San Jose SaberCats game notes
April 25, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
THE QUICK FACTS
Game: Utah Blaze (5-3) at San Jose SaberCats (4-3)
Date: Saturday, April 28, 2007
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. (PDT)
Site: HP Pavilion at San Jose (14,041)
Officials: Referee: Barry Anderson; Umpire: Rick Lowe; Head Linesman: Brent Durbin; Line Judge: Art Lucky; Back Judge: Tony Lombardo
Television: FSN will air the game as part of the AFL's regional TV package tape-delayed in the Bay Area on Sunday, Apr. 29 at midnight. Jim Kozimor, Mike Pawlawski and Chris Townsend call the action
Radio: San Jose's flagship station KNBR-1050 will carry the game live with Bob Fitzgerald and Keena Turner. The two will host a 30-minute pre-game show starting at 7:00 p.m. Dan Dibley and Ray Woodson host an extended 2-hour pre game show starting at 5:00.
Line: SaberCats -7 ½ (over/under 127)
Internet: A live webcast is available at www.KNBR.com
Series Record: All-time series tied 1-1
Series Streak: SaberCats Won 1
Last Meeting: SaberCats 65, Utah 50 (March 4, 2006 at EnergySolutions Arena)
Coaches: San Jose, Darren Arbet (9th season; 87-40 regular season, 97-45 overall)
Utah, Danny White (15th season; 133-67 regular season, 153-78 overall)
OVERVIEW: The SaberCats extended their regular season home win streak to nine games by defeating the Los Angeles Avengers, 73-49, on Apr. 21. Up next is another crucial Western Division tilt, this one with the division-leading Utah Blaze, on Saturday, Apr. 28. Game time is slated for 7:30 p.m. with FSN Bay Area supplying coverage as part of the AFL's regional television package and San Jose's flagship radio station KNBR 1050 airing the game live. San Jose used another near-perfect performance by QB Mark Grieb and forced four turnovers to beat the Avengers for the second time this season. For the third time in as many home games Grieb completed over 80 percent of his passes going 23-of-28 (82.1%) with 8 TDs and three defensive interceptions in the 4th quarter turned a close game into a 24-point San Jose win. Clevan Thomas had one of the INTs, his 35th career, moving him into a tie with Chris Barber for 11th place on the AFL's all-time list. Six of Grieb's scoring passes went to James Roe, who is now just 19 away from 200 in his career...San Jose and Utah split their two games last season with the Blaze posting a 48-35 win at San Jose in their inaugural game on Jan. 28...Utah's Danny White coached his 200th regular season game last week.
THE SCHEDULES
2007 SAN JOSE SABERCATS (4-3)
Date Opponent Result Score
Mar. 4 @Los Angeles Won 66-58
Mar. 9 @Chicago Lost 45-48
Mar. 24 @Georgia Lost 62-64
Mar. 31 TAMPA BAY Won 69-49
Apr. 6 COLORADO Won 72-44
Apr. 13 @New Orleans Lost 54-67
Apr. 21 LOS ANGELES Won 73-49
Date Opponent Time (PT) Radio/TV
Apr. 28 UTAH 7:30 pm 1050/FSN
May 5 @Arizona 7:00 pm 1050-680/FSN
May 12 LAS VEGAS 7:30 pm 1050
May 19 GRAND RAPIDS 7:30 pm 1050
May 25 @Nashville 5:00 pm 1050/FSN+
Jun. 1 ORLANDO 7:30 pm 1050/FSN
Jun. 9 @Utah 6:00 pm 1050/FSN
Jun. 16 ARIZONA 7:30 pm 1050/FSN
Jun. 25 @Las Vegas 1:00 pm 1050/FSN
2007 UTAH BLAZE (5-3)
Date Opponent Result Score
Mar. 3 NEW ORLEANS Won 63-61
Mar. 10 @Arizona Won 75-71
Mar. 18 @Nashville Lost 55-69
Mar. 23 GRAND RAPIDS Won 83-42
Apr. 1 @Las Vegas Won 57-47
Apr. 6 @Austin Lost 64-65
Apr. 13 LOS ANGELES Won 76-63
Apr. 20 ARIZONA Lost 69-83
Date Opponent Time (PT) TV
Apr. 28 @San Jose 7:30 pm FSN
May 4 DALLAS 6:00 pm
May 12 @Kansas City 5:30 pm
May 18 LAS VEGAS 6:00 pm
May 25 @Orlando 4:30 pm
Jun. 4 COLORADO 7:30 pm ESPN2
Jun. 9 SAN JOSE 6:00 pm FSN
Jun. 23 @Los Angeles 7:30 pm FSN
WHAT'S AHEAD: The SaberCats start the second half of their season at Arizona for a tilt with the Rattlers on Saturday, May 5. Following that game they return to HP Pavilion for consecutive games against the Las Vegas Gladiators (Sat., May 12) and Grand Rapids Rampage (Sat., May 19). The team's longest remaining road trip follows with a jaunt to Nashville on May 25.
