SaberCats Remain Undefeated with 61-28 Win Over the Outlaws
Sunday May 10, 2015
(San Jose,Calif.)- The San Jose SaberCats (7-0) remained undefeated, taking down the Las Vegas Outlaws (3-3) in convincing fashion, 61-28, Saturday Night, at the SAP Center.
The SaberCats’ offense did not miss a beat without their quarterback Erik Meyer, scoring 60 or more points for the third time this season.
Making his first start of the season, quarterback Nathan Stanley completed an astounding 90-percent of his passes, throwing for 242 yards and seven touchdowns, tying a career-high with the SaberCats.
“I have to give a lot of credit to the guys around me,” said Stanley. “I have some good targets to throw to and the guys up front did a great job.”
San Jose jumped out to an early lead when Stanley found Reggie Gray for a 28-yard touchdown reception on the first play of the game. Gray went down injured in the second quarter after scoring three touchdowns in the first quarter and finished with six receptions for 92 yards, all of which were team-highs.
“When (Reggie) gets the ball in his hands he can go the distance at any time,” said Owner and Head Coach Darren Arbet. “That’s why we call him big play.”
In the first half, San Jose scored six touchdowns and held a commanding 42-14 lead at halftime. Meanwhile, the Outlaws were only able to manage one touchdown in each of the quarters, stifled by the SaberCats defensive unit.
Las Vegas cut the SaberCats lead to 61-28 in the fourth quarter with a 33-yard touchdown reception by Clinton Solomon. Solomon bobbled the pass as he was falling in the back of the end zone, but was able to hang on for an amazing touchdown, earning himself Catch of the Game for the effort.
The vaunted SaberCats’ defense locked down in the red zone, forcing three turnovers in the first half, including a fourth down fumble by Raterink, resulting in a 30-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown by Rodney Fritz.
“Rodney’s over 270-pounds; he is extremely fast and strong,” said Arbet. “He understands how to pass rush, the skies the limit for him and I think he still has more to give.”
San Jose also had an interception by Ken Fontenette, his third of the season, as well as another forced fumble by Eric Crocker on a Las Vegas kick return, recovered by David Hyland. The SaberCats sacked Raterink four teams, with two each from Francis Maka and Donte Paige-Moss.
“The guys on defense executed to perfection,” said Arbet. “On fourth down they play with a lot more life and a lot more energy.”
Continuing to be a dual threat, Outlaw quarterback J.J. Raterink completed 25-of-42 passes, for 302 yards, three touchdowns through the air, with another on the ground, and one interception.
Leading the Outlaws’ offensive attack was receiver Jason Willis. A member of the SaberCats last season, Willis enjoyed playing in some familiar territory, finishing the contest with 10 receptions for 121 yards and a score.
In his best performance of the season, 2014 Second Team All-Arena receiver Darius Reynolds hauled in five receptions for 55 yards. He quickly stepped up for the injured Gray, grabbing touchdowns on back-to-back drives.
A teammate of Stanley’s at Southeastern Louisiana University, receiver Brandon Collins filled in nicely for the injured Reggie Gray and hauled in a 16-yard touchdown in the third quarter, his first career touchdown reception. He finished with two receptions for 47 yards.
“I’m really fortunate to have nothing bud studs surrounding me,” said Stanley. “I’m very thankful for that.”
The SaberCats will head north next week to take on the Spokane Shock on May 16th, in a Pacific Division matchup.
