SaberCats earn first road victory, 42-33 over the Talons
Sunday April 17, 2011
TULSA, OK – The SaberCats pulled out a hard fought 42-33 victory over the Tulsa Talons for San Jose’s first road win of the season. The win marked QB Mark Grieb’s 100th career regular season victory in the AFL after he threw for 302 yards and four touchdowns completing 25-of-32 passes (78.1 percent) in front of 4,747 at the BOK Center.
Owner/Head Coach Darren Arbet was pleased with his team’s effort, especially with the defense’s all-around play against the Talons. “I thought we played great tonight. The offense came out in the second half and got in rhythm and scored some points. I thought the defense played for four quarters tonight as well. We held them to 33 points after giving them 24 in the first half and once they settled down, they didn’t give up much in the second half.”
The SaberCats came out of the gate slowly, despite QB Mark Grieb throwing two touchdowns passes to wide receivers Samora Goodson (nine yards) and Nichiren Flowers (29 yards). The Talons defense forced the team into three turnovers in the first half (two interceptions and one forced fumble) and the offense started the game off quickly with QB Matt Bassuener throwing for 172 yards and three touchdowns. Offensive Player of the Game WR Troy McBroom hauled in 129 yards and one touchdown in the first half to help give the Talons a 24-14 lead heading into halftime.
San Jose started the second half off quickly taking a 28-24 lead, scoring on consecutive drives. Samora Goodson notched his second touchdown grab of the game followed by DB Eddie Moten’s second interception of the contest, helping him net Defensive Player of the Game honors. FB/LB Chad Cook punched it on the ensuing play to give the ‘Cats their first lead of the game.
Tulsa scored their first touchdown of the second half in the fourth quarter, cutting the SaberCats lead to 35-33 with under seven minutes remaining in the stanza. San Jose answered back thanks to another Cook touchdown, marking his sixth consecutive game with at least two touchdowns.
The SaberCats put the game away, after Talons K Juan Bongarra missed a 24-yard field goal with 26 seconds remaining in the game and the San Jose offense ran the clock out to seal the victory.
WR/DB Samora Goodson set a career-high with 145 receiving yards, marking the third consecutive game he’s totaled at least 10 receptions, 100 receiving yards and two touchdowns. WR Burl Toler finished with career highs in receptions (12), and receiving yards (99). QB Mark Grieb posted his 43rd career 300-yard passing game, while on the defensive side of the ball, DL George Hypolite posted two sacks now leading the team with four on the season.
San Jose (4-2) returns home for a rematch of ArenaBowl XXII against the Philadelphia Soul (1-4). It will mark the fourth regular season match between the two franchises with the SaberCats holding a 2-1 advantage over the Soul.
National Guard MVP of the Game: QB Mark Grieb
Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game: WR Troy McBroom
Riddell Defensive Player of the Game: DB Eddie Moten
JLS Ironman: DB Fred Shaw
NiFTy Playmaker of the Game: QB Mark Grieb
Cutter Catch of the Game: WR Samora Goodson’s second touchdown catch
Spalding Highlight of the Game: DB Fred Shaw’s interception
ABOUT THE SAN JOSE SABERCATS
The ArenaBowl XVI, XVIII and XXI champion San Jose SaberCats (4-2) opened the 2011 season against the defending ArenaBowl champion Spokane Shock on March 11 with a victory as they returned to the Arena Football League for their 15th season in 2011. They return home to take on the Philadelphia Soul (1-4) next week as they look to move to 5-2. The SaberCats began play in 1995, playing their home games at HP Pavilion. Fans and sponsors can go to www.thesanjosesabercats.com or call 408-673-3400 to sign up to receive the latest news and updates about the SaberCats, as well as to purchase season and single-game tickets. Make sure to follow the SaberCats on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news on the team.
