SaberCats Weekly Update

May 1, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL)
San Jose SaberCats News Release


Misc. Notes

This Week: Saturday - San Jose SaberCats (5-2) at Arizona Rattlers (5-2) at 7:00 p.m. PT at US Airways Center in Phoenix, Ari. The game can be seen live on CSN Bay Area and heard live on KNBR 1050

Last Game:

San Jose SaberCats 76 Iowa Barnstormers 33 at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa

The San Jose SaberCats (5-2) knocked off the Iowa Barnstormers (3-4) convincingly, 76-33, in front of 7,863 fans at Wells Fargo Arena on Saturday night in Des Moines, Iowa. The defensive line was the story, as they recorded six sacks, and pressured Iowa quarterback J.J. Raterink throughout the night. Defensive lineman Joe Sykes finished the night with three-and-a-half sacks and an interception. Offensively, quarterback Mark Grieb was efficient, completing 19-24 passes for 219 yards and six touchdowns. Wide receiver Ben Nelson caught 11 balls for 163 yards and posted three touchdowns, while James Roe and Hank Edwards caught two apiece. San Jose opened the scoring on their first drive, as fullback Tommy Taggart scored his eighth rushing touchdown of the season (ninth overall), as he bullied his way into the end zone. After a missed extra point, the SaberCats led 6-0 early. Iowa responded quickly, as quarterback Raterink found wide receiver Collin Taylor for a 27-yard strike. After the teams exchanged turnovers, then scores, Grieb found Nelson for the second time on the night, this time from 29-yards out, and San Jose held a 20-13 lead after one quarter of play. Raterink found wide receiver Jesse Schmidt for a 25-yard scoring strike, but San Jose took advantage of a failed onside kick attempt, as Grieb hit Roe for a 12-yard touchdown, putting San Jose back on top, 27-21 early in the second quarter. Schmidt caught his second touchdown of the night, but linebacker Francis Maka's block of the extra point, kept things knotted at 27. Edwards hit a significant career milestone on the next "˜Cats possession, as he caught the 100th touchdown of his Arena Football League career, scoring from 29-yards out to give San Jose a 34-27 advantage late in the second quarter. The teams then traded scores, as Raterink found wide receiver Marco Thomas for the second time, and then SaberCats offensive lineman Mark Lewis pounded his way in from two yards out to give San Jose a 41-33 advantage that held until the half. San Jose extended their lead out of halftime to 48-33. After a defensive stop, Grieb picked out a wide open Roe in the end zone on a five-yard scoring toss, the second time those two connected on the night. San Jose then took complete control, as Lewis scored another rushing touchdown, and then on the next play from scrimmage, defensive back Andre Jones intercepted Raterink and returned it 20-yards for the score. The SaberCats closed the game out, courtesy of a 42-0 run to close the game, that ran from late in the second quarter through the completion of the game. San Jose moved it to a 76-33 lead on quarterback Danny Southwick's first touchdown for San Jose, as he hit Nelson on a 40-yard scoring strike.

Last Matchup vs. Arizona:

San Jose SaberCats 71 Arizona Rattlers 70 in OT at HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. on March 10, 2012

