Four Players Define San Jose Excellence Against the Soul
Tim Ball
Thursday May 27, 2004
San Jose has struggled of late finding a rhythm and consistency throughout the game. San Jose’s path of excellence for the last five seasons has been more than just winning games. It’s been teamwork, reliable playing, and just believing the right guy would be in the right place at the right time.
Four players took completely different paths to be in the lineup in the SaberCats victory over the Philadelphia Soul and had the San Jose faithful fans frenzied by the end of the game.
The Ironman Award is the pride of Arena Football. It speaks to an effort that no other player in the game can claim. San Jose’s six-year veteran WR/LB Shalon Baker released earlier in the season and recently re-signed for the Las Vegas game, performed like a superstar before the home crowd, and earned the coveted title. A favored son of the San Jose faithful, the crowd let out a roar when Baker was introduced and he didn’t disappoint with a great performance from beginning to end.
It was Baker’s clutch receptions that kept drives alive, and a key interception with the Soul threatening in the fourth quarter that slammed the lid down on the Soul’s hope for a comeback.
Baker was simply mobbed by adoring fans during the post game autograph session. “I kept myself in shape and I’m glad I got the shot to prove myself tonight,” said Baker. “The Ironman award is great but winning the game is what it’s all about.”
New guys
Rookies Fred Coleman and Charles Pauley haven’t exactly shared the same limelight this season. Coleman is a veteran of professional football and has a Super Bowl ring for his efforts on the 2001 New England Patriots. Coleman has been sensational all season for San Jose but had his biggest night when the SaberCats needed it most.
SaberCats QB Mark Grieb depended on Coleman all night long and the talented receiver answered every call, ending up with three touchdown receptions. “You want to be able to have a big night when your team needs it,” said Coleman. “We’re a little banged up right now with Hundon and Roe sidelined and it’s a great feeling to produce for the team.”
While Coleman has fit right in to San Jose’s high-powered lineup, rookie DS Charles Pauley hasn’t had it so lucky. With him starting in place of DS Wendall Davis, who replaced the injured DS Clevan Thomas, opposing teams throwing deep into the secondary have capitalized on Pauley’s inexperience at the most high-pressure position in Arena Football.
Pauley, a highly decorated receiver from San Jose State, started the game against the Soul as a wide receiver/defensive back, but it was Pauley’s work on defense that iced the game for San Jose. Sprinting the width of the field with 50 seconds left in the game, Pauley jumped in front of a sure Philadelphia touchdown to put the contest away for good. “It’s great to get an interception anytime during a game and to get one to put the game away feels even better,” said Pauley.
The quiet storm
Dan Loney, San Jose’s center/nose guard, has been a force of one all season long. Loney’s reputation is being built as a strong pass blocker and fearsome pass rusher, as his huge frame and comparatively shorter stature causes opposing centers untold problems. Loney’s mammoth strength and power drive opposing lineman back into the pocket and takes away a quarterbacks ability to step up and throw. Sharing playing time with OL/DL Frank Beede, Loney has made the most of his time on the field and opposing teams are taking notice.
“We knew that Loney had talent,” said defensive coordinator Michael Church. “His work ethic is outstanding. He played center in college and has done outstanding as a nose guard. He deserves the notice he’s getting. He has a lot of power and can get underneath opposing centers with his size and with his strength has been very effective disrupting quarterbacks.”
Though Loney is making a statement as a pass rushing powerhouse, it was his hustle and awareness that kept things going for San Jose when things could have turned around early for Philadelphia. Pauley broke free on a quick pass from Grieb and was streaking down the sideline when tripped up from behind; Pauley fumbled the ball at the 16-yard line. The ball bounded into the endzone where Loney, pursuing on the play, out raced a pack of players, dove onto the ball and came up with it and his first career touchdown.
“I was just looking for a block,” said Loney about his first touchdown. “There was a lot of guys going for it and I just got there first.”
Loney’s modesty was not shared by his quarterback. “That’s was great play,” said Grieb. “Dan beat everyone to the ball. It was just great effort.”
Team work
San Jose has some of the most talented players in the league sitting on the sidelines. Banged up and bruised from battle after battle, week after week, the performances of Baker, Coleman, Pauley and Loney speak to the pride of a team listed as one of the “Big Four” for a reason.
The future is still looking bright for San Jose as they continue to find player after player to carry on the excellence they are known for. This season has witnessed the SaberCats face an uphill challenge from a higher than average number of players injured and sitting out games. If those players return to the lineup in time for the playoffs, while other players are starting to shine, then the present as well as the future is bright indeed.
With Arizona coming into San Jose for the season finale, with the number one seed and home field advantage throughout the playoffs and the Western Division title on the line, the SaberCats have their toughest game of the year staring them in the face. The level of intensity and performance at this point in the season will be called on from beginning to end . . . whether rookie or veteran.
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.
