San Jose SaberCats game notes
May 29, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
THE QUICK FACTS:
Game: Orlando Predators (7-5) at SaberCats (9-3).
Date: Friday, June 1, 2007.
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. (PDT).
Site: HP Pavilion at San Jose (14,041).
Officials: Referee: Riley Johnson; Umpire: Rick Podraza; Head Linesman: Jullian Mapp; Line Judge: R.G. Detillier; Back Judge: Bud McCleskey
Television: FSN Bay Area will air the game tape-delayed at 12:00 am on Saturday, June 2. Rich Cellini and Mike Pawlawski bring all the action.
Radio: KNBR-1050 will carry the game live with Bob Fitzgerald and Keena Turner. Dan Dibley and Ray Woodson host an extended pre game show starting at 5:00 p.m.
Opening Line: SaberCats by 10 (over/under 106½)
Internet: A live webcast is available at www.KNBR.com.
Series Record: SaberCats lead all-time series tied 5-2.
Series Streak: SaberCats Won 3.
Last Meeting: SaberCats 57, Orlando 38 (March 6, 2005 in TD Waterhouse Centre).
Coaches: San Jose, Darren Arbet (9th season; 92-40 regular season, 102-45 overall).
Orlando, Jay Gruden, (8th season; 72-44 regular season; 83-49 overall).
OVERVIEW: The SaberCats clinched their 8th consecutive playoff berth, won their 6th straight game and won in Nashville for the first time ever with their 48-34 win on May 25. San Jose's defense forced a team record tying 6 turnovers and used a 21-0 third quarter spurt to erase a 24-20 halftime deficit en route to the win. The SaberCats can clinch their 2nd straight Western Division title, and 8th in team history, this week when they host the Southern Division Orlando Predators on Friday, June 1. FSN Bay Area will televise the game as part of the AFL's regional TV package and the team's flagship radio station KNBR 1050 will carry the game live. Trailing by four points at the start of the second half, San Jose converted three Nashville turnovers on consecutive possessions into touchdowns to take control of the game. Steve Watson tied a team record with 12.0 tackles from his LB position and Marquis Floyd had two interceptions, the second time in the past three games he's done that. Orlando enters Friday's game with the stingiest defense in the AFL allowing an average of just 44.1 points per game. The SaberCats have been equally tight defensively allowing an average of 37.3 ppg over the last three games and 43.0 ppg during their current six-game winning streak. The SaberCats have beaten Orlando three straight times and the teams will be playing in San Jose for the first time since 2002.
THE SCHEDULES
2007 SAN JOSE SABERCATS (9-3)
Date Opponent Result Score (Rec)
Mar. 4 @Los Angeles Won 66-58 (1-0)
Mar. 9 @Chicago Lost 45-48 (1-1)
Mar. 24 @Georgia Lost 62-64 (1-2)
Mar. 31 TAMPA BAY Won 69-49 (2-2)
Apr. 6 COLORADO Won 72-44 (3-2)
Apr. 13 @New Orleans Lost 54-67 (3-3)
Apr. 21 LOS ANGELES Won 73-49 (4-3)
Apr. 28 UTAH Won 69-48 (5-3)
May 5 @Arizona Won 56-49 (6-3)
May 12 LAS VEGAS Won 61-34 (7-3)
May 19 GRAND RAPIDS Won 69-44 (8-3)
May 25 @Nashville Won 48-34 (9-3)
Date Opponent Time (PT) Radio/TV
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 ORLANDO PREDATORS (7-5)
Date Opponent Result Score (Rec)
Mar. 2 @Tampa Bay Won 52-47 (1-0)
Mar. 12 LOS ANGELES Lost (ot) 37-44 (1-1)
Mar. 16 AUSTIN Won 45-30 (2-1)
Mar. 26 DALLAS Lost 49-70 (2-2)
Mar. 31 @New Orleans Lost 45-48 (2-3)
Apr. 14 TAMPA BAY Won 61-37 (3-3)
Apr. 20 NEW YORK Won 52-47 (4-3)
Apr. 29 @Las Vegas Won 69-34 (5-3)
May 4 @Georgia Lost 34-55 (5-4)
May 11 NEW ORLEANS Won 42-33 (6-4)
May 20 @Austin Won 46-45 (7-4)
May 25 UTAH Lost 62-65 (7-5)
Date Opponent Time (PT) TV
Jun. 1 @San Jose 7:30 pm FSN, SUN
Jun. 9 @New York 4:00 pm FSN, SUN
Jun. 15 GEORGIA 4:30 pm FSN, SUN
Jun. 21 @Philadelphia 4:30 pm CSS
THE SERIES: San Jose leads the all-time series 5-2 and has won the last three series games by a combined 63 points...The SaberCats are 4-1 in regular season games against the Predators, including a 57-38 win in Orlando in the last meeting on Mar. 6, 2005...The teams will be playing for the 6th time in San Jose with the SaberCats holding a 3-2 series edge, but Friday marks the first meeting in HP Pavilion since August 10, 2002, San Jose won that semifinal playoff game, 52-40, to advance to its first ever ArenaBowl...The Predators were victorious, 59-35, in the last regular season game played in San Jose back on Mar. 26, 2001 with current SaberCats' backup QB Craig Whelihan as their starter.
