SaberCats Ready for Playoffs
Daniel Frias
Saturday August 4, 2001
“In the playoffs you can throw out all the records,” said SaberCats head coach Darren Arbet. “It’s a whole different game.”
Steve Papin also realizes that it won’t be easy beating Arizona again for the third time this year. “It’s tough trying to beat somebody three times,” said Papin. “They’re going to come in this Saturday with something to prove, but we’re ready to go.”
The ‘Cats are coming off an injury-ridden regular season that saw even their Arenafan writer (me) go out with a hamstring injury for a couple of weeks. Nonetheless, the team is very excited to be in the playoffs again.
“It feels good,” said QB Mark Grieb. “This is were we wanted to be at the beginning of the year and I think we have as good of a chance as anyone to win the championship.”
Coach Arbet and the rest of the players are looking toward their experienced AFL veterans like Barry Wagner, Tracey Perkins and Bob McMillen to help lead the team to the Championship.
“That’s why we brought those guys here,” said Coach Arbet. “Bob McMillen, Darren Kennedy and all those guys who have the rings. They’ve been through this stuff and have won it. So hopefully they can carry us through and get us to where we need to be.”
Ten-year league veteran Barry Wagner, who won a championship ring with Orlando a few years ago, is making his 10th straight playoff appearance.
“In 10 seasons, I have never missed a playoff,” said Wagner, who could very well be the Cal Ripken Jr. of Arena football. “That’s a big thing. This is where I do my best work. It’s time for me to showcase what I can do. These next few games here mean a lot. We just have to get past the first one. The first one is the hardest. Once we get past the first one, well be OK.”
“It’s going to be a dog fight,” said Arbet. “It’s going to come down to one play. Whoever makes that play is going to win.”
Daniel Frias was a writer for ArenaFan Online from 2001 to 2002.
