myself create situations for all of us to be successful when we're on the field, so records continue to be broken. We have high standards and play at a high level."
Fellow OS Fred Coleman has played at the highest level and in its biggest game. A member of the New England Patriots Super Bowl XXXVI Championship team, the University of Washington alum hopes to help his teammates, as well as his own game in 2004.
"They're great players," Coleman said of the SaberCats' receivers. "They've done great things and I'm going to come in here and push them to make them better, and also to make myself better. That's what good players do. If you make the next man better, the whole team improves. I'm going to learn from Roe, I'm going to learn from Hundon, I'm going to learn from Wags, then I'm just going to fine tune it and find a way to get in there and make plays when I get an opportunity."
SaberCats' general manager and offensive coordinator, Terry Malley, says it is the team's willingness to help each other that has led to San Jose's success.
"We have been fortunate to have not only talented athletes but also intelligent athletes," Malley said. "I think there has also been a little bit of unselfishness, our quarterback hasn't had a big ego and our receivers are not that way. They know that sometimes they have to give up of themselves to make other people successful."
Joining Hundon and Coleman as specialists on the offensive side of the ball is eight-year AFL veteran Calvin Schexnayder, who won the league's Offensive MVP in 1998 with the Arizona and ranks second on the Rattlers' all-time list in receptions, yards and receiving touchdowns. With a mainly 30-and-over crowd at the receiver position, Hundon understands the importance of passing his knowledge on to the younger players.
"I lead by example and let them know that this is SaberCat football. We play at a high level and nothing less will be accepted," Hundon said. "We show that by working hard. (Defensive Coordinator Michael) Church says you have to do things 157 times before it becomes a habit. They probably haven't done these things 157 times, but throughout my career, I know I have, so it's become a habit to me and that's why I'm able to continue to play."
San Jose may not score 157 touchdowns in 2004, but there can be little doubt the SaberCats will make scoring a habit once again this season.
The SaberCats kickoff their 10th AFL season at Detroit on Thursday, February 5th. The home opener is set for Saturday, February 28th against the Grand Rapids Rampage at HP Pavilion. Single game tickets for all home games can be purchased at all Northern California TicketMaster outlets, on-line at www.ticketmaster.com, or in person at the HP Pavilion box office. For season or group ticket information call the SaberCats at (408) 573-5577 or visit the team's official website at www.sanjosesabercats.com.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from January 25, 2004
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