SERIES NOTABLES
This will be the first meeting between the teams in San Jose since Aug. 10, 2002 when the SaberCats won a semifinal playoff game, 52-40, to advance to their first ArenaBowl...Mark Grieb has started 2 games for San Jose against Orlando (both wins) throwing for 462 yards and 11 TDs on 39-of-64 passing with no INTs. He also had a relief stint against the Predators as a member of the Anaheim Piranhas going 3-of-9 for 38 yards on June 20, 1997...Orlando head coach Jay Gruden threw 8 INTs against San Jose in 3 games as a starting QB in the AFL...In their five series victories the SaberCats have outscored Orlando 282 to 175, but failed to reach the 40-point mark in their two losses...San Jose's point total in its 77-45 win at Orlando on May 17, 2002 is the third-highest in a road game in franchise history and tied for the 12th highest overall...The SaberCats were blanked in two quarters in a game for the first, and only, time in franchise history when they failed to score in the first and fourth quarters of their 59-35 loss to Orlando on May 26, 2001...Current SaberCats backup QB Craig Whelihan was Orlando's starter in that game and threw a career-high 7 TD passes, the second-highest game total in Predators history...The SaberCats have scored first in each of the last three series games, all San Jose wins...The SaberCats have limited Orlando to just 289 points in the 7 series games, an average of 41.3 ppg, and held the Predators in the 20's twice.
LAST SERIES MEETING
SaberCats Stop 2-game Slide; Beat Predators 57-38
SABERCATS 57, Orlando 38 - Sunday, March 6, 2005 - TD Waterhouse Centre - Mark Grieb threw five TD passes and Barry Wagner scored three times in his return to Orlando helping the San Jose SaberCats end a two-game losing streak with a 57-38 win over the Predators. Behind Grieb, the game's Offensive MVP, the SaberCats posted their highest first half point total of the season 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. Wagner also hauled in 6 passes to tie James Hundon for 2nd place on the SaberCats career receptions list with 307. After allowing more than 60 points in three of their first four games, the SaberCats clamped down and stopped the Predators four times on downs and held them to just 212 yards of total offense. Defensive specialist Clevan Thomas, playing in his third game of the year, 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 road 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 272 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.
SCORE BY QUARTERS
SaberCats........................ 14 19 10 14 - 57
Predators......................... 13 13 6 6 - 38
SCORING SUMMARY
SAN Fernandez 15 pass from Grieb (Frantz kick)
ORL James 18 pass from Hamilton (Gowins kick)
ORL Cooper 10 pass from Hamilton (Gowins kick failed)
SAN Davis 31 pass from Grieb (Frantz kick)
ORL FG Gowins 26
SAN Kinsinger 2 run (Frantz kick)
SAN Wagner 35 pass from Grieb (Frantz kick failed)
ORL Fryzel 13 pass from Hamilton (Gowins kick)
SAN Wagner 4 pass from Grieb (Frantz kick failed)
ORL FG Gowins 35
SAN Davis 2 run (Frantz kick)
SAN FG Frantz 23
ORL James 20 pass from Hamilton (Gowins kick failed)
ORL Skaggs 10 pass from Hamilton (Hamilton pass failed)
SAN Roe 11 pass from Grieb (Frantz kick)
SAN Wagner 2 run (Frantz kick)
TEAM STATISTICS SAN ORL
First Downs 25 19
Total Net Yards 280 212
Rush Atts-Net Yards 10-12 6-10
Net Yards Passing 268 202
Comp-Att-Int 22-35-0 19-40-1
KO Returns-Yards 4-56 7-163
MFG Returns-Yards 0-0 0-0
INT for-Yards 1-10 0-0
Penalties-Yards 13-88 13-90
Fumbles-Lost 0-0 1-0
Sacks By-Yards 0-0 1-4
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
Passing: SJ - Grieb 22-35-0-272. ORL - Hamilton 19-40-1-202.
Rushing: SJ - Kinsinger 6-6; Wagner 1-2; Davis 1-2; Grieb 1-1; Baker 1-1. ORL - Hamilton 4-6; Moye-Moore 1-2; Price 1-2.
Receiving: SJ - Roe 7-72; Wagner 6-77; Davis 4-63; Fernandez 3-28; Williams 1-19; Kinsinger 1-13. ORL - James 9-85; Fryzel 4-62; Skaggs 4-36; Cooper 2-19.
Kick Returns: SJ - Davis 3-56; Wagner 1-0. ORL - James 7-163.
ALL-TIME SERIES SCORES
Date Score
Mar. 6, 2005 San Jose 57, @Orlando 38
Aug. 10, 2002 @San Jose 52, Orlando 40 (playoff)
May 17, 2002 San Jose 77, @Orlando 45
May 26, 2001 Orlando 59, @San Jose 35
May 25, 1996 @San Jose 42, Orlando 25
Aug. 13, 1995 Orlando 55, @San Jose 37 (playoff)
July 22, 1995 @San Jose 54, Orlando 27
THE COACHES
San Jose - Darren Arbet, 9th season
92-40 (.697) reg. season; 102-45 (.694) overall
3-1 (.750) career vs. Orlando
1-1 (.500) career vs. Jay Gruden
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.