The San Jose SaberCats started their 2012 season with a bang, defeating the Arizona Rattlers 71-70 in overtime in front of an animated 13,733 fans at HP Pavilion on Saturday night. Quarterback Mark Grieb was 34-59 for 432 yards, nine touchdowns and no interceptions, wide receiver James Roe caught ten passes for 100 yards and three touchdowns, and wide receiver Ben Nelson also had six receptions, 116 yards, and three touchdowns and receiver Huey Whittaker added his 100th career touchdown. The Rattlers drew first blood on the opening drive, as reigning league-MVP quarterback Nick Davila found wide receiver Maurice Purify for a four-yard touchdown. After a SaberCats' turnover on downs, a quarterback sneak gave the visitors a 14-0 lead, which held into the second quarter. Grieb hit Roe for a touchdown to start the second quarter, putting San Jose on the board. On Arizona's ensuing possession, Davila connected with wide receiver Kerry Reed for a 41-yard scoring strike. Arizona's extra point attempt failed, leaving the score at 20-7 with 10:42 remaining. After both teams traded scores, with 34 seconds left in the half, defensive back Rushard Dodd-Masters returned Arizona's kickoff to their 3-yard line and fullback Tommy Taggart took the handoff and charged in for the touchdown to cut the Rattlers lead to 34-28. After a fumble deep in Rattlers' territory, Arizona mounted a drive of its own, culminating in a four-yard touchdown pass to Purify that put Arizona on top 41-28. The SaberCats answered back, as Grieb found a wide-open Nelson for the score. The Rattlers combination of Davila and Purify struck again as the former Nebraska Cornhusker hauled in a 29-yard pass to make it 48-35 Arizona. Kicker Jacob Harfman's booming kick high off the left screen was returned untouched for a touchdown by Rattlers defensive back Virgil Gray to make it 55-42 Arizona to end the third quarter. Grieb's perfect throw found Nelson in the end zone to open the fourth quarter and on the extra point attempt, Vince Hill recovered brilliantly from a botched snap as he picked up the ball, broke multiple Arizona tackles and converted the two-point attempt. Arizona marched down field with fullback Odie Armstrong punctuated the drive with a short rushing touchdown. After a failed extra point attempt, Arizona led 61-50. Grieb then hit Whittaker over the middle for Whittaker's 100th career touchdown to move San Jose within four at 61-57. Arizona wide receiver Trandon Harvey attempted a one-handed catch against the boards but was unable to hang on, and Dodd-Masters snatched it out of the air for the interception to give San Jose possession at Arizona's 12-yard line. Grieb continued his productive evening, hitting Roe for a first-down and went right back to him for the touchdown, giving San Jose its' first lead of the game, 64-61, with 0:53 remaining in the final period. Arizona recovered San Jose's onside kick on the SaberCats' nine-yard line, but San Jose stepped up defensively and held the Rattlers' to a 24-yard field goal, evening the score at 64-64. Harfman's attempted game-winning 24-yard field goal with two seconds remaining, missed wide left and the game went into overtime. In overtime, Grieb found Goodson for two first downs, hit Nelson crossing the field, and connected with Roe for a seven-yard score to give San Jose the lead 71-64. After Davila hit Reed on consecutive plays to reach San Jose's 11-yard line, Harvey hauled in an 11-yard pass to close the gap to 71-70. Arizona attempted a game-winning two point conversion, but Davila's pass was deflected by Dodd-Masters, giving San Jose an exhilarating opening-night win.

Rivalry Renewed

The 2012 AFL season started off with a bang as the San Jose SaberCats won an overtime thriller 71-70 over the Arizona Rattlers at HP Pavilion on March 10. Historically two of the league's more successful and tenured franchises resume their rivalry as both look to take control of the competitive National Conference's Western Division. San Jose leads the all-time rivalry (19-17).

ArenaBowl History between the Teams

The SaberCats have won three championships in franchise history ("˜02, "˜04, "˜07), and two of those titles have come at the expense of the Arizona Rattlers. The first title came in ArenaBowl XVI in 2002, as the SaberCats defeated the Rattlers 52-14 earning their first ever championship. Defensive back Omarr Smith, now currently a coach with the Rattlers, took home the "Ironman" award for the SaberCats. ArenaBowl XVIII was closer in score (65-62), but the result was the same for Arizona, as San Jose won their second title in three seasons. Quarterback Mark Grieb who took home "Offensive Player of the Game" honors is the only remaining player from the 2004 roster that is still currently with the team.

