Viva San Jose (SaberCats)
Daniel Frias
Monday May 7, 2001
Finally, Steve Papin has come back to San Jose. After missing the first three games due to injury, Papin was back in action for the ‘Cats as they annihilated the Wranglers 73-17 to win their 15th straight regular season game, a new arena league record. The Cats are off to their best start ever (4-0) and have won nine straight over division opponents.
 John Dutton and the Sabercats celebrated Cinco de Mayo with a huge win Image courtesy of San Jose Sabercats |
The SaberCats scored three touchdowns in the first and second quarter. Plus they added a field goal just before the half to take a 45-10 lead. Feeling like they had a substantial lead, SaberCats offensive coordinator Terry Malley decided not to play Papin in the second half in order to prevent any re-injury to his sore hamstring.
WR/DB James Roe stepped up big, like he has been doing all season thus far, in the second half (in Steve’s absence,) scoring three TD’s. Not to mention the one INT he ran back for TD in the first quarter giving him a total of four for the game. The very humble and soft-spoken Roe credits the man upstairs for the win. “I just give thanks to GOD we were able to get the win,” said Roe, who was the IRONMAN of the game. “In all honestly I’m glad Papin is back. You can see the difference.”
Coach Arbet is also happy. “It’s great to hive him back,” said coach Arbet. “He’s so explosive. Having him in the game and in the locker room is great for us.”
John Dutton, the MVP, had a solid performance in just three quarters of action. He was 12 for 17, throwing 244 yards with four TD’s. Mark Grieb took over in the fourth and he went 6 for 11, throwing for 82 yards and two TD’s, both to James Roe.
But give credit to the ‘Cats defense as well -- they only allowed Oklahoma to score 17 points in the entire game. OL/DL Joe Jacobs had a sack and a blocked a field goal, both in the second quarter. OL/DL Mike Ulufale also recorded a sack, a safety, and a forced fumble which led to a SaberCat TD. DS Tommy Jones had a key tackle on the Wrangler’s return man Lamont cooper in the second quarter to prevent a TD. Cooper, off a kickoff return went up the middle, juked to the left and had a clear path to the end-zone. Then Jones came racing from behind like Monarchos at the Kentucky Derby and tackled Cooper at the San Jose 23-yard line. It was an amazing play on Jones’ behalf.
Like the French, the Wranglers tried to come in and push around the home team. But the Mexican ‘Cats were ready and victorious in defending what was rightfully theirs.
Daniel Frias was a writer for ArenaFan Online from 2001 to 2002.