Orlando - Jay Gruden, 8th season
72-44 (.621) reg. season; 83-49 (.629) overall
1-1 (.500) career vs. San Jose
1-1 (.500) career vs. Darren Arbet
Whether as a head coach, offensive coordinator, or player Jay Gruden's name has been synonymous with success in the Arena Football League. Gruden began his AFL career as a quarterback with the Tampa Bay Storm in 1991. After capturing his second consecutive championship and fourth title overall with the Storm in 1996, Gruden retired to enter the coaching ranks. He became the youngest head coach in the AFL when the Orlando Predators hired him to replace Perry Moss. His impact on the Predators was immediate. In 1998 he delivered Orlando's first ArenaBowl championship with a 62-31 win over the Storm. One season later Gruden became the first coach in AFL history to take a number eight seed to the ArenaBowl. In one of the most unusual moves in AFL history, Gruden would announce his resignation as head coach of the Predators in 2001 - in order to return to the playing field as the team's quarterback. Surgeries, combined with the tragic loss of head coach Fran Papasedero to an off-season automobile accident, led Gruden back to the sidelines when the Predators named him Head Coach and Director of Football Operations in July of 2003. Gruden returned the Predators to a record seventh ArenaBowl championship game in 2006, the fourth time under his guidance. Gruden ranks in the top 10 overall in coaching wins and winning percentage and is one of only five AFL coaches with two or more ArenaBowl championships. As a player, assistant or head coach, Gruden has never missed the AFL playoffs.
2007 TEAM STATISTICAL COMPARISON
Category (Rank) SaberCats Predators
Scoring Offense 61.5 (3) 49.5 (16)
Scoring Defense 48.5 (4) 44.1 (1)
Total Offense 319.2 (4) 286.9 (11)
Total Defense 278.0 (5) 286.1 (8)
Pass Offense 307.0 (3) 267.3 (11)
Pass Defense 261.5 (5) 264.8 (7)
Rushing Offense 12.2 (16) 19.6 (10)
Rushing Defense 16.5 (6) 21.2 (15)
Pass Rating 124.0 (5) 115.7 (8)
Pass Defense Rating 103.1 (5) 101.8 (3)
Interceptions 16 (t-5) 16 (t-5)
Kickoff Return Avg. 19.4 (5) 15.6 (16)
Field Goal Return Avg. 3.7 (19) 10.7 (11)
Turnover Margin +13 (3) +14 (2)
3rd Down Conversions 55.1% (4) 50.7% (7)
4th Down Conversions 66.7% (t-2) 34.8% (19)
Sacks By 14 (t-5) 21 (t-1)
Sacks Against 13 (t-11) 10 (9)
2007 SABERCATS AMONG AFL LEADERS
Player Category No. Rank
Mark Grieb Pass Avg/Game 310.0 3rd
Mark Grieb Completion Pct. 71.0 2nd
Mark Grieb Passing TDs 77 t-4th
Mark Grieb Pass Attempts 451 5th
Mark Grieb Pass Yards 3,720 4th
Mark Grieb Pass Completions 320 2nd
Mark Grieb Passer Rating 124.1 5th
Mark Grieb Total Offense 3,747 4th
Mark Grieb Total Offensive TDs 79 t-3rd
Mark Grieb Pass Yards/Attempt 8.2 5th
A.J. Haglund Kick Scoring 114 3rd
A.J. Haglund FG Percentage 53.8 6th
A.J. Haglund PAT Percentage 92.1 7th
A.J. Haglund FGs Made 7 10th
A.J. Haglund PATs Made 93 2nd
A.J. Haglund PAT Attempts 101 2nd
Ben Nelson Receptions 96 t-10th
Ben Nelson Receiving Yards 1,208 10th
Ben Nelson Receiving Yards/Gm 120.8 4th
James Roe Receptions 98 8th
James Roe Receiving TDs 29 6th
Ron Jones Fumbles Recovered 3 t-5th
Ron Jones Fumbles Forced 4 t-6th
Ron Jones Sacks 7.0 t-4th
Ron Jones Tackles for Loss 8.5 t-4th
Clevan Thomas Interceptions 5 t-9th
Clevan Thomas Passes Defended 18 t-8th
Clevan Thomas Fumbles Forced 5 t-2nd
Phil Glover Fumbles Forced 5 t-2nd
Phil Glover Fumbles Recovered 3 t-5th
Trestin George KOR Average 23.8 1st
Trestin George KOR Yards 667 10th
Trestin George KOR TDs 2 t-5th
Marquis Floyd Interceptions 6 t-6th
Rodney Wright KOR Average 22.4 3rd
THE IFS...
If the SaberCats defeat Orlando it would...