Coaching Connection

Adding even more of a sub-plot to the game, both Rattlers Head Coach/GM Kevin Guy and Defensive Coordinator Omarr Smith are former SaberCats. Guy was the Defensive Coordinator for San Jose from 2005-2007 and helped the team win a championship in "˜07. Smith played defensive back for the SaberCats for eight illustrious seasons, consistently making plays in the defensive backfield. In those eight seasons Smith etched his name into the Sabercats record books becoming the franchise leader in tackles (488), and second in team history in interceptions (27). While handling defensive coordinator responsibilities with Arizona in 2011, Smith helped create a swarming defense that led the league in turnover differential (+34), was fourth in the league in total defense (274.4 per game) and held opponents to the second fewest points per game (46.4).

From Tampa With Love

Two defensive standouts, as well as wide receivers Hank Edwards, Huey Whittaker and quarterback Danny Southwick from the 2011 iteration of the Tampa Bay Storm made their way west for the 2012 season. Defensive lineman Tim McGill, who was named first team All-Arena last year with Tampa Bay has joined the SaberCats, and has made an immediate impact, bringing his exceptional pass rushing skills to San Jose. Not to be outdone, the Rattlers acquired middle linebacker Cliff Dukes (currently on injured reserve), who was also a first team All-Arena selection. The duo played three seasons together ("˜08, "˜10, "˜11) and combined for 21.5 sacks and six forced fumbles in 2011. San Jose's Edwards has posted 19 receptions for 178 yards and three touchdowns in five appearances, Whittaker has 25 catches for 261 yards and six touchdowns, while Southwick has completed six of eight passes for 75 yards and one touchdown in relief of Mark Grieb.

Hill Faces Former Team

Defensive Back Vince Hill is coming off his best season as a professional, recording 86 solo tackles, forcing two fumbles, and recording nine interceptions in 2011 with the Rattlers. So far this season, Hill has 42.5 total tackles which is second most on the SaberCats. He also has a team-high three interceptions along with a fumble recovery.

SJ-ARI Connections

SaberCats offensive lineman Robbie Powell and current Rattlers and 2011 SaberCats leading tackler, defensive back Dwight Mclean both attended Purdue, although they never played together ... SaberCats defensive lineman Gabe Nyenhuis was teammates with Rattlers fullback Odie Armstrong in 2010 with the Tulsa Talons ... Rattlers Defensive Coordinator Omarr Smith played for San Jose (2000-02, 2004-08) where he is the all-time leader in tackles (488) and ranks second in passes defensed (67), interceptions (27) and interception returns for touchdowns (six) ... SaberCats defensive line coach Kerry Locklin was on the Fresno State coaching staff when Rattlers offensive lineman Kyle Young was playing under head coach Pat Hill from 2002-06 ... Rattlers defensive back Marquis Floyd spent the first three seasons of his AFL career (2006-08) with the SaberCats, helping them to an ArenaBowl XXI victory in 2007.

Sack Attack

The SaberCats have the top three active sack leaders on their defensive line; Jermaine Smith (46.0 career sacks and currently on injured reserve), Gabe Nyenhuis (35.0 career sacks) and Tim McGill (28.5 career sacks).

Meet Me at the Quarterback

San Jose absolutely dominated the Iowa Barnstormers offensive line on Saturday night, recording seven total sacks. San Jose has now recorded a total of 22 sacks in just seven games, which is best in the Arena Football League, ahead of the Utah Blaze.

Sykes Leads the League in Sacks

SaberCats defensive lineman Joe Sykes was named the AFL Riddell Defensive Player of the Week and led the way with four sacks in a huge defensive performance against the Iowa Barnstormers on Saturday night. In addition to the sacks, Sykes also recorded his first fumble recovery as a member of the SaberCats. He now has ten sacks on the season, which leads the team, and ranks first in the Arena Football League.

Nyenhuis Posts Two

SaberCats defensive lineman Gabe Nyenhuis continued his great start to the 2012 season, recording two more sacks, as he was a force against the Iowa Barnstormers this past Saturday night. He also forced a fumble and now has four sacks on the season.