THE SERIES: The series is tied at 1-1 with each team winning on the road...The Blaze played their inaugural game in San Jose last season posting a 48-35 win on Jan. 28, 2006...The SaberCats returned the favor with a 65-50 win in Salt Lake City on Mar. 4, 2006.
SERIES NOTABLES: Utah opened its inaugural season with a 48-35 win at San Jose on Jan. 28, 2006...The last time San Jose scored fewer than 40 points in a game was against Utah on Jan. 28, 2006 in a 48-35 loss...In his 1st career start Ben Nelson totaled 7 catches for 77 yards and a TD in San Jose's 65-50 win at Utah on Mar. 4, 2006...Utah recovered two onside kicks against San Jose on Mar. 4...The SaberCats forced five turnovers (3 fumbles, 2 INTs) in their win at Utah on Mar. 4, the 2nd highest total in team history...San Jose's James Roe sustained a concussion when he slammed into the railing in the corner of the endzone after catching an 11-yard TD pass on the team's first offensive play of the game against Utah on Jan. 28...DB Clevan Thomas snared his 28th career INT and 1st off Joe Germaine at Utah on Mar. 4...Blaze K Steve Videtich has made all 12 of his PATs against San Jose...Marquis Floyd caught 7 passes and tallied 4 tackles and a FF against Utah on Jan. 28 in his 1st career AFL game...Utah's 198 yards of total offense against San Jose on Jan. 28 is the second lowest total in Blaze history...Utah's Danny White has coached a total of 15 games inside HP Pavilion (12 reg. season/3 post season) and owns an 8-7 record (1-2 post season)...The SaberCats did not have a kickoff return attempt in the last meeting between the teams watching Blaze K Steve Videtich attempt five onside kicks with three touchbacks.
LAST SERIES MEETING: SABERCATS 65, Utah 50 - Saturday, March 4, 2006 - Delta Center - Mark Grieb threw eight TD passes and the SaberCats climbed into a first place tie in the AFL's Western Division with a 65-50 win over the Utah Blaze before a sellout crowd at the Delta Center. Grieb connected with James Roe on an 11-yard scoring play on San Jose's first possession and the SaberCats never trailed in ending their 2-game losing streak and franchise record five-game road trip. Grieb finished the night 25-of-34 passing for 295 yards. San Jose took advantage of five Blaze turnovers, including three straight at the start of the second half, to avenge a season opening loss to Utah. Following a 17-yard Joe Germaine to Siaha Burley scoring pass early in the second quarter that moved Utah into a 21-21 tie, the SaberCats reeled off 27 unanswered points spanning the remainder of the first half into the second half to take a 48-21 lead after three quarters. Germaine completed 28-of-43 attempts for 367 yards with five touchdowns, but he was intercepted twice, including a 23-yard return for a score by lineman Joe Jacobs in the first quarter that gave San Jose a 21-7 lead. Utah made a fourth quarter comeback scoring 29 points and pulled within eight at 58-50 with less than a minute left in the game. But the SaberCats recovered Utah's onside kick and Grieb connected with Roe for the fourth time to supply the final margin. Roe had a game-high 12 catches in the game and surpassed the 100 mark in receiving yards for the third straight game with 115. Utah was able to climb back into the game by recovering a pair of onside kicks, but the Blaze were unable to overcome their five miscues and dropped to 0-3 in games played at the Delta Center.
SCORE BY QUARTERS
SaberCats.......................... 21 14 13 17 - 65
Blaze................................. 14 7 0 29 - 50
SCORING SUMMARY
SAN Roe 11 pass from Grieb (Schmitz kick)
UTA Burley 27 pass from Germaine (Videtich kick)
SAN Pauley 34 pass from Grieb (Schmitz kick)
SAN Jacobs 23 interception return (Schmitz kick)
UTA Burley 12 pass from Germaine (Videtich kick)
UTA Burley 17 pass from Germaine (Videtich kick)
SAN Pauley 23 pass from Grieb (Schmitz kick)
SAN Roe 4 pass from Grieb (Schmitz kick)
SAN Pauley 29 pass from Grieb (Schmitz kick)
SAN Nelson 19 pass from Grieb (Case pass failed)
UTA Germaine 1 run (Videtich kick)
SAN Roe 9 pass from Grieb (Schmitz kick)
UTA Clemens 1 run (Videtich kick)
UTA Pace 14 pass from Germaine (Videtich kick)
SAN FG Schmitz 22
UTA Burley 18 pass from Germaine (Germaine rush)
SAN Roe 12 pass from Grieb (Schmitz kick)
TEAM STATISTICS SAN UTA
First Downs 20 25
Total Net Yards 300 353
Rush Atts-Net Yards 7-5 8-11
Net Yards Passing 295 342
Comp-Att-Int 25-34-0 28-44-2
KO Returns-Yards 0-0 6-81
MFG Returns-Yards 1-11 0-0
INT for-Yards 2-34 0-0
Penalties-Yards 11-63 3-14
Fumbles-Lost 1-1 3-3
Sacks By-Yards 2-25 0-0
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
Passing: SJ - Grieb 25-34-0-295. UT - Germaine 28-44-2-367.