*Clinch at least a tie for the Western Division title
*Give them a 10-3 season record
*Be their 7th straight win
*Be their 13th straight regular season home win
*Be their 4th straight win over the Predators
*Give them a 6-2 series lead
*Be their 14th straight home win over a Southern Div. foe
*Give them a 70-24 regular season home record
*Give them a 122-65 all-time regular season record
*Give them 132-73 all-time overall record
RECENT RESULTS
SABERCATS CLINCH POSTSEASON BERTH
Win In Nashville For First Time 48-34
Nashville, Tenn. (May 25, 2007) - Sparked by a relentless defensive effort, the San Jose SaberCats used a 21-0 third quarter run to come from behind and beat the Nashville Kats for their sixth straight win, 48-34. The win was the first in five tries for San Jose (9-3) in the Music City and also produced the team's eighth consecutive playoff berth. Mark Grieb threw three scoring passes and ran for another and Brian Johnson and Phil Glover each scored on the ground for San Jose while the defense forced a team record tying six turnovers converting five of them into scores. Nashville (5-8) scored 10 points in the final minute of the first half to take a 24-20 lead at intermission. Fullback Dan Alexander scored on a 1-yard run with 37 seconds left and following a bizarre ending to the half, which saw SaberCats head coach Darren Arbet receive an unsportsmanlike penalty, Jason Witczak booted a 20-yard field goal with no time left. Marquis Floyd had a pair of interceptions and San Jose recovered three fumbles in the second half as the SaberCats held Nashville to 10 points after intermission. Alan Harper recovered an Alexander fumble to start the second half and the SaberCats regained the lead when Grieb found Rodney Wright on a 5-yard scoring pass just over three minutes into the third quarter. Floyd's first interception led to a Grieb to Roe 5-yard scoring pass and Phil Glover's 2-yard touchdown run following his own fumble recovery gave the SaberCats a 41-24 lead after three quarters. A missed San Jose field goal gave Nashville possession trailing by seven points with just over three minutes left in the game. However, on the first play, DE Ron Jones sacked Jeff Smoker forcing a fumble that was recovered by Steve Watson. Brian Johnson scored two plays later to supply San Jose with its margin of victory.
TRENDS
HOME SWEET HOME - The SaberCats bring a perfect home record this season into Friday's matchup with Orlando. San Jose improved to 6-0 at HP Pavilion this year with a 69-44 win over Grand Rapids on May 19, and stretched its regular season home winning streak to 12, the 2nd longest regular season unbeaten streak in team history. San Jose won 14 consecutive regular season home games from June 16, 2001 to Mar. 28, 2003. San Jose also upped its record to 69-24 (.742) in regular season home games and 78-28 (.736) overall in games at HP Pavilion. Under head coach Darren Arbet the SaberCats improved to 55-11 (.833) in regular season home games. San Jose's last regular season home loss was to Los Angeles, 75-61, on Mar. 12, 2006.
HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE - The SaberCats are not only unbeaten at home this season, they have won all six games by 20 or more points with an average margin of victory at 24.2 ppg. Another sign of San Jose's home domination is the 413 to 268 point differential and the fact they have trailed just one time in the six games. Back on Apr. 6 against Colorado, San Jose's 2nd home game of the season, the Crush opened the scoring with a field goal for a 3-0 lead. The SaberCats proceeded to score the next 28 points and have not trailed at home since.
QUICK STARTS - The SaberCats have not allowed a first quarter point in their last 4 games and have outscored the opposition 97-21 in the opening frame during their current 6-game winning streak. San Jose's 90 first quarter points allowed are the fewest in the AFL and its 195 points scored are the 2nd most, behind only Utah's 214. San Jose has an AFL best +105 first quarter point differential and is unbeaten this season (9-0) when leading after the first quarter.
DOIN THE D - With all the SaberCats' offensive exploits noted countless times, it's the defensive unit that has played a large role in the team's current 6-game winning streak. The SaberCats have not allowed an opponent to crack the 50-point mark in any of the past six games and allowed a season-low 34 points twice in the last three weeks. The streak of sub-50 point games allowed is also the longest since an 8-game stretch during the 1998 season. The SaberCats have seen their points per game allowed drop from 55.0 prior to the win streak to 48.5 currently, good for 4th best in the AFL.
WHAT ARE THE ODDS? - If you had bet $100 on the San Jose SaberCats point spread every game this season you would have an extra $680 in your pocket. Multiply the bet and the profit times ten and you see why it can be very fun. The most prosperous AFL team in Vegas has a 9-2-1 record against the spread this season and is a perfect 6-0 at HP Pavilion. San Jose was again tabbed as heavy favorites (-16.5) against the Grand Rapids Rampage on May 19 but managed to win by a 25-point margin. The SaberCats entered Nashville as 6-point favorites on May 25 and pulled away in the second half to cover and win 48-34. The SaberCats have only been underdogs in one game this season (at Georgia) and they covered the 3-point spread, losing 62-64. The over/under total has completely turned a 180 because San Jose's defense has been playing at the highest caliber as of late. Through their first 7 games, the SaberCats game total went over the O/U six times but their last five contests have fallen below the posted point total.
SEAL THE DEAL - For the 9th time this year the SaberCats held a lead heading into the fourth quarter when they were up 41-24 over Nashville in an eventual 48-34 win on May 25, and for the 9th time they posted a victory. San Jose cruised to its 15th straight win when leading after three quarters of play. San Jose last blew a lead after three quarters back on Feb. 26, 2006 in a 54-48 overtime loss at Chicago. The SaberCats have an all-time record of 98-12 (.891) when holding a lead into the final frame.