Second Half Shutout

The San Jose SaberCats closed out their 76-33 win over the Iowa Barnstormers this past Saturday on a 42-0 run that dated back to late in the second quarter. San Jose sacked Iowa quarterback J.J. Raterink six times, intercepted him once and forced three fumbles (two lost) in the impressive defensive effort. Over the course of the last two games, San Jose has now allowed just 68 points (34.0 per game), sacked their opponents 12 times and forced six turnovers.

Defensive Dominance

The San Jose SaberCats defense has been much improved from last season, and has continued to get better since their Week 1 showing against the Rattlers, in which they allowed 70 points in an overtime victory. San Jose continues to climb the defensive statistical rankings ladder, as they now sit fourth in the Arena Football League in scoring defense, allowing just 49.6 points per game (after holding an opponent under 35 points for the third time this season on Saturday in Iowa). The SaberCats also now rank fifth in total defense, allowing just 279.4 yards per game, and sixth in pass defense, giving up only 260.9 yards per contest.

Offensive Juggernaut

After finishing sixth in scoring offense in 2011, San Jose is currently third in the Arena Football League at 65.0 points per game for the 2012 campaign. The team is also second in total offense with 329.3 yards per game. In their season-opening win over archrival Arizona, they racked up 71 points. Following a bye week, San Jose tallied 59 in a loss at Utah. They then posted 69 points in a win over the Spokane Shock, a season-high 76 in their win over San Antonio, 55 in a loss at Philadelphia 49 in a win over Kansas City and tied a season high with 76 in a dominating performance over Iowa this past Saturday. Quarterback Mark Grieb has thrown for 2,129 yards and 44 touchdowns. Wide receiver Ben Nelson leads San Jose with 817 yards receiving and 16 touchdowns, after catching three each in five of the seven games so far this season.

Air Strike

The SaberCats' offensive success can primarily be attributed to their prowess through the air, as the team is third in the league in passing offense at 308.7 yards per game. Quarterback Mark Grieb has continued cementing his place among the game's elite quarterbacks, and is averaging 304.1 yards per game and is third behind Utah quarterback Tommy Grady and New Orleans signal caller Kurt Rocco and is right ahead of Rattlers quarterback Nick Davila. Grieb and Ben Nelson have continued their excellent chemistry from years past, and Nelson is among the league leaders in receiving touchdowns (16). Additionally, Grieb has displayed confidence in receivers James Roe, Samora Goodson, Hank Edwards and Huey Whittaker, as each have already come up with big plays during the young season.

The Ultimate Target

When talking about wide receivers and receiving records for the SaberCats, one name stands alone, and that name is James Roe. Entering his 11th season with San Jose, Roe holds multiple receiving records for the team, including: receptions (853), receiving yards (10,439) and touchdown catches (259). From 2003-2005 Roe made three straight All-Ironman Teams, was ArenaBowl XVIII Ironman award winner with five receiving touchdowns, and is second in SaberCats history in games played, behind only quarterback Mark Grieb.

New DB's Making Immediate Impact

Defensive backs Vince Hill and Andre Jones were brought in from Arizona and Milwaukee, respectively, to bolster the SaberCats secondary in 2012. Their impact has been immediate, and the pair find themselves near the top of the league leaders in tackles. Jones is tied for seventh in the Arena Football League with 43.0 total tackles, (35 solo and 16 assisted tackles) along with two interceptions. Hill is right behind his teammate with 42.5 total tackles, (33 solo and 19 assisted tackles) along with three interceptions and a fumble recovery.

Jones Party of Six

SaberCats defensive back Andre Jones intercepted the second pass of his SaberCats career, intercepting Iowa Barnstormers quarterback J.J. Raterink in the third quarter and returning it 20-yards for a touchdown in San Jose's 76-33 win on Saturday night.