Rushing: SJ - Glover 3-3; McKenzie 1-2; Johnson 2-0; Grieb 1-0. UT - Clemens 4-8; Germaine 1-1; Skaggs 1-1; Robinson 2-1.
Receiving: SJ - Roe 12-115; Nelson 7-77; Pauley 4-97; Floyd 1-4; Glover 1-2. UT - Bryant 9-115; Pace 7-83; Burley 7-81; Skaggs 3-59; Robinson 1-20; Dennard 1-9.
Kick Returns: SJ - McKenzie 1-11. UT - Pace 3-52; Burley 3-29.
ALL-TIME SERIES SCORES
Date Score
Mar. 4, 2006 San Jose 65, @Utah 50
Jan. 28, 2006 Utah 48, @San Jose 35
THE COACHES
San Jose - Darren Arbet, 9th season
87-40 (.685) reg. season; 97-45 (.683) overall
1-1 (.500) career vs. Utah
11-7 (.611) career vs. Danny White
Two-time Arena Football League Coach of the Year and ArenaBowl champion Darren Arbet enters his ninth season as head coach of the San Jose SaberCats and his second as the club's general manager. Last season Arbet guided the SaberCats to their seventh straight winning season and playoff appearance by going 10-6, the sixth time in his eight seasons the team has posted a double-digit regular season win total. The team also captured its fifth Western Division title under Arbet (sixth overall) and advanced to the semifinal round of the playoffs for the sixth time in the last seven seasons. Arbet has compiled the third-best postseason winning percentage (.667) and is one of just six head coaches in league history to amass 10 playoff victories. Under the direction of Arbet San Jose has enjoyed unmatched success vaulting the franchise to elite status in the AFL. Since the start of the 2000 season, Arbet's second as head coach, the SaberCats have claimed two ArenaBowl championships (2002, 2004), compiled the most regular season wins (80), the second-most playoff wins (10) and have averaged nearly 12 victories a season. In addition, the club has set league records for regular season wins in a season (13 in 2002), overall wins in a season (16 in 2002), consecutive regular season wins in a season (12 in 2002), regular season wins to end a season (11 in 2000) and the longest regular season win streak (15 in 2000-01). Arbet's ties to the AFL date back to the late 1980s when he played two seasons as a fullback/linebacker with the Los Angeles Cobras (1988) and Maryland Commandos (1989) before a wrist injury that required three surgeries ended his career. During his playing days, Arbet lined up against former Philadelphia head coach Michael Trigg, who was a quarterback with the Detroit Drive, and Georgia Force offensive coordinator Steve Thonn, who played WR/DB with the Chicago Bruisers.
Utah - Danny White, 15th season
133-67 (.665) reg. season; 153-78 (.662) overall
14-12 (.538) career vs. San Jose
7-11 (.389) career vs. Darren Arbet
Now in his 15th season as an AFL head coach, and second with the Blaze, Danny White has compiled a record of 153-77 and has advanded to the AFL Playoffs in 12 of the previous 13 seasons (hasn't missed the postseason since 1992). Prior to joining the Blaze, White was the head coach of the Arizona Rattlers for 13 seasons (1992-2004). The AFL Hall of Fame coach has two titles (1994 and 1997) to his credit and he has made five ArenaBowl appearances (1994, 97, 2002-04). During his last season in Arizona in 2004, White compiled a 13-6 record and made his third straight ArenaBowl appearance. White won AFL "Coach of the Year" in 1993 and officially became the head coach of the Blaze on April 21, 2005. White guided the Blaze to a 7-9 regular season record during the team's inaugural season. The Blaze also made the postseason, falling to the rival Arizona Rattlers in 2006.
CHASING 100 - San Jose head coach Darren Arbet earned his 97th career victory with the SaberCats' 73-49 win over Los Angeles on Apr. 21, leaving him just three shy of becoming the 5th head coach to amass 100 career wins. This week Arbet goes head-to-head with the second-winningest coach in AFL history, Utah's Danny White, who has 153 career victories. Arbet is 2-1 in games this season against coaches above him on the list, beating Colorado and Tampa Bay while losing at Chicago. Saturday marks the 19th time Arbet and White have faced each other with Arbet holding an 11-7 edge. Tampa Bay's Tim Marcum earned his 100th career victory in just 124 games while Utah's Danny White got his 100th in 143 games. It took Colorado's Mike Dailey 165 games to get his 100th win and Chicago's Mike Hohensee won his 100th in game 193. Arbet has coached in 142 games to date.