PICKIN IT - After intercepting just 4 passes in the first six games of the year, the SaberCats have totaled 12 INTs over the last six games increasing their season total to 16. The team's recent flurry of thievery has coincided with the success on the field as the team has outpicked its opponents 12 to 3 over the current 6-game winning streak. San Jose's starting DB trio of Marquis Floyd (5), Clevan Thomas (3) and Omarr Smith (3) have combined for 11 picks while reserve Trestin George supplied the other.
TAKETH AWAY - With their team record tying 6 takeaways at Nashville on May 25, the SaberCats now have the 3rd best total in the AFL with 31 on the year, behind Chicago (35) and Philadelphia (32), and the 6th most in team history. Over their current 6-game win streak the SaberCats have forced 23 turnovers and are +16 in turnover margin. Overall this season the SaberCats rank 3rd in the AFL with a +13 turnover margin while the Predators rank 2nd at +14.
SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY - Southern Division opponents have been more than welcome guests at HP Pavilion over the years. The SaberCats have won 13 straight games, including playoffs, at home over Southern Division foes and are 18-6 (.750) all-time against the South. San Jose's last loss at home to a team from the Southern Division came at the hands of the Predators, 59-35, back on May 26, 2001,
STREAKING - San Jose's 6-game winning streak is currently the longest in the AFL and is the 3rd longest in the league this season. Chicago rattled off 8 straight wins after a season-opening loss and the Desperados began the year winning 7 consecutive games. The run equals the 2003 squad for the 4th longest single-season win streak in SaberCats history. The franchise record for consecutive wins in a season is 12, also an AFL record, accomplished in 2002. The team also has an 11-game streak (2001) and a 7-game streak (2006).
NOTES
JONESIN' FOR MORE - In his first full season in the Arena Football League, DL Ron Jones has turned plenty of heads and most of them have been quarterbacks. At Nashville on May 25, he preserved the SaberCats' win when he sacked Kats' QB Jeff Smoker and forced a fumble that was recovered by Steve Watson with just over 3 minutes left in the game and the SaberCats leading by a TD. It was the 7th sack of the year for Jones and the 2nd time this season he matched a team record with 2 FFs in a game. His TFL on the sack also increased his team season record to 8.5 and his sack total ties him for 4th in the AFL and is the 3rd highest single season total in franchise history.
MOST QB SACKS, TEAM, SEASON
Rk. Player Year Sacks
1. Sam Hernandez 2000 12.0
2. Al Noga 1997 7.5
3. Ron Jones 2007 7.0
4. Sam Hernandez 2003 5.0
Sam Hernandez 1999 5.0
Sam Hernandez 1998 5.0
MOST TACKLES FOR LOSS, TEAM, SEASON
Rk. Player Year TFLs
1. Ron Jones 2007 8.5
2. Joe Jacobs 2005 6.5
3. Mike Ulufale 2002 6.0
Al Noga 1997 6.0
5. Joe Jacobs 2006 5.5
CATCH 22, 23, 24... - James Roe continues to elevate himself as one of the league's all-time great receivers after his 11-catch, 112-yard outing against the Nashville Kats on May 25. He moved up three spots, from 17th to 14th place, on the AFL career pass receptions list with 631. Roe passed up George LaFrance (629), Alvin Ashley (628) and former SaberCat Calvin Schexnayder (626) to claim the 14th position. He now leads the 2007 SaberCats receiving corp in receptions (98) and TDs (29) and is second to Ben Nelson (1,208 yds) with 1,146 receiving yards. Roe's current reception total of 98 ties James Hundon's 2002 team record for 5th most in a season. He needs 2 catches to record at least 100 receptions in 4 different seasons, and only lacks 3 grabs to pass Rashied Davis for 4th place on the single season reception list - Roe owns the top three spots with 116 (2005), 115 (2003) and 113 (2006).
MOST PASS RECEPTIONS, AFL, CAREER
Rank Player, Team Recpts
1. Barry Wagner, None 991
2. Eddie Brown, None 950
3. Lawrence Samuels, Tampa Bay 873
4. Damian Harrell, Colorado 868
5. Cory Fleming, None 846
6. Greg Hopkins, None 842
7. Chris Jackson, Georgia 819
8. Darryl Hammond, None 804
9. Mike Horacek, New York 801
10. Hunkie Cooper, None 776
11. Gary Compton, None 750
12. Siaha Burley, Utah 694
13. Randy Gatewood, Arizona 687
14. James Roe, San Jose 631
THE RUNNING MAN - FB Brian Johnson continues to run his way up the SaberCats career rushing leaders chart. The converted lineman has jumped 4 spots on the yards chart going from 13th at the start of the year to 9th place, just 16 yards out of the 8th slot. At Nashville on May 25, he carried the ball 5 times for 15 yards and a TD to become just the 6th player in team history with over 100 carries and tied Mike Jones for 5th all-time with 104 attempts. His 40 carries on the year represent the 8th highest single-season total in team history and he has 97 yards and 8 TDs. Johnson has shown his versatility as well this season by catching 8 passes out of the backfield. He set the team record for receptions by a FB with 11 last season and his 19 career catches tie him with Tom Petithomme for the 2nd most by a FB in team history, 5 behind Derrick Chachere.
