San Jose Gets a Big Rest before the Big Game
Robert Babcock
Tuesday July 18, 2000
With 17 teams in the AFL this year each team has a bye. The SaberCats just get theirs in time to rest before the final game – the final game to decide the number one seed in the playoffs. “We already have that roll going,” said DS Tommy Jones, “We’ve been playing a lot of football. We need some rest and come back and play SaberCats football.”
The SaberCats have been playing some tough teams lately. Players have been getting banged up like OS Steve Papin, WR/DB Otis Smith, and the offensive and defensive linemen. They needed some time to rest and recover for the playoffs.
“This team is good, we need to get some fresh players,” said QB Mark Grieb, “Getting healthy is the most important thing.”
“We’ve been playing a lot of football,” Jones explained, “We need some rest.”
 Lucas Yarnell and the San Jose Sabercats welcomed the bye during week 14 Image courtesy of Jeff Marshall |
Some players are looking at this as a time to rest the mind too. Any time you win 10 straight games, it gets to be a mental drain. “We want to sit back and enjoy what we accomplished,” said OS Steve Papin, “We will sit back and get ready for the playoffs.”
If San Jose can beat the Buffalo Destroyers, they will automatically earn the number one seed in the playoffs. They control their own destiny. But even if they lose, there’s still a chance. The Arizona Rattlers play in the Barn against Iowa. If Arizona can’t stop the Barnstormers, San Jose will earn the #1 seed by default. Unfortunately for both teams, both games will be played on the same night. All eyes will be on the scoreboard, and no game will be meaningless in the battle for the Western Division Crown.
Robert Babcock was a writer for ArenaFan Online during the 2000 season.
