SPORTS

Random Thoughts: SaberCats' title march goes through Stockton

Bob Highfill Record Sports Editor

Here are some random thoughts for a Tuesday:

• The SaberCats’ 70-67 win over Arizona last Saturday in the Arena Football League National Conference Championship Game at Stockton Arena was as much fun as I can remember covering a sporting event in a long time.

• Edison grad Darren Arbet, the SaberCats’ head coach and part owner, is responsible for bringing last Saturday’s game to Stockton, his hometown, due a scheduling conflict with the SAP Center in San Jose.

• The same scheduling conflict means Stockton Arena will host ArenaBowl XXVIII between San Jose and Jacksonville at 4 p.m. Saturday. Let’s fill the stands.

• The 49ers’ best offense was their defense against the Cowboys in Sunday’s 23-6 preseason game victory at Levi’s Stadium. San Francisco’s only touchdowns came on an interception return by defensive lineman Mike Purcell — it was his first TD since high school — and a blocked punt recovered in the end zone by receiver Quinton Patton.

• And the 49ers’ most exciting player through two preseason games has been former Aussie rugby player, running back/return man Jarryd Hayne. His first 18 preseason touches have netted 235 yards.

• Here’s something you don’t see every day: The A’s replaced their third-base coach, moving former Rangers manager Ron Washington to the post in favor of Mike Gallego, whose aggressive style had resulted in a league-high 20 runners being cut down at the plate.

• Trent Richardson hasn’t wowed anyone at Raiders camp, running for only 2.2 yards per carry in the preseason. He still seems to be feeling the effects of pneumonia, which unfortunately hit him going into training camp with his career on the line. His illness caused him to drop weight and miss time with the team. The guy can’t catch a break when he really needs one.

• Just when USC football had come out from under the cloud of NCAA sanctions, their coach, Steve Sarkisian, embarrassed himself and the program on Saturday by dropping an F-bomb and insulting other programs during his speech at the annual Salute to Troy event. He reportedly was slurring his words and appeared to be inebriated. Sarkisian apologized Sunday. Another 9-4 record won’t get it done this season, Coach. Drink On.

— Contact sports editor Bob Highfill at (209) 546-8282 or bhighfill@recordnet.com. Follow him at recordnet.com/sportsblog and on Twitter @bobhighfill