MOST RUSH ATTEMPTS, TEAM, CAREER
Rank Player, Year(s) Attempts
1. Derrick Chachere (1995-97, 99-00) 154
2. Steve Papin (1997-01) 145
3. Barry Wagner (2000-06) 136
4. Matt Kinsinger (2002-05, 07) 130
5. Brian Johnson (2003-04, 06-07) 104
Mike Jones (1998-02) 104
CENTURY CLUB - With the SaberCats' Darren Arbet becoming the 5th head coach in AFL history to record 100 career victories earlier this season, the next in line is Orlando's Jay Gruden. Currently with 83 victories, Gruden sits in 8th place all-time, just behind the man he replaced in Orlando back in 1998, Perry Moss, and former Grand Rapids and Philly coach Michael Trigg. Gruden has coached in 2 games against San Jose going 1-1.
CAREER COACHING RECORDS
Rk. Coach (Year) Team Record
1. Tim Marcum (19th) Tampa Bay 186-84
2. Danny White (15th) Utah 154-82
3. Mike Hohensee (14th) Chicago 115-97
4. Mike Dailey (11th) Colorado 107-69
5. Darren Arbet (9th) San Jose 102-45
6. Perry Moss None 86-35
7. Michael Trigg None 84-94
8. Jay Gruden (8th) Orlando 83-49
A MARQUIS PLAYER - Considered to be the 3rd DB in the SaberCats secondary when the season began, Marquis Floyd has emerged as one of the best in the AFL. Floyd tallied his team-leading 6th INT of the season at Nashville on May 25 and had 2 in the game for his second multi-INT game in the last 3 contests. He also returned an onside kick 10 yards for his 2nd TD of the year. With 9 career INTs, Floyd broke a tie with Shalon Baker and moved past James Roe into sole possession of 7th place on the team's list. His 2 multi-INT games are the first by a SaberCat since Clevan Thomas had a pair in 2003 when he established an AFL record with 13 picks. Herschel Currie (1997) and Tommy Jones (1998) also had 2 multi-INT games in a season while Pat McGuirk holds the team record with 3 in 1995.
MOST INTERCEPTIONS, TEAM, CAREER
Rank Player INTs
1. Clevan Thomas (2002-07) 37
2. Pat McGuirk (1995-98) 24
3. Omarr Smith (2000-02, 04-07) 23
4. Barry Wagner (2000-06) 19
5. Tommy Jones (1998-01) 17
6. Herschel Currie (1997-99) 10
7. Marquis Floyd (2006-07) 9
CLOSING IN - Although he's not yet mentioned in the same breath as some of the great QBs in the AFL, he should be. San Jose's Mark Grieb just continues to put up numbers and win games for the SaberCats. With 280 yards passing Grieb will become just the 2nd QB in AFL history to have four consecutive 4,000-yard seasons. Dallas' Clint Dolezel became the 1st when he reached the 4,000-yard mark last season and is 603 yards away from his 5th straight 4,000-yard campaign. Grieb and former teammate John Dutton are both on pace to reach the 4,000-yard plateau for the 4th straight year, though Grieb is currently 154 yards ahead of Dutton in season passing yards. Grieb also needs just 8 TD passes to reach 600 for his career and to break his own 2005 team record of 84.
MOST TD PASSES, AFL, CAREER
Rank Player, Team TDs
1. Clint Dolezel, Dallas 835
2. Sherdrick Bonner, Arizona 824
3. Andy Kelly, New Orleans 809
4. Aaron Garcia, New York 795
5. Mark Grieb, San Jose 592
6. John Kaleo, Tampa Bay 581
7. John Dutton, Colorado 457
8. Tony Graziani, Philadelphia 439
9. Todd Hammel, None 426
10. Jay Gruden, None 397
STEVIE WONDER - Rookie LB Steve Watson put up numbers a DB would be proud of in San Jose's win at Nashville on May 25. Watson enjoyed the best game of his brief AFL career amassing 12.0 total tackles, 2 TFL, 1 FR and his 1st career QB sack. Watson matched team single-game records with 12.0 tackles and 11 solo stops. From his LB position and having missed 4 games due to a broken wrist, Watson is still the team's 3rd leading tackler with 43.0 on the year, also a team season-high by a non-DB, and his 22 assisted tackles are just 3 behind Shalon Baker's 1998 team record of 25. Watson is also the only player in San Jose history to have ever blocked two PAT kicks in a year.
RETURNS ON INVESTMENT - Rodney Wright and Trestin George have been the best return-tandem in the AFL so far in 2007. Their combined KOR totals of 52 returns for 1,204 yards and 3 TDs would rank 2nd in the AFL behind Grand Rapids' Timon Marshall, who has 78 KORs, 1,789 yards and 6 TDs. George leads the league with a 23.8 average per return (667 yards on 28 attempts) and Wright is 3rd with an average of 22.4 (537 yards on 24 attempts). The two have also combined for 6 returns of 50 or more yards. Wright had a 54-yard TD and a return of 50 yards at Georgia on Mar. 24, while George has a 56 and 54 yard TD return to go along with a pair of 50-yarders.
