Wranglers Corralled in San Jose

Dave Harwood
Sunday May 6, 2001

Going into the game, the odds-makers might have put this one on the board as San Jose by 10 in a low scoring (AFL style), defensive battle. In their two regular season meetings in 2000, the series was split with the winning team winning by seven or less. They would have been half right.

While the Wrangler defense didn’t make their way to the Compaq Center on Saturday night, the SaberCat defense did. Their presence became immediately known as James Roe picked off QB Ron Lopez’s first pass and ran it in for a touchdown. It was the beginning of a long night for the Wranglers as they fell 73-17. Lopez finished an ineffective 17 of 39 for 135 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

The SaberCats led in all offensive and defensive categories, out gaining the Wranglers 326 to 122 in total yardage while forcing two turnovers and adding two sacks. The SaberCats also added two fourth quarter safeties thanks to a wet-behind-the-ears performance by rookie QB Justin Fuente. Whoever Fuente’s roommate is, he should not keep him out of his site: keep him away from the shower rod or any sharp objects. Fuentes’ performance involved two snaps total on two separate possessions, one ending in a nine yard sack in the end zone, and the other a bobbled ball that found its way to the back of the end zone.

James Roe is still the league`s leading receiver Image courtesy of Jeff Marshall

For the SaberCats, OS Steve Papin returned in his first game, catching three passes for 60 yards and a touchdown as well as rushing for a one-yard touchdown. WR/DB James Roe, the AFL’s leading receiver, kept his name on the leader board as he hauled in seven catches for 128 yards and scored three touchdowns. For his efforts on offense and defense, Roe earned Ironman of the game.

The game's MVP, QB John Dutton, finished an efficient 12 of 17 for 244 yards and four touchdowns. As if Papin’s return wasn’t already an added bonus, also coming back to the SaberCat huddle was former Las Vegas Outlaw and the SaberCat’s 2000 starter, QB Mark Grieb. Grieb entered the game in the fourth quarter with six of 11 for 82 yards and two touchdowns.

Saturday night’s game was a record for both teams. Not only did San Jose keep their regular season winning streak alive at 15; it was also their largest margin of victory in franchise history. The old record was last year’s 78 to 25 shellacking of the Los Angeles Avengers. The loss was also the Wranglers most lopsided defeat in franchise history.

 

The opinions expressed in the article above are only those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts, opinions, or official stance of ArenaFan Online or its staff, or the Arena Football League, or any AFL or af2 teams.

Dave Harwood Articles
NBC Does it Right -- Almost 3/11/2003
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Papin and Garcia Return to San Jose, AFL 6/21/2002
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Houston...We have a Problem 7/25/2001
No Place Like Home My Butt. 5/27/2001
Wranglers Corralled in San Jose 5/6/2001
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