San Jose SaberCats vs Cleveland Gladiators Game Preview
Saturday May 23, 2015
(San Jose, Calif.)- The San Jose SaberCats (8-0) return home to the SAP Center on Saturday, May 23rd at 7:30PM PDT to take on the defending American Conference Champion Cleveland Gladiators (5-3) on Military Appreciation Night.
Coming off an 83-28 victory over Pacific Division rival Spokane Shock last week, the SaberCats now have the top-ranked scoring offense (60.1) and defense (34.9) statistically in the league. Setting a career-high with nine total touchdowns (eight passing) against the Shock last Saturday, quarterback Nathan Stanley has been on a roll in his first two starts of the season. Relieving the injured Erik Meyer, he has propelled the offense to an average of 72.0 points per game over the past two weeks. On the season, Stanley has completed 66-percent of his passes, with 17 touchdowns and has yet to throw an interception.
The balance on the SaberCats’ offense and depth at the wide receiver position has been enlightening thus far. Eight different receivers have had a touchdown reception this season, with Reggie Gray leading the way with 14 (17 total). Not to be outdone, Adron Tennell has 13 touchdowns, while D.J. Stephens has averaged 98.2 receiving yards per game in four starts. Rounding out the receiving core, Darius Reynolds has eight receiving touchdowns and his 10 total touchdowns ranks third on the team. For San Jose to win its ninth straight game, it will rely on the talented receiving core against a resilient Cleveland secondary.
The SaberCats have the ability to put up gaudy numbers on offense regardless of who is lined up under center; however, they will be tested against a talented Gladiator’s squad led by 2014 AFL Head Coach of the Year, Steve Thonn.
Similar to San Jose, Cleveland is also among the best in the league, ranking in the top-five in both offensive (55.5) and defensive scoring (49.4). The Gladiators have had tough loses against some of the top teams, including the Arizona Rattlers and Philadelphia Soul but are coming off of a 64-42 victory over the New Orleans Voodoo. In the win, quarterback Shane Austin completed 20-of-32 passes for 212 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions. It was a solid performance from Austin, who has had his share of inconsistencies this season. Austin is ranked second in the league with 49 touchdowns, but also leads the league in interceptions with 10.
Austin’s favorite target is long time Cleveland receiver Dominick Goodman. After grabbing nine receptions for 97 yards and three touchdowns last week in the win over New Orleans, Goodman is second in the AFL with 19 touchdowns and leads the Gladiators with 70 receptions for 696 yards. Alongside Goodman is Collin Taylor, who ranks second on the team with 58 receptions for 688 yards and 16 touchdowns. Amari Jackson has also hauled in 12 touchdowns on the season as Cleveland is the only team other than the Philadelphia Soul, who has a trio of receivers with 12 or more touchdowns.
Earning AFL Defensive Player of the Week Honors, San Jose defensive back Ken Fontenette had a career game against the Shock, where he had three interceptions. Now leading the AFL in interceptions and second in tackles, Fontenette has been a man on a mission thus far. A key matchup to focus on is the battle between the Gladiator’s receivers and the SaberCats’ defensive backs.
San Jose and its number one ranked defense have been able to capitalize on two main categories: forcing turnovers and stopping opponents on 4th down. The SaberCats lead the league, allowing only 6-of-29 fourth down conversions by opposing offenses, as well as a +15 turnover margin, and 24 sacks. Meanwhile, the Gladiators rank among the best in sacks against, only surrendering five through the first eight games. With Francis Maka (6.0) and Jason Stewart (5.5) ranked second and third in the league in sacks, the matchup in the trenches will be just as exciting to watch as the skill players on the outside.
The last meeting between these teams was on May 3, 2013 in San Jose, when the SaberCats handled the Gladiators, 56-36, though the only statistical leader still active from that game is Cleveland receiver Dominick Goodman.
Kickoff is set for 7:30PM PDT from the SAP Center. Dan Dibley and Steve Papin will have the call on ESPN3 and radio coverage will be available on 1220AM KDOW by David Lewis and Scott Wood.
ABOUT THE SAN JOSE SABERCATS
The ArenaBowl XVI, XVIII and XXI champion San Jose SaberCats finished their 19th season in the AFL with a Pacific Division Title after making their return in 2011. Fans and sponsors can go to sanjosesabercats.com or call 408-673-3400 to sign up to receive the latest news and updates about the SaberCats, as well as to purchase 2015 season tickets. Make sure to follow the SaberCats on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news on the team.