CAREER COACHING RECORDS
Rk. Coach (Year) Team Record
1. Tim Marcum (19th) Tampa Bay 182-83
2. Danny White (15th) Utah 153-78
3. Mike Hohensee (14th) Chicago 112-95
4. Mike Dailey (11th) Colorado 104-67
5. Darren Arbet (9th) San Jose 97-45
2007 TEAM STATISTICAL COMPARISON
Category (Rank) SaberCats Blaze
Scoring Offense 63.0 (3) 67.8 (1)
Scoring Defense 54.1 (9) 61.9 (16)
Total Offense 335.3 (3) 358.1 (1)
Total Defense 277.4 (4) 302.0 (12)
Pass Offense 323.9 (2) 347.6 (1)
Pass Defense 260.7 (4) 278.2 (10)
Rushing Offense 11.4 (16) 10.5 (17)
Rushing Defense 16.7 (8) 23.8 (14)
Pass Rating 122.6 (6) 134.1 (1)
Pass Defense Rating 111.3 (8) 126.3 (17)
Interceptions 7 (t-10) 5 (t-13)
Kickoff Return Avg. 19.4 (4) 20.9 (2)
Field Goal Return Avg. 5.5 (18) 7.0 (17)
Turnover Margin +1 (t-9) +6 (t-4)
3rd Down Conversions 58.5% (2) 56.5% (6)
4th Down Conversions 66.7% (t-3) 63.6% (7)
Sacks By 6 (t-13) 8 (t-7)
Sacks Against 7 (t-10) 7 (t-10)
2007 SABERCATS AMONG AFL LEADERS
Player Category No. Rank
Mark Grieb Pass Avg/Game 328.1 2nd
Mark Grieb Completion Pct. 72.4% 2nd
Mark Grieb Passing TDs 47 5th
Mark Grieb Pass Attempts 283 3rd
Mark Grieb Pass Yards 2,297 4th
Mark Grieb Pass Completions 205 2nd
Mark Grieb Passer Rating 122.6 5th
Mark Grieb Total Offense 2,315 4th
Mark Grieb Total Offensive TDs 47 5th
A.J. Haglund Kick Scoring 75 2nd
A.J. Haglund FG Percentage 77.8% 1st
A.J. Haglund PAT Percentage 93.1% 5th
A.J. Haglund FGs Made 7 t-4th
A.J. Haglund FG Attempts 9 t-9th
A.J. Haglund PATs Made 54 2nd
A.J. Haglund PAT Attempts 58 3rd
Rodney Wright All-Purpose Yards 1,133 5th
Rodney Wright Receptions 61 t-9th
Rodney Wright KOR Average 22.6 5th
Rodney Wright KOR Yards 498 6th
Rodney Wright KO Returns 22 10th
Rodney Wright KOR TDs 1 t-6th
Ben Nelson Receptions 71 3rd
Ben Nelson Receiving Yards 892 4th
Ben Nelson Receiving Yards/Gm 127.4 4th
Ben Nelson Receiving TDs 17 t-9th
James Roe Scoring 120 t-7th
James Roe Receiving TDs 20 t-6th
Marquis Floyd Fumbles Forced 2 t-8th
Marquis Floyd INT Return TDs 1 t-5th
Marquis Floyd INT Return Yards 46 10th
George Williams Tackles For Loss 4.5 t-6th
Clevan Thomas Passes Defended 12 t-5th
Clevan Thomas Interceptions 3 t-10th
THE IFS...:
If the SaberCats defeat Utah it would...
*Give them a 5-3 season record.
*Be their 10th straight regular season home win.
*Be their 2nd straight win over Utah.
*Give them the division lead by a ½ game.
*Give them a 4-0 record at home this season.
*Be their 7th straight win over a Western Division rival.
*Give them a 44-26 regular season record against Western Division opponents.
*Give them a 26-11 regular season home record against Western Division opponents.
*Give them a 67-24 regular season home record.
*Give them a 117-65 all-time regular season record.
*Give them 127-73 all-time record.
RECENT RESULTS:
San Jose Stays Unbeaten At Home, Beats L.A. 73-49
SAN JOSE, Calif. (Apr. 21, 2007)- Quarterback Mark Grieb threw for eight touchdowns and 331 yards and the SaberCats remained unbeaten at home with a 73-49 win over the Los Angeles Avengers. For the third straight game at HP Pavilion, Grieb did not throw an incomplete pass in the first quarter with three of his five completions going for scores to James Roe as San Jose (4-3) took a 21-14 lead after one. Interceptions by Omarr Smith, Clevan Thomas and rookie Trestin George on consecutive Los Angeles possessions in the fourth quarter helped turn a close game into a 24-point San Jose advantage. Thomas snared his 35th career INT, moving into a tie with Chris Barber for 11th place on the AFL's all-time list, while George collected his first. Los Angeles (3-4) quarterback Sonny Cumbie connected with Kevin Ingram to close out the first half and again to start the third quarter bringing the Avengers within 31-28 early in the second half. Cumbie completed 22-of-38 for 288 yards and six touchdowns, but also had his first career three-interception game. Grieb completed 23-of-28 passes to earn Offensive Player of the Game honors. Receiver Jason Geathers, starting in place of the injured Rodney Wright, caught six passes for 62 yards, including his 1st career touchdown on a 31-yard reception in the third quarter. San Jose's James Roe caught eight passes with six going for scores. He left for a series after hitting the padded wall in the corner of the endzone following a 19-yard TD catch. Ben Nelson added seven receptions for 107 yards and a score. The SaberCats improved their all-time record to 24-1 when scoring 70 or more points in a game and topped the 70 mark for the fifth time against Los Angeles.
