SaberCats Stop Skid With Win Over Orlando
March 6, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
Orlando, Fla. (Mar. 6, 2005) - Mark Grieb threw five touchdown passes and Barry Wagner scored three times in his return to Orlando helping the San Jose SaberCats (2-3) end a two-game losing streak with a 57-38 win over the Predators (4-2) in Arena Football League action on Sunday.
Behind Grieb, the game's Offensive MVP, the SaberCats posted the highest first half point total this season against Orlando as he tossed four scoring passes, including two to Wagner, to stake San Jose to a 33-26 edge at the break.
Wagner, who spent the first eight years of his career as a Predator, added another milestone to his resume. His third TD of the game came on a 2-yard run late in the fourth quarter and was the 400th of his illustrious career.
"It was better than apple pie," said Wagner of his milestone. "It was real sweet."
After allowing more than 60 points in three of their first four games, the SaberCats clamped down and stopped the Predators five times on downs. Defensive specialist Clevan Thomas also snared his 20th career interception in the fourth quarter to thwart an Orlando drive.
San Jose's victory also stopped a five-game regular season losing streak that dated back to last season. "The guys played hard," said SaberCats head coach Darren Arbet. "They came into a hostile environment and took it upon themselves to play and get it done. They did a heck of a job."
Grieb finished the game 22-of-35 for 280 yards and completed passes to six different receivers. He did not throw an interception.
After playing four of their first five games on the road, the SaberCats now will play seven of their last 11 at home. The stretch begins next week when San Jose hosts Philadelphia on Friday, March 11 at the HP Pavilion.
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