Offensive Line Stands Tall

After not allowing a sack this past weekend in a 76-33 win over the Iowa Barnstormers, the SaberCats have allowed just eight sacks through the first seven games. San Jose's offensive line features two new SaberCats: 2011's Spalding Offensive Lineman of the Year Rich Ranglin and Emmanuel Akah, and returning SaberCats Mark Lewis and Robbie Powell. The group has adeptly protected quarterback Mark Grieb, affording him time to spot open receivers and drive the "˜Cats downfield.

Lewis Showing Versatility

San Jose offensive lineman Mark Lewis does more than just protect his quarterback Mark Grieb. He has now found the end zone in five consecutive games after his two touchdown performance on Saturday in the SaberCats 76-33 win over the Iowa Barnstormers. Lewis bullied his way into the end zone from two yards out just before halftime and again, this time from one yard out in the third quarter. In addition to his five rushing scores on the year, Lewis has factored in the passing game as well, having posted four catches for 71 yards on the year and one touchdown.

Edwards Hits and Passes 100

SaberCats wide receiver Hank Edwards recorded two touchdown receptions on Saturday against the Iowa Barnstormers, which put him at and past the 100 mark in his career. His 29-yard scoring connection with quarterback Mark Grieb in the second quarter down the sideline hit the milestone number for Edwards, who has had a fantastic career to date. He also posted a fourth quarter touchdown reception of eight yards to cap off his night with eight catches for 79 yards and the two aforementioned scores.

Grieb Closing In...

Quarterback Mark Grieb is just 273 yards behind former Arena Football League great Clint Dolezel for second all-time in passing yards. Grieb could potentially move into that spot this Saturday against the Arizona Rattlers. Grieb currently sits at 44,286 yards for his career. Grieb is also now just one touchdown behind former Rattlers great Sherdrick Bonner for third all-time in career passing touchdowns. Grieb currently has 854, and will likely pass Bonner against his former team this Saturday night.

Touchdown Tommy

SaberCats fullback Tommy Taggart found the end zone for the eighth time on the ground (ninth overall) in the first quarter, opening the scoring in San Jose's 76-33 rout of the Iowa Barnstormers on Saturday in Des Moines. Taggart had one his trademark physical runs on his five-yard touchdown, which set the tone early, as he powered through multiple attempted tackles on his way to paydirt. He finished his day with five carries for 16 yards and the score.

Southwick Posts First Touchdown With San Jose

SaberCats quarterback Danny Southwick threw the first touchdown of his SaberCats career on Saturday in the 76-33 win over the Iowa Barnstormers. He came on in relief of Mark Grieb, and found a streaking Ben Nelson for a 40-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. Southwick completed three of four passes for 48 yards and the touchdown.

2012 Season Tickets are on Sale Now

Pro-rated season ticket packages for the 2012 San Jose SaberCats season are on sale now, starting as low as $60. The SaberCats regular season package consists of the six remaining home games at HP Pavilion, and benefits include: an invite to the SaberCats annual team Barbeque/Meet and Greet with the SaberCats players, coaches and the SaberKittens, an exclusive invitation to monthly meet and greets with Hall of Fame Coach Darren Arbet, a special Season Ticket Holders Pin and ID Card, tickets are priced less than individual game tickets, a huge savings over the course of the season, the ability to purchase extra tickets to any game at 50% off the individual game ticket price and season ticket holders receive a 15% discount on merchandise purchased online or at the Sharks Store at the HP Pavilion. For more information or to get your season tickets today, click here, or call 408-673-3400.

Individual Game Tickets are on Sale Now

The San Jose SaberCats announced that individual tickets are on sale now and can be purchased for as low as $12 per ticket. The SaberCats next home game is on Friday, May 11 against the Utah Blaze at 7:30 p.m. PT at HP Pavilion in San Jose. Individual tickets can be purchased by visiting ticketmaster.com, through the HP Pavilion box office, by phone at 1-800-745-3000, or at any Ticketmaster outlet locations.

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Arena Football League Stories from May 1, 2012


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