SaberCats handle Talons 76-53
Monday April 9, 2012
SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose SaberCats (3-1) showed no hospitality to the visiting San Antonio Talons (2-2) as they took them to task 76-53, in front of 10,117 fans at HP Pavilion on Friday night. The game was an offensive showcase early but the SaberCats managed to pull away in the second and third quarters scoring 28 unanswered points and forcing five total turnovers in the game. The SaberCats defense stepped up when called upon, holding the Talons to just 12 total points in the second and fourth quarters, thus allowing the ‘Cats to build upon their lead. The SaberCats used these turnovers to their advantage, showing why they are the second ranked total offense in the league at 66.3 points per game.
“It feels good to beat any team we play, the guys came out and they played hard,” said Owner/Head Coach Darren Arbet following the team’s second straight win. “Any time you face a quarterback like Aaron Garcia, it’s tough to stop a guy like that. I thought we contained him enough and got off the field which gave our offense a chance to win the football game.”
Quarterback Mark Grieb was brilliant once again going 24-40 with 269 yards and finished with seven total touchdowns (one rushing). Grieb had two primary receiving targets during the game, with each receiver catching three touchdowns. As has been the norm of late, wide receiver Ben Nelson had another strong game, leading the SaberCats receiving corps catching eight balls for 130 yards and three touchdowns. It was the fourth consecutive game in which Nelson has had three or more receiving touchdowns, as he added to his team leading totals, which now stand at 12. Wide receiver Huey Whittaker made an impact on both offense and special teams. Whittaker caught seven balls for 64 yards and three scores, while also making two solo tackles on special teams.
Fullback Tommy Taggart was once again a force in the scoring column, rushing the ball twice for 30 yards and two touchdowns. It was the third consecutive game that Taggart has rushed for two scores, helping to add balance to a pass heavy SaberCats offense.
While the scoring was fast and furious in the opening quarter of the game, with each team scoring on their first three possessions, San Jose managed to make the crucial defensive play that allowed them to eventually pull away. The SaberCats forced a total of five turnovers in the game, recording four fumble recoveries and one interception, bringing their season turnover total up to 11. Playing in his second game with San Jose, defensive back Tanner Varner once again made his presence felt, recording six-and-a-half total tackles, one tackle for a loss, and two fumble recoveries. Turnovers are usually a result of pressure up front and this fact held true tonight. Defensive lineman Joe Sykes had no remorse for Talons quarterback Aaron Garcia, as he leveled the 18-year Arena Football League veteran twice causing him to fumble both times. Linebacker Francis Maka also contributed with a sack and four total tackles, while defensive back Vince Hill had five tackles and an interception.
As for the Talons, Garcia went 19-27 for 275 yards and seven touchdowns. It was another solid performance by the soon to be Hall of Famer, but it wasn’t enough to lead his team to a victory. Talons wide receiver Jason Willis was Garcia’s go-to receiver catching 11 balls for 105 yards and three touchdowns.
Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Score
----------------- -- -- -- -- -----
San Antonio Talons.. 21 6 20 6 - 53
San Jose SaberCats.. 21 21 14 20 - 76
Postgame Awards
National Guard MVP of the Game: SJ Quarterback Mark Grieb
Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game: SJ Quarterback Mark Grieb
Riddell Defensive Player of the Game: SJ Defensive Lineman Joe Sykes
JLS Ironman of the Game: SJ Defensive Back Ruschard Dodd-Masters
Nifty Playmaker of the Game: SJ Fullback Tommy Taggart
Cutters Catch of the Game: SJ Wide Receiver Huey Whittaker’s touchdown catch with 6:14 remaining in the fourth quarter
Spalding Highlight of the Game: SJ Defensive Back Andre Jones seven yard kickoff return for a touchdown to open the second half
ABOUT THE SAN JOSE SABERCATS
The ArenaBowl XVI, XVIII and XXI champion San Jose SaberCats, opened their 16th season in the Arena Football League Saturday night. Fans and sponsors can go to thesanjosesabercats.com or call 408-673-3400 to sign up to receive the latest news and updates about the SaberCats, as well as to purchase 2012 season tickets. Make sure to follow the SaberCats on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news on the team.