AT NASHVILLE
Clevan Thomas tied a team game record with 2 FFs, moving into sole possession of 3rd on team's career list with 11...James Roe had 11 catches to move into 14th place all-time with 631 and had his 190th career TD receptions...Omarr Smith tallied his 400th career tackle...Mark Grieb tied his season career-high with his 2nd rush TD of the year...Rodney Wright returned to the lineup with 9 catches for 113 yards, his 6th straight 100-yard game and 8th career, with his 15th career TD reception...Marquis Floyd took over the team lead with 6 INTs and had his 2nd 2-INT game in the last 3 moving into 7th on team's career list with 9...Ron Jones tied a team game record with 2 FFs...Brian Johnson carried the ball 5 times, eclipsing the 100 mark and tying Mike Jones for 5th on team's career list with 104...Steve Watson tied a team game record with 11 solo tackles and 12.0 total and notched his 1st career sack...Dan Loney played in his 73rd career regular season game, moving ahead of Shalon Baker for 9th most in team history...Julius Gant played in his 20th career game and was ejected late in the 2nd quarter missing the entire 2nd half...George Williams had a career-high 3 PBUs, giving him a season career-best 7 on the year...Kats' FB Dan Alexander tied a SaberCats opponent record with 12 rush attempts...San Jose won in Nashville for the first time...The SaberCats tied a team game record with 6 forced turnovers...Nashville failed to score in the first quarter marking the 4th straight game San Jose held its opponent without a point in the opening frame.
ORLANDO PLAYERS TO WATCH
QB SHANE STAFFORD - In his 6th Arena Football League season, Stafford is playing his first year as a member of the Orlando Predators. The former UConn signal-caller spent the previous five seasons of his career with Orlando's biggest rival - the Tampa Bay Storm. There, he established team and single-season records for every major passing category. Through 12 games in 2007, Stafford has completed 277-of-422 pass attempts for 3,202 yards and 57 TDs. His passing yards total (3,202) and QB rating (116.24) rank 9th in the league while his passing yards per game (266.8) and TD total (57) are good for 10th place. Stafford has only thrown 6 INTs this season and also has 4 rushing TDs on 15 attempts. In 4 career games versus the SaberCats, Stafford has thrown for 1,104 yards, 22 TDs and 4 INTs while completing 100 of his 156 pass attempts. He has also rushed for two scores, but has been sacked a total of three times.
DL GREG WHITE - Somewhat of an undersized lineman at 6-3, 275 pounds, White has the agility and quickness to beat anybody in the AFL off the line. The 2006 All-Rookie team member anchors Orlando's defense, which is the best in the league - giving up an average of 44.1 points per game. White is averaging 1.3 sacks per game through 10 games this season, and is 1st in the league with 13 total sacks on the year. He only needs one sack to break the single season record of 13.5 set by Silas Demary in 2005. The former Minnesota Gopher has also forced 5 fumbles, recovered 2 (returning one for a 17-yd TD) and accounted for 25 total tackles. The SaberCats' O-line will face White for the first time ever on Friday, and will attempt to protect QB Mark Grieb from the current sackmaster.
WR JAVARUS DUDLEY - Dudley is another player on the 2006 Orlando Predators team that earned first-team All-Rookie honors. After being discovered at a free agent open tryout camp prior to last season, Dudley has emerged as Orlando's top offensive threat in 2007. Playing in all 12 games this year, the 6-foot, 190-pound ex-Fordham wideout has 85 catches, 1,178 receiving yards and 22 TDs. He also uses his impressive speed in the Predators' ground game, running the ball 14 times for 26 yards and 4 TDs. Dudley has never suited up against the SaberCats in his two-year Arena Football League career.
