TimE: 7 p.m. Friday at Moda Center, Portland
TV/Radio: CSN-Plus, KNBR 1050-AM
SaberCats update: Though San Jose (2-3) put a scare into rival Arizona Rattlers, the eventual 57-51 loss brought the SaberCats’ losing streak to three games. That could very well end against the winless Thunder (0-4). In the teams’ first meeting, the SaberCats won 64-34 in the Thunder’s franchise debut. … SaberCats quarterback Russ Michna has been strong in his past two starts after being sidelined with concussion-like symptoms. Michna has completed 66.3 percent of his passes this season in just 10 quarters and has an 18-3 touchdowns-to-interceptions ratio. … SaberCats receiver Reggie Gray leads the AFL with 44 receptions and 17 touchdowns and is second with 502 yards receiving.
Thunder update: Portland has a new face at quarterback, acquiring veteran Kyle Rowley from the Orlando Predators for wide receiver Jeffery Solomon on Monday. Rowley is reunited with head coach Matthew Sauk, who was the Spokane Shock offensive coordinator when Rowley led the Shock to the ArenaBowl title in 2010. Rowley will be the fourth quarterback to start for the Thunder this season. … Former SaberCats defensive back Dwight McLean leads Portland with 18 tackles. The Thunder is fourth in the AFL in overall defense.
— BAY AREA NEWS GROUP