MILESTONE WATCH
Name Milestone Needs
Darren Arbet 100 career wins 3
Ben Nelson 20 career games played 1
Ben Nelson 50 career TD receptions 7
Ben Nelson 200 career receptions 35
Ben Nelson 2,500 career receiving yards 202
Rodney Wright 15 career TD receptions 1
Rodney Wright 1,500 career receiving yards 172
Rodney Wright 50 career KO returns 2
Clevan Thomas 40 career INTs 5
Clevan Thomas 300.0 career total tackles 10.0
Clevan Thomas 70 career games played 1
Clevan Thomas 80 career PBUs 1
Omarr Smith 30 career INTs 1
Omarr Smith 380.0 career total tackles 6.0
Omarr Smith 60 career PBUs 2
Matt Kinsinger 35 career rush TDs 1
Matt Kinsinger SJ career rushing leader 43
Mark Grieb 30,000 career pass yards 78
Mark Grieb 600 career TD passes 38
Brian Johnson 200 career rush yards 8
Brian Johnson 20 career receptions 3
Brian Johnson 40 career games played 1
Brian Johnson 6th place career rush attempts 6
Brian Johnson 200 career receiving yards 9
Craig Whelihan 110 career pass TDs 1
Craig Whelihan 6,000 career pass yds 124
James Roe 600 career receptions 9
James Roe 7,500 career receiving yards 56
James Roe 200 career TD receptions 19
Marquis Floyd 5 career INTs 1
Jason Geathers 20 career solo tackles 3
Ron Jones 5.0 career sacks 1.0
Chuck Reed 130 career games played 1
Dan Loney 70 career games played 2
TRENDS:
HOME SWEET HOME - The SaberCats improved their record at HP Pavilion to 3-0 this season with their 73-49 win over Los Angeles on Apr. 21, and dating back to last season have won 9 straight regular season home games. San Jose upped its record to 66-24 (.733) in regular season home games and is 75-28 (.728) overall. Under head coach Darren Arbet the SaberCats improved to 52-11 (.825) in regular season games at HP Pavilion. San Jose's last regular season home loss was a 75-61 defeat to Los Angeles on Mar. 12, 2006.
THAT 70's SHOW - The SaberCats reached the 70-point mark in a game for the 25th time in their history in their 73-49 win over Los Angeles on Apr. 21. With the win San Jose increased its record to 24-1 (.960) when scoring 70 or more points in a game.
TURNOVERS - Holding on to the ball is key in any form of football, especially in the Arena League when every possession is a scoring opportunity. In their 3 home wins the SaberCats are +9 in turnover margin forcing 11 turnovers. The road is a different story. San Jose is -8 in turnover margin in its four road games going 1-3.
HOW THE WEST IS WON - The SaberCats will be playing their first division opponent other than Los Angeles when they host Utah on Saturday. During their history the SaberCats have posted a 43-26 (.623) regular season record against Western Division opponents and are 25-11 (.694) at home against division foes. Including their playoff win over Arizona last season, the SaberCats have won 6 straight games over Western Division competition.
JUST WIN BABY! - San Jose's success on its home turf can be attributed to the success QB Mark Grieb has enjoyed. During his career as the SaberCats' starting QB the team is 46-7 (.868) at HP Pavilion. Grieb has played a total of 55 regular season games as a SaberCat on the HP turf throwing for 14,637 yards on 1,142-of-1,659 (68.8%) passing with 284 TDs and just 31 INTs. His career passer rating at home stands at 128.0.
THE LONGEST YARD - If the season stats hold true look for a lot of yards and a lot of points in Saturday's game. Utah enters as the league-leader in total offense at 358.1 ypg and has surpassed the 300-yard mark in all 8 games while twice reaching the 400-yard plateau. San Jose, on the other hand, ranks 3rd with an average of 335.3 ypg and has eclipsed the 300 mark 5 times in 7 games, including four straight, while reaching the 400-yard mark once. Utah also leads the AFL in scoring at 67.8 ppg while San Jose ranks 3rd at 63.0 ppg. They are just two of three teams in the entire AFL averaging over 61 points per game.
HOLDIN' ON - The SaberCats took a 10-point lead into the fourth quarter in their win over Los Angeles on Apr. 21, keeping them undefeated (4-0) on the year when leading after three. San Jose has led going into the final stanza in each of its wins this year and is now 93-12 (.886) all-time when taking a lead into the final quarter of play.
WHAT'S YOUR POINT - In their 3 home wins this year the SaberCats have outscored their opponent by an average of 24 points per game. San Jose has scored 214 points (71.3 ppg) while allowing just 142 (47.3 ppg). All three wins have been by 20 or more points.
ON THE MARK - In the first quarter of San Jose's three home games QB Mark Grieb has not thrown an incomplete pass. That's right, no incompletions. Grieb has combined to complete all 20 of his first quarter attempts for 271 yards with 8 TDs. Against Los Angeles on Apr. 21, Grieb was 5-of-5 for 99 yards and 3 TDs. In San Jose's home opener against Tampa Bay on Mar. 31 he was 6-of-6 for 96 yards and 3 TDs and followed that with a 9-of-9 first quarter for 76 yards and 2 TDs against Colorado on Apr. 6.
