SaberCats tame Rampage, 66-58, capture first win
March 10, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Mar. 10, 2008) - For the second straight game, the San Jose SaberCats fell behind by a two-toucdown deficit early in the first quarter but were able to rebound this time, defeating the Grand Rapids Rampage, 66-58, during Week 2 Arena Football League action.
Quarterback Mark Grieb powered the SaberCats' offense, throwing for 228 yards and 6 TDs on 22-of-36 passing with no interceptions. Receiver James Roe proved to be the primary beneficiary, hauling in 9 passes for 81 yards and 2 TDs.
Down 13-0 four minutes into the game due to an iron-shot kickoff recovered in the endzone by Kenny Higgins, San Jose reeled off 21 consecutive points on their way to the club's first win of 2008.
The surge was charged by DL Ron Jones' first career TD after he scooped up a Rampage fumble and scampered 12 yards for the score with four minutes remaining in the first quarter.
Jones wasn't the only lineman to perform the first endzone celebration of his career. Rookie OL Chris Pino caught a 6-yard lob from Grieb after releasing downfield as the designated tight end during the fourth quarter.
Grand Rapids pulled within one late in the fourth after an Ahmad Hawkins' 52-yard kickoff return bolstered the score to 59-58. Rodney Wright hooked up with Grieb on the ensuing possesion; however, to extend the SaberCats lead back to eight.
Defensive lineman Alan Harper thwarted any chances of a Grand Rapids comeback after forcing an Adrian McPherson fumble at the 1-yard line with 52 seconds left on the clock. San Jose was able to kill the remaining time to seal the victory.
The SaberCats defensive line applied pressure on McPherson all night (5 QHs), flushing him out of the pocket and making him use his feet. The former Florida State standout finished the evening completing 17 of his 30 passes for 230 yards and 4 TDs while also rushing for 45 yards and 2 TDs on 9 carries.
Second-year wideout Kenny Higgins led the way for the Rampage, collecting 7 receptions for 146 yards and 3 TDs.
The SaberCats return to HP Pavilion for their home opener Saturday, March 15, against the Western Division Arizona Rattlers.
• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League (1987-2008) message board...
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 10, 2008
- SaberCats tame Rampage, 66-58, capture first win - San Jose SaberCats
- Rampage Comeback Attempt against SaberCats Falls Short, 66-58 - Grand Rapids Rampage
- Soul Weekly - Philadelphia Soul
- Dallas Desperados & Team ESPN Host Football Clinic For Local Boys & Girls Club - Dallas Desperados
- Columbus Destroyers Announce 2008 Television Schedule - Columbus Destroyers
- Halftime Challenge: Battle Of The Sexes - Arizona Rattlers
- Brigade Fall to Dragons, 50-47 - Kansas City Brigade
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
