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TAMPA BAY -- The San Jose Sabercats survived a 20-point rally in the fourth quarter to improve to 3-0 for the first time since 2004, going on the road to defeat the Tampa Bay Storm (1-2), 36-27, in front of 8,588 fans at AMALIE Arena on Friday night.
History was made during the game, when Storm wide receiver T.T. Toliver became only the fourth player in Arena Football League history to record 1,000 career receptions when he gathered in a nine-yard pass from Jason Boltus with 4:21 remaining in the second quarter. Toliver joins current Storm head coach Lawrence Samuels, as the one of only two players in franchise history to achieve the plateau. The 38-year-old Toliver now needs five catches to surpass former AFL receiver Chris Jackson and move into 15th place on the all-time receptions list in professional football history.
Despite Toliver's continued stellar play, San Jose still managed to stay at the top of its game defensively. Reigning Riddell Defensive Player of the Year, Jason Stewart, came away with an interception on the Storm's first offensive possession and forced a safety to end the first half. Defensive end Rodney Fritz had a forced fumble and two sacks, while fellow lineman Donte Paige-Moss also had two sacks and forced a fumble that was recovered by David Hyland, his second of the year.
Acquired early this week, SaberCats wide receiver D.J. Stephens got on the board in the second quarter with a 16-yard touchdown reception as he hauled in the pass while flying over the boards to give San Jose a 14-0 lead. Stephens made a miraculous 31-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter, maintaining the ball against his leg while falling down to pull in the catch. Stephens led the SaberCats with six receptions for 80 yards and two touchdowns.
Tampa Bay cut the SaberCats' lead to seven with a 19-yard touchdown reception by Kendrick Ings. Ings also hauled in a nine-yard reception in the fourth quarter to cut the San Jose lead to 36-13. He finished with a game-high eight receptions for 100 yards and three touchdowns
After a Reynolds 16-yard reception brought the SaberCats down to the two-yard line, San Jose quarterback Erik Meyer was able to take in the quarterback sneak for a touchdown to extend the San Jose lead to 21-7 in the second quarter. While Reggie Gray continues to lead San Jose in receiving, Reynolds proved why he was an All-Arena selection last season, finishing his night with six receptions for 64 yards. Meanwhile, Meyer put together just enough on offense to pull out the third straight victory for the SaberCats. He finished with 179 yards passing two touchdowns on 17-of-32 completions.
San Jose held a 24-7 halftime lead after a 16-yard Nich Pertuit field goal. The seven points surrendered was the lowest total in a half for the SaberCats this season.
Defensive back Vigil Gray grabbed an interception for the fifth consecutive game, on this instance taking away a Storm touchdown in the end zone. Gray finished with five tackles, an interception and his impact has been vital for San Jose's ferocious defensive attack. Leading San Jose in tackles last season, defensive back Ken Fontenette was all over the field against Tampa Bay. Fontenette finished with a team-high eight tackles, flying around the field for the top-ranked SaberCats' secondary.
On a second and goal from the 17-yard line late in the third quarter, Storm QB Jason Boltus was rolled up on by his center and Stewart in an ugly looking play. Boltus was able to recover, finishing with 21-of-39 passes completed for 260 yards and four touchdowns.
MEDIA AWARDS
Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game: QB Erik Meyer, San Jose
Riddell Defensive Player of the Game: DE Rodney Fritz, San Jose
J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Game: WR T.T. Toliver, Tampa Bay
Cutters Catch of the Game: WR T.T. Toliver, Tampa Bay (1,000th career reception)
AFL Highlight of the Game: T.T. Toliver, Tampa Bay (1,000th career reception)
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