NOTES:
THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME - SaberCats' QB Mark Grieb has been lights out in San Jose's three home wins, and he could probably complete 60 percent of his passes in the dark. For the 3rd straight home game Grieb completed over 80 percent of his passes by going 23-of-28 (82.1%) against Los Angeles on Apr. 21 for 330 yards and 8 TDs. In San Jose's first home game of the season, against Tampa Bay on Mar. 31, he completed 88.5 percent (23-of-26) and followed that with 82.5 percent (33-of-40) night against Colorado on Apr. 6. In winning three home games by a combined 72 points, Grieb has completed 79-of-94 passes (84%) for 966 yards with 23 TDs and 2 INTs for a passer rating of 140.20. Grieb has not enjoyed the same success on the road. In four games, three of them losses, he has struck at a 66.7 percent clip (126-of-189) for 1,332 yards with 24 TDs and 7 INTs. Those numbers equate to just a 103.31 passer rating.
RUNNING MAN - FB Brian Johnson is starting to round into form after spending the first month of the season on IR recovering from off-season knee surgery. Johnson scored a pair of rushing TDs on 7 carries in San Jose's win over Los Angeles on Apr. 21, increasing his career total to 20 and breaking a 5th place tie on the team's career chart with Joey Dozier. Johnson leads the team in rushing with 44 yards and is just 8 away from becoming the 11th player in team history with 200. Johnson also had 2 receptions for a career-best 31 yards against the Avengers, his 3rd straight 2-reception game. He set a team season record for receptions by a fullback with 11 last season and has 17 in his career, third-most all-time for a FB behind Derrick Chachere (24) and Tom Petithomme (19).
MOST RUSH TDs, TEAM, CAREER
Rank Player Rush TDs
1. Barry Wagner (2000-06) 58
2. Steve Papin (1997-01) 43
3. Derrick Chachere (1995-97, 99-00) 34
4. Matt Kinsinger (2002-05, 07) 32
5. Brian Johnson (2003-04, 06-07) 20
MOST FB RECEPTIONS, TEAM, CAREER
Rank Player Recpts
1. Derrick Chachere (1995-97, 99-00) 24
2. Tom Petithomme (1995-96, 99) 19
3. Brian Johnson (2003-04, 06-07) 17
4. Mike Jones (1998-02) 12
5. Leonard Nelson (1996-99) 11
MR. ROE-BOTO - James Roe tied Rashied Davis for the second-most receiving TDs in a game with 6 against Los Angeles on Apr. 21. Roe holds the team record with 7, which he established on Apr. 4, 2004 at Tampa Bay. Roe vaulted into the team lead with 20 TD receptions this season and has caught at least one TD catch in every game. The game against the Avengers also marked Roe's 90th career game as a member of the San Jose organization, which ties him with lineman Sam Hernandez for 4th place on the team's games played list. Roe will likely move into second place by season's end needing only one more game to move into a tie with Albrey Battle and three games to surpass Barry Wagner - QB Mark Grieb leads all players with 118 games played in the green and gold.
GAMES PLAYED, TEAM, CAREER
Rank Player Gms Played
1. Mark Grieb (1999-07) 118
2. Barry Wagner (2000-06) 92
3. Albrey Battle (2000-06) 91
4. James Roe (2000-07) 90
Sam Hernandez (1998-04) 90
6. Howard Butler (1996-01) 77
7. Shalon Baker (1998-2005) 72
Omarr Smith (2000-02, 04-07) 72
9. Clevan Thomas (2002-07) 69
10. Dan Loney (2002-07) 68
KICKING BUTT - A.J. Haglund continues to be one of the most productive kickers in the AFL halfway through the season. He is second in the league in kick scoring with 75 points and leads the league in FG percentage, converting on 7 of his 9 attempts (77.8%). Haglund's 7th FG of the season was a 24-yarder that came against L.A. on Apr. 21 and was his 6th consecutive made FG. This kicking streak tied a San Jose record established by Billy Stoyanovich in 1997 for the longest in team history. Haglund missed a 35-yard attempt as time expired in the first half ending his streak. His 10 extra points made on 10 attempts also tied a team record for the 2nd most PATs made by a SaberCats kicker in a game.
BEN THERE, DONE THAT - Ben Nelson registered another 100-yard receiving game on Apr. 21 against the Avengers, extending his team record for consecutive 100-yard games to 7 and tying the team record he holds with four other players for most in a season. Shalon Baker established the record in 1999 and James Roe (twice), James Hundon, Rashied Davis and Nelson have matched it over the years. With three more 100-yard games Nelson will tie Steve Papin (17) for 3rd place on the club's career list. With 7 receptions against Los Angeles, accounting for his 107 yards, Nelson moved past Rashied Davis (162) into 8th place on the team's career receptions list with 165.