SABERCATS MILESTONE WATCH
Name Milestone Needs
Rodney Wright 1,500 career receiving yards 59
Clevan Thomas 40 career INTs 3
Clevan Thomas 75 career games played 1
Matt Kinsinger 35 career rush TDs 1
Matt Kinsinger SJ career rushing leader 43
Mark Grieb 2,500 career completions 38
Mark Grieb 600 career TD passes 8
Brian Johnson 20 career receptions 1
Brian Johnson 5th place career rush attempts 1
Brian Johnson 45 career games played 1
Craig Whelihan 110 career pass TDs 1
Craig Whelihan 6,000 career pass yards 90
Jason Geathers 500 career receiving yards 20
Jason Geathers 10 career TD receptions 2
Jason Geathers 50 career receptions 3
James Roe 200 career TD receptions 10
James Roe 8,000 career receiving yards 39
Phil Glover 100.0 career total tackles 2.5
Phil Glover 30 career rush TDs 3
Phil Glover 55 career games played 1
Ron Jones 10.0 career sacks 2.0
George Williams 50 career solo tackles 2
George Williams 70 career games played 2
George Williams 10 career receptions 1
Marquis Floyd 100.0 career total tackles 10.5
Marquis Floyd 10 career INTs 1
Dan Loney 75 career games played 2
Omarr Smith 2nd place SJ career INTs 2
Steve Watson 50.0 career total tackles 7.0
A.J. Haglund 100 career PATs made 7
Trestin George 1,000 career KOR yards 322
Cleannord Saintil 150 career receiving yards 23
Cleannord Saintil 10 career receptions 2
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) WR Ben Nelson, San Jose
@ARZ (5/5) QB Mark Grieb, San Jose
v LVG (5/12) WR Jason Geathers, San Jose
v GRR (5/19) QB Mark Grieb, San Jose
@NAS (5/25) QB Mark Grieb, San Jose
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) LB Phil Glover, San Jose
@ARZ (5/5) DB Clevan Thomas, San Jose
v LVG (5/12) DB Clevan Thomas, San Jose
v GRR (5/19) DB Omarr Smith, San Jose
@NAS (5/25) DB Ahmad Hawkins, Nashville
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) WR/LB Jason Geathers, San Jose
@ARZ (5/5) FB/LB Phil Glover, San Jose
v LVG (5/12) FB/LB Phil Glover, San Jose
v GRR (5/19) WR Cleannord Saintil
@NAS (5/25) DB Marquis Floyd, San Jose
v ORL (6/1)
@UTH (6/9)
v ARZ (6/16)
@LVG (6/25)
THE SABERCATS RECORD WHEN...:
Scoring Allowing
'07 All-Time '07 All-Time
0 - 9 points 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
10-19 points 0-0 0-1 0-0 3-0
20-29 points 0-0 0-7 0-0 17-1
30-39 points 0-0 8-16 2-0 29-5
40-49 points 1-1 19-19 6-1 36-15
50-59 points 1-1 38-14 1-0 27-24
60-69 points 5-1 32-7 0-2 4-15
70-79 points 2-0 17-1 0-0 5-5
80+ points 0-0 7-0 0-0 0-0
2007 All-time
Games decided
by 7 or fewer points 1-0 37-32
by 3 or fewer points 0-2 15-22
Leading after the 1st 9-0 77-19
Trailing after the 1st 0-2 24-32
Tied after the 1st 0-1 20-14
Leading at Half 8-0 90-17
Trailing at Half 1-2 27-42
Tied at Half 0-1 4-6
Leading after the 3rd 9-0 98-12
Trailing after the 3rd 0-3 19-49
Tied after the 3rd 0-0 4-4
Scoring First 8-1 73-32
Opp. Score First 1-2 48-33
More Total Offense 6-2 85-36
Less Total Offense 3-1 36-29
More Pass Yards 6-2 75-37
Less Pass Yards 3-1 46-27
Equal Pass Yards 0-0 0-1
More Rushing Yards 6-0 101-28
Less Rushing Yards 3-3 19-34
Equal Rushing Yards 0-0 1-3
Thursday games 0-0 4-1
Friday games 2-2 34-20
Saturday games 6-1 63-25
Sunday games 1-0 18-17
Monday games 0-0 2-2
vs. Western Division 5-0 46-26
vs. Central Division 3-1 31-17
vs. Southern Division 1-2 25-12
vs. Eastern Division 0-0 19-10
Winning coin toss 2-1
Losing coin toss 7-2
Outscoring Opponent 9-0 121-0
Being Outscored 0-3 0-65
Records are for regular season games.
2007 AFL STANDINGS
AMERICAN CONFERENCE
Western Division
Team W L Pct PF PA
San Jose 9 3 .750 744 588
Los Angeles 6 6 .500 641 660
Utah 6 7 .462 808 812
Arizona 3 10 .231 727 774
Las Vegas 2 10 .167 545 749
Central Division
Team W L Pct PF PA
Chicago 9 3 .750 653 559
Colorado 8 5 .615 664 664
Kansas City 7 5 .583 640 578
Nashville 5 8 .385 668 708
Grand Rapids 4 8 .333 656 767
NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Eastern Division
Team W L Pct PF PA
Dallas 11 1 .917 733 600
Columbus 6 6 .500 608 593
Philadelphia 6 6 .500 666 605
New York 5 7 .417 623 669
Southern Division
Team W L Pct PF PA
Georgia 10 2 .833 749 653
Orlando 7 5 .583 594 535
Tampa Bay 5 7 .417 555 620
New Orleans 4 8 .333 591 658
Austin 3 9 .250 621 694
WEEK THIRTEEN SCHEDULE
Friday, May 25
Utah 65, at Orlando 62
San Jose 48, at Nashville 34
Saturday, May 26
at Kansas City 62, Los Angeles 56
Dallas 56, at Columbus 47
at Grand Rapids 58, Colorado 56
at Georgia 52, Tampa Bay 38
Chicago 53, at Arizona 47
Sunday, May 27
Philadelphia 76, at Austin 66
Monday, May 28
New York 69, at New Orleans 63
WEEK FOURTEEN SCHEDULE
Friday, June 1
Dallas at Philadelphia, 4:30 pm
Orlando at San Jose, 7:30 pm
Saturday, June 2
Austin at New York, 4:00 pm
Kansas City at Grand Rapids, 4:00 pm
Columbus at Georgia, 4:00 pm
Tampa Bay at New Orleans, 5:00 pm
Chicago at Los Angeles, 7:30 pm
Sunday, June 3
Arizona at Las Vegas, 3:00 pm
Monday, June 4
Colorado at Utah, 7:30 pm
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