SaberCats Rattle Davila in Big Win Against Reigning Champs

Leanne Cozart
Sunday June 23, 2013

The San Jose SaberCats improved their record to 9-4 after taking down West division rivals the 12-2 Arizona Rattlers, bringing their nine-game winning streak to an end. In a matchup between two very talented teams it ultimately came down to an efficient offensive performance and four defensive stops by the ‘Cats, giving them the edge in the 72-42 victory against the reigning ArenaBowl Champs.

Following last week’s disappointing loss to the Iowa Barnstormers (6-8), the SaberCats did everything in their power to get a win against an all-around talented team. It was this focus on being “great” that led San Jose to get the best of the previously ranked number one team in both scoring offense and scoring defense. The SaberCats ability to capitalize on every mistake and shift of momentum throughout the game was the story of the night.

Offensive Take

San Jose’s quarterback Russ Michna had a stellar performance completing 24-of-37 passes for 313 yards and nine touchdowns in nine possessions. Michna tied his career high with the nine touchdowns on the night. Wide receiver Fred Williams contributed consistently throughout the game bringing in ten catches for 121 yards and set a career-high of five touchdown receptions. This dynamic receiver earned the Russell Athletic Player of the Game award and the J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Game award for his outstanding efforts. Michna also connected with receiver Jason Willis twice for scores as well as with receivers Amarri Jackson and Huey Whittaker for a touchdown each.

Aside from the SaberCats receiving corps having a total of five dropped passes throughout the game, they were able to get off to a quick start and finish on a high note, which is complete opposite of what we saw in last week’s final minutes.

San Jose Mercury News reported that in a post-game interview with quarterback Russ Michna he stated, “This is a talented team no doubt, and the most disappointing thing about last week was we had a chance to win and we didn’t pull it out. That resonated a little bit. We didn’t want to let that happen again.”

Defensive Take

On the other side of the ball, the ‘Cats defense had several game chaning plays, forcing two turnovers on downs, a stop in the end zone resulting in a safety and they came up with a pick-six. Defensive back Ken Fontenette earned Riddell Defensive Player of the Game with a game-high eight-and-a-half tackles, and the play of the game with his 20 yard interception returned for a touchdown.

Previously the Rattlers have not faced a deficit larger than 21 points all season and after this defeat the SaberCats put an end to that with their aggressive defensive efforts allowing their offense to pull away early on.

SaberCats Defensive lineman Terrance Carter had a physical performance putting pressure on Arizona’s quarterback Nick Davila throughout the night. With constant pressure from the ‘Cats defense, Davila was only able to complete 12 of 23 passes and two touchdowns in the first half allowing the efficient SaberCats offense to pull away with 28 unanswered points. This pressure continued as Carter forced Davila out of the endzone for a safety, helping the SaberCats in the possession battle late in the game. With the help of Carter and the rest of his aggressive teammates cohesively working to throw off the Rattlers offensive rhythm, Davila finished the night completing only 22-of-40 passes and four passing touchdowns along with two rushing.

Final Thoughts

This week fourteen win against a the top team in the league bodes well for the SaberCats in terms of what is to come as we inch closer towards playoffs. With the offense running well on all cylinders and the defense getting stops up front and in the secondary, this San Jose team can be unstoppable. Special teams wasn’t able to shine as they have been in the past because SaberCats kick returner Fred Williams was neutralized by the Rattlers giving him only one chance to return a kick, but he made up for that on offense.

Overall this game was a milestone for the SaberCats as it’s evident that they have what it takes to defeat the toughest opponent in the West and arguably the toughest opponent throughout the entire league. With five season games remaining and three of those at home, the SaberCats have momentum on their side but still have some tough games ahead. Next week will be another division game for the SaberCats as they travel to Utah to take on the 5-8 Blaze.