MOST RECEPTIONS, TEAM, CAREER
Rank Player Recpts
1. James Roe (2000-07) 591
2. Barry Wagner (2000-06) 340
3. Steve Papin (1997-01) 326
4. James Hundon (2001-04 307
5. Shalon Baker (1998-05) 263
6. Jerry Reese (1995-96, 99-04) 243
7. Titus Dixon (1995-97) 205
8. Ben Nelson (2006-07) 165
9. Rashied Davis (2003-05) 162
10. Rodney Wright (2005-07) 122
DOUBLE TROUBLE - Two of the top DBs in AFL history each had an interception in the same game for the 4th time in their careers and the second this season. Omarr Smith and Clevan Thomas, with a combined 64 picks between them, each tallied an INT in the SaberCats' 73-49 win over Los Angeles on Apr. 21. The pair struck earlier this season against Colorado on Apr. 6. As teammates the two have been on the field at the same time in just 36 of 69 games with both missing extended periods of time to serious knee injuries since 2004. They each had a pick in the same game for the first time on Jun. 15, 2002 and struck again on Feb. 28, 2004. All four games have come at HP Pavilion and the SaberCats are 4-0 when the two get an INT in the same game. Thomas' INT against Los Angeles was the 35th of his career moving him into a tie with former SaberCat Chris Barber for 11th place on the AFL's all-time list.
MOST INTERCEPTIONS, AFL, CAREER
Rank Name, 2007 Team INTs
1. Kenny McEntyre, Kansas City 67
2. Durwood Roquemore, none 50
3. Barry Wagner, none 48
4. Mark Ricks, none 44
5. Corey Johnson, none 41
6. Kevin Gaines, Grand Rapids 40
7. Damon Mason, Austin 38
8. Tracey Perkins, none 37
9. Randy Gatewood, Arizona 36
Carlos James, none 36
11. Clevan Thomas, San Jose 35
Chris Barber, none 35
FIRST IMPRESSION - Jason Geathers made the most of his 1st career start on the offensive side of the ball against the Avengers on Apr. 21. Lining up alongside James Roe and Ben Nelson as one of the team's three receivers, Geathers caught 6 balls for 62 yards and recorded his first career TD on a 31-yard strike from Mark Grieb in the 3rd quarter. His 6 catches in the game nearly matches his 2006 total of 7. Geathers' versatility allows the SaberCats to utilize his talents on offense, defense and special teams as he has returned kickoffs and started 5 out of the first 6 games at the JLB position for San Jose. He registered 1 tackle on defense against L.A., elevating his total defensive stats for the year to 15 tackles, 1 PBU and 1 FR.
FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH - Two Arena Football League rookies on the SaberCats roster played vital roles and minutes in San Jose's victory against Los Angeles on Apr. 21. Trestin George played in his second career game and his first full game since going down with an injury in Week 4. He returned 6 kickoffs for 137 yards and also returned the SaberCats first playable missed FG off the net this season and returned it for 10 yards. George also accounted for his 1st career INT when he picked off a Sonny Cumbie offering late in the 4th quarter. Cleannord Saintil made his AFL debut while starting at the JLB position. He was all over the field on defense and special teams, totaling 3 tackles, and also played a series at WR when James Roe briefly exited the game in the 3rd quarter. Saintil became the 8th SaberCats rookie to make his AFL debut this season joining George, A.J. Haglund, Jeff Littlejohn, Patrik Afif, Steve Watson, Todd Williams and Garrett McIntyre.
PAYDIRT - Following their only scoreless quarter of the season to date, the SaberCats have been lighting up the scoreboard. San Jose was held without a point in the third quarter of its game at New Orleans on Apr. 13, but since then the SaberCats have reached double figures in points all five quarters. Mark Grieb tossed four TD passes in the fourth quarter of the VooDoo game and San Jose scored three TDs in each of the first, third and fourth quarters against Los Angeles on Apr. 21. They took a breather in the second quarter against the Avengers scoring only 10 points.
AGAINST LOS ANGELES
A.J. Haglund tied the team record for consecutive made FGs at 6 with a 24-yarder in the 2nd quarter and was a perfect 10-of-10 on PATs...Clevan Thomas had his 35th career INT moving into a tie for 11th place with Chris Barber on the AFL's all-time list and also collected his 250th career solo tackle...Ben Nelson had his 7th straight 100-yard receiving game extending his current team record and moved past Rashied Davis (162) into 8th place on the team's career receptions list with 165...Trestin George had his 1st career INT...Jason Geathers scored his 1st career TD on a 31-yard pass from Mark Grieb...Cleannord Saintil played in his 1st career game starting at LB with 3.0 total tackles...Omarr Smith had his 29th career INT and 330th career solo tackle...San Jose scored 70+ points in a game for the 25th time...LA's Sonny Cumbie threw more INTs in this game (3) than he had all season (2)...The SaberCats have won 3 straight games over Los Angeles and lead the series 11-5...San Jose extended its regular season home win streak to 9...Brian Johnson scored two rush TDs giving him 20 for his career...James Roe played in his 90th game and tied the team record for the second-most TD catches in a game with 6...Mark Grieb had his 34th career 300-yard passing game and his 3rd straight...LB Phil Glover recorded his 60th career solo tackle and 3rd career forced fumble...In his 20th career game DB Marquis Floyd tallied his 6th career FF and a PBU.
