What a Game! Sabercats Hold Undefeated Streak
Tim Ball
Tuesday June 18, 2002
Fumbles, interceptions, kickoff runbacks, costly mistakes and multiple lead changes highlighted this game from start to nail-biting finish.
Now, before you think about the negatives, remember mistakes are, “a learning experience.”
Woo baby were these teams taking notes!
Going at It
The SaberCats have so many good players it’s almost unfair. And they took advantage of that, beating the Rush soundly going into the locker room at the half. Since the third quarter is where the SaberCats usually start to dominate the game, this one could have been called -- but Chicago kept the line busy.
Chicago QB Billy Dicken had, let’s say, not his best start this season. Most of his completions in the first quarter were souvenirs to SaberCats fans. Without Chicago kicker David Cool and kick returner Antonio Chatman keeping things respectful in the first half for the Rush, this could have been a laugher.
And, instead of the SaberCats dominating after the break, it was the Rush who held the keys to a shocking comeback that wiped the smile off of every hometown face. A hamstring injury to SaberCats kicker Daron Alcorn forced him to place the balls in the middle of the nets and Chicago’s Antonio Chatman made the best of the opportunity, giving the Rush good field position on each return.
Spotlight Clevan Thomas, Game MVP
If you have an opportunity to get this young man’s autograph, I would advise you to do it.
“Although we are deep at every position there is no doubt how important Clevan Thomas has been to the success of the team this season,” said defensive coach Michael Church. “He has adjusted so fast to the arena game and rebounds from any mistake with a big play.”
Thomas is a candidate for Rookie of the Year and could end up being the league MVP as well. Since the first pre-season game Thomas has made an impact. This is the SaberCats 11th straight win (two pre-season) with Thomas a big part in each victory. After missing Cool’s kick that hit the lower bar on the net that was recovered by Chicago, Thomas took the next kick and ran it back for his third touchdown of the night.
Proving that he’s human, Thomas fumbled on a kickoff that was recovered by Chicago to give the Rush another lead 48-47. Thomas rebounded in the form of a 32-yard kickoff return that set San Jose up to regain the lead in just 95 seconds. Thomas finished the night with an astounding three runbacks for touchdowns and a team record 252 yards in kick returns. Not surprisingly, Thomas earned game MVP honors.
“I thank God for the opportunity to play football and I’m truly fortunate to be on this team,” said Thomas. “I have so many great teammates helping me learn the Arena game. To play with the SaberCats and Barry Wagner is a great opportunity. I give a lot of the credit for my success to our coaches who have guided me through the learning process.”
Heart Pounding Summary
Coming out for the start of the third quarter no one expected what followed. Scoring on every Sabercats turnover and unfazed by any deterrent, Chicago capitalized on San Jose mistakes and played without hesitation.
Going into halftime with a 34-23 lead over the Rush allowed the San Jose fans to kick back and relax. The SaberCats have owned the third quarter. This is where the conditioning of the team takes over and buries the competition.
The condition of this game after the third quarter was Chicago leading 55-54. The Rush scored 32 points to the SaberCats 20. Everyone in the place was on the edge of his or her seats for the last 14 minutes and 40 seconds of this game, as the Rush fought to the very end.
Making Plays Wins Games
One more example of a SaberCats player stepping up when needed: WR/DB Omar Smith had a sensational diving interception to stop the go-ahead drive of Chicago with less than two minutes left in the game. This was converted into a 13-point lead in one play with Smith catching a 34-yard pass for a touchdown.
With the fans going wild, the Rush simply brushed aside the disappointment with a touchdown drive in only 30 seconds bringing the San Jose lead to only six points with 20 seconds left on the clock.
An upcoming onside kick had the fans as worried as an Enron employee with the IRS on their call waiting...
The kick is bouncing... there’s a pile up... flags are flying... the agonizing wait...
SaberCats come up with it! Penalty... Chicago touches the ball before it rolls ten yards. San Jose ball!
Twenty seconds and two plays later, San Jose wins, 74-68!
What a game, what a game, what a game!
Tim Ball is a writer in the Chicagoland area. Married and father of three, his opinions on Arena Football reflects the positive aspect of the game as a family event second to none in pro sports.
