Wranglers call loss `Wake Up Call`
Mick Cornett
Sunday May 14, 2000
-Ted Nugent
The Oklahoma Wranglers contracted a case of Sabercat Scratch Fever Friday night in San Jose. The ‘Cats won the battle up front—pressuring the Wranglers star quarterback Ron Lopez several times. Facing fourth down and nine yards to go during the Wranglers last gasp in the final minute, Lopez was flushed from the pocket and was unable to spot offensive specialist Carlos Johnson who broke open over the middle. The Wranglers turned the ball over on downs and lost the game 37-30.
 Wranglers wait in frustration as referees sort out penalty during Friday`s contest Image courtesy of Jeff Marshall |
It was the first loss of the season for the Wranglers, who failed to silence the critics that claimed the undefeated record had been built by picking off the league’s weakest teams. In truth, this meeting in San Jose was similar to the first meeting of these teams in Oklahoma City last month. It was a game that could have been won by either team, but in the end, was won by the home team.
The Wrangler players remained optimistic, claiming the loss would only serve as a ‘wake-up’ call and a reminder that no team is invincible. Lopez won the statistical battle of the quarterbacks in every category except the one that counts the most: touchdown passes. Lopez was 25 of 43 for 264 yards and three touchdowns. Mark Grieb of San Jose was 12 of 27 for 219 yards and five touchdowns. The 30 points scored was less than half of the Wranglers average of 63.5 points per game.
 Lee Cole celebrates after disrupting a TD pass intended for the Wranglers` Carlos Johnson Image courtesy of Jeff Marshall |
Wrangler Notebook—Oklahoma’s next game is Friday, May 19, in Hartford, Connecticut against the New England Sea Wolves. Last week, New England (3-2) lost to Milwaukee 59-45 in a game that was once tied at 38…The next home game is Friday, May 26, against perennial powerhouse Orlando….The Wranglers new back-up quarterback Jeff Lootz is a veteran with very good credentials. The signing addressed the problem of the Wranglers’ lack-of-depth at quarterback. Head coach Bob Cortese is also expected to sign free-agent rookie quarterback Justin Fuente. Fuente grew up in Tulsa and played two seasons at the University of Oklahoma…Ironman Brian Greene should return to action this week against New England. Greene scored the first touchdown in Wranglers’ history on opening night but twisted a knee and hasn’t played since….Rookie defensive back Anthony Fogle is getting tested by opposing quarterbacks and, so-far, is proving to be an asset for the Wranglers. In the San Jose game, two SaberCats double-teamed him on a kickoff and blasted him into the wall. Fogle got up slowly, limped gingerly to his position on the field, and was then forced to streak deep on the very next play. He broke up the pass. Earlier in the game, Fogle had made a key interception.
Mick Cornett was a writer for ArenaFan Online from 2000 to 2001.
