SaberCats Preparation Key to Playoff Hopes
Tim Ball
Wednesday July 31, 2002
At SaberCats’ practices (which are open to the public) all quarterbacks take the same amount of snaps and the defense is in a constant state of competition with the offense, not just going through the paces. With two-way players lining up against each other non-stop, more time on the practice field equates with more time in the win column.
The demanding workout and game-like intensity increases as players and coaches view video of practice and game situations, focusing on the serious nature of professional football, recognizing mistakes, see who’s responsible and finding where to improve. Being ready to face their opponents is what has brought an impressive amount of victories to San Jose and one win away from an undefeated season.
“This is no time to let up. We have been in this position before, the last two seasons to be exact,” said Darren Arbet. “We need to keep the intensity at the same level as a game situation. This is the playoffs and the teams we’ll play are here for a reason. There is room for improvement and we’re going to work on that.”
No options
The SaberCats have bowed out in the playoffs in the 2000 and 2001 semi-finals. At 13-1 this season, with several victories decided by one touchdown or less, San Jose knows that teams will not have to face them again in a format where there is no second chance. A turnover or failed offensive drive can end this season. Winning is the only option, and being ready to face your opponent at a far more intense level mandates intense preparation.
Barry Wagner, who won a championship with Orlando in ArenaBowl XII, played in every game this season and is banged and bruised but refuses to sit out or sit down at practice. “I can rest after the season,” said Wagner. “Most guys at this time are hurting from something. You just play through it unless it’s too serious. The playoffs are what we all want and a championship only comes with hard work.”
DS Clevan Thomas has more than earned Rookie of the Year honors in a season where his efforts and preparation have been a main ingredient in victory. “I get pushed hard from these guys; it’s just as fast in practice as in games. I have to take James Hundon and Barry Wagner, then James Roe, Jerry Reese and Shalon Baker,” said Thomas. “These are the best guys in the league and I have to go against them all day long. The high caliber of players on this team is the reason I have been successful this year.”
Rest or not to rest
Bye rounds are good and bad. While one team gets a week off, the other team gets to come in with a playoff victory under their belts. This wave of success can carry confidence with it that can help a team overcome the odds. Teams that have a week off to “prepare” have concerns about complacency and a week of not knowing what opponent to prepare for.
Momentum is fuel for football teams and winning is the vehicle that gets them to their destination. This demands that teams keep in constant motion and don’t slow down for any reason.
“It’s really in the hands of the lineman and two-way players,” said defensive coordinator Michael Church, whose 2000 and 2002 seasons have netted 25 wins and three losses with San Jose. “The players that have to go both ways all game long are the difference. If they can maintain their conditioning and intensity, then everything else flows that much easier. That’s why this team works so hard; the guys in the best shape are going to have the most consistent games. That equates to winning in this league, there’s no way around it.”
The goal
A quick trip to the stats pages here on ArenaFan and you quickly notice how filled they are with SaberCats, from the coaching staff and veterans to the rookies. Visiting a San Jose practice shows observers that this organization knows how difficult making it to the biggest game of the year can be. Nothing is taken for granted.
As San Jose now prepares for upset-minded Tampa Bay, who just put down the Los Angeles Avengers in the first round of the playoffs, they can put familiar faces to opponents. The SaberCats escaped their first trip to Florida with a dramatic seven-point victory over the Storm, so Tampa Bay knows they can stay with the mighty ‘Cats and keeping it close can bring upset number two.
The regular season only qualifies teams to go to the playoffs. Today, everyone’s record is eight and eight. That’s how many teams are left in the post season.
Now, being nearly undefeated doesn’t mean much to the challenging teams. It’s the Championship Trophy that matters most, and no one but the winner gets to touch that dream.
Tim Ball is a writer in the Chicagoland area. Married and father of three, his opinions on Arena Football reflects the positive aspect of the game as a family event second to none in pro sports.
