SaberCats stop Rampage, 81-55
July 12, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
SAN JOSE, Calif (July 12, 2008) - Defensive back Omarr Smith totaled three interceptions and the San Jose defense had seven stops as the San Jose SaberCats defeated the Grand Rapids Rampage 81-55 in the American Conference Championship Saturday.
The win sends San Jose to its second straight ArenaBowl and fourth in franchise history. The SaberCats will take on the National Conference Champion Philadelphia Soul, who advanced to ArenaBowl XXII with a 70-35 win over the Cleveland Gladiators earlier Saturday.
Virgin Mobile ArenaBowl XXII will take place on Sunday, July 27, at 12:00 noon (PT) in New Orleans. Ticket, hotel and event information for all of ArenaBowl XXII Weekend can be found at www.arenabowl.com.
Smith's three interceptions tied a league playoff record and the SaberCats set a franchise playoff record with five interceptions. Clevan Thomas grabbed the first pick of the game during the second quarter and his third this postseason.
Quarterback Mark Grieb completed 24-of-30 passes for 255 yards and eight touchdowns as San Jose posted the second-highest point total in AFL postseason history.
Wide receiver Cleannord Saintil was the favorite target of Grieb, catching 11 passes for five scores and 113 yards.
The Rampage offense, which had led the team to four consecutive wins, was hassled early and often. Quarterback James MacPherson completed 30-of-51 pass attempts for 314 yards and four touchdowns.
Grand Rapids receivers Kenny Higgins and Cole Magner caught 12 passes for 142 yards and 10 passes for 103 yards, respectively.
With James Roe on the sidelines, linebacker Jason Geathers stepped into the starting lineup as a wide receiver. He registered four catches for 52 yards and a pair of scores, had three rush attempts for 18 yards with a score and ended the game with a one-handed 29-yard interception return for a touchdown - earning him Ironman of the Game honors.
After the Rampage grabbed a 7-0 lead on the game's first possession, the SaberCats went on a 21-0 run capped by a 3-yard scoring reception by offensive lineman Gene Frederic. The SaberCats never trailed the rest of the way.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from July 12, 2008
- Rampage Playoff Run Ends, Lose to SaberCats, 81-55 - Grand Rapids Rampage
- SaberCats stop Rampage, 81-55 - San Jose SaberCats
- Philadelphia and San Jose advance to Virgin Mobile ArenaBowl XXII in New Orleans - AFL I
- Soul To Face San Jose In New Orleans - Philadelphia Soul
- Philadelphia Ends Cleveland Playoff Run, Gladiators Fall 70-35 - Cleveland Gladiators
- Soul Down Gladiators; Punch Ticket For New Orleans - Philadelphia Soul
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