UTAH PLAYERS TO WATCH
QB JOE GERMAINE - A strong candidate for mid-season MVP, Germaine has been the most prolific quarterback in the Arena Football League in 2007. He directs the league's most potent offense (67.8 ppg) and has tossed 60 TDs against only 3 INTs - the least among starting QBs. Germaine is in his 4th AFL season and the SaberCats have been tested against his proficiency only 3 times in the team's history. In those contests, the former Ohio State Buckeye has completed 62-of-105 pass attempts for 776 yards and 13 TDs; he has also rushed for one score. The SaberCats' defense has intercepted Germaine 3 times and has totaled 4 sacks against him as well. In the two teams last meeting on Mar. 4, 2006, Germaine was one attempt shy of his career high completing 28-of-44 passes for 367 yards and 5 TDs - San Jose intercepted and sacked the QB twice to earn a 65-60 victory. At the midway point of the season, Germaine has completed 221 of his 312 passes (70.8%) for a league-leading 2,779 yards. His 133.8 passer rating and passing yards per game (347.4) are also tops among AFL quarterbacks.
WR SIAHA BURLEY - Categorized as one of the top 5 receivers in the league, Burley has been Utah's go-to-guy so far this season. He has accounted for one-third of the Blaze's reception total in 2007 - including a 16-catch, 218-yard performance last Friday against Arizona. In his 7th year in the AFL, Burley has played for four different teams (Orlando, Los Angeles, Arizona, Utah) and has played in 10 career games versus San Jose totaling 59 receptions, 788 yards and 21 TDs. His last outing against San Jose came on Mar. 4, 2006, where the two-time All-Arena Second Team player racked up 7 catches for 81 yards and 4 TDs. Burley's 6 TD receptions on May 26, 2001 as a member of the Predators is a SaberCats record for the most TDs by an opponent in a game. Burley currently leads the league in receptions (78) and receiving yards (1,095), and ranks 3rd in TD receptions with 25.
WR/DB ORSHAWANTE BRYANT - The six-year AFL veteran is Utah's top two-way playmaker as he enters his second season with the team. During his first two years in the league, Bryant was mostly utilized as a receiver but has evolved into a formidable defensive back. He leads the Blaze with 3 INTs and is second on the team with 27 tackles in 2007. Before signing with Utah, Bryant played 4 seasons with the Arizona Rattlers where he was a teammate of Siaha Burley, Joe Germaine and Tom Pace - all current members of the Blaze. In 13 career games against San Jose, Bryant has recorded 66 receptions for 794 yards and 14 TDs as well as 27.5 tackles and 2 PBUs on defense. He played in both ArenaBowl games ('02, '04) versus the SaberCats and his finest game against San Jose came in ArenaBowl XVIII on June 27, 2004, where he collected 7 catches for 130 yards and 3 TDs.
WEEKLY PLAYERS OF THE GAME
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Opp. (Date) Player
@LAA (3/4) WR Lenzie Jackson, Los Angeles
@CHI (3/9) WR Bobby Sippio, CHI; Rodney Wright SJS
@GEO (3/24) WR Chris Jackson, Georgia
v TBY (3/31) QB Mark Grieb, San Jose
v COL (4/6) QB Mark Grieb, San Jose
@NWO (4/13) QB Steve Bellisari, New Orleans
v LAA (4/21) QB Mark Grieb, San Jose
v UTH (4/28)
@ARZ (5/5)
v LVG (5/12)
v GRR (5/19)
@NAS (5/25)
v ORL (6/1)
@UTH (6/9)
v ARZ (6/16)
@LVG (6/25)
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Opp. (Date) Player
@LAA (3/4) DB Omarr Smith, San Jose
@CHI (3/9) DB Jeremy Unertl, Chicago
@GEO (3/24) DB Willie Gary, Georgia
v TBY (3/31) DB Marquis Floyd, San Jose
v COL (4/6) DB Clevan Thomas, San Jose
@NWO (4/13) DL Henry Taylor, New Orleans
v LAA (4/21) DB Omarr Smith, San Jose
v UTH (4/28)
@ARZ (5/5)
v LVG (5/12)
v GRR (5/19)
@NAS (5/25)
v ORL (6/1)
@UTH (6/9)
v ARZ (6/16)
@LVG (6/25)
IRONMAN PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Opp. (Date) Player
@LAA (3/4) WR Ben Nelson, San Jose
@CHI (3/9) None selected
@GEO (3/24) FB/LB Matt Heubner, Georgia
v TBY (3/31) K A.J. Haglund, San Jose
v COL (4/6) WR Rodney Wright, San Jose
@NWO (4/13) WR/LB Tremaine Neal, New Orleans
v LAA (4/21) WR/LB Jason Geathers, San Jose
v UTH (4/28)
@ARZ (5/5)
v LVG (5/12)
v GRR (5/19)
@NAS (5/25)
v ORL (6/1)
@UTH (6/9)
v ARZ (6/16)
@LVG (6/25)
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