SAN JOSE SABERCATS
SaberCats on the prowl for fourth AFL Title

Quarterback Mark Grieb is a scoring machine, having thrown for 70+ touchdowns in seven consecutive seasons.

The San Jose SaberCats enter their 16th Arena Football League season and the 2012 campaign with high aspirations after making a return to the league in 2011. The goal for the SaberCats is simple: win a championship. The team opens up its 18-game schedule on March 10 at HP Pavilion. One of the pre-eminent franchises in the AFL, the three-time ArenaBowl winners (2002, 2004, 2007) look to build upon last year’s return to the league, understanding fully that 2012 is another opportunity to show they’re one of the best.

Owner-head coach Darren Arbet wants to win another championship and bring recognition to the league and its players here in the Bay Area. The newly minted AFL Hall of Famer and two-time Coach of the Year (2000, 2002), Arbet returns for his 12th season with the team. Joining him in the coaching ranks is new defensive coordinator Cedric Walker, who has two years of coaching experience in the league. Last year with the Milwaukee Mustangs, Walker led his defense to a first overall ranking in total defense in the AFL (266.8 yards per game), as well as being in the top of the league in numerous other statistical categories. Not to be outdone, the SaberCats also added defensive line coach Kerry Locklin to the staff. Locklin brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, having previously coached with the New York Jets of the National Football League in 2009 in the same capacity.

While coaching is a huge aspect of the game, having players who make plays on the field is even more important. The team did its due diligence and was able to acquire proven All-Arena league talent. The team added offensive lineman Rich Ranglin from the Kansas City Command (First Team All-Arena); defensive lineman Tim McGill (First Team All-Arena), who had 8½ sacks and two forced fumbles last season with the Tampa Bay Storm; and defensive back Andre Jones (Second Team All-Arena), who had 12 interceptions and three touchdowns with the Milwaukee Mustangs. Along with returning offensive lineman Mark Lewis, who garnered Second Team All-Arena honors, the trenches should be an area in which this team excels.

No San Jose SaberCats conversation would be complete without mentioning quarterback Mark Grieb, who will be returning for his 12th season with the team. The SaberCats legend has thrown for over 42,000 passing yards and 811 touchdowns in his storied AFL career. Grieb was the triggerman for an offense that in 2011 had an insatiable appetite for scoring points and racking up yards, ranking second in the league in passing offense (300.3 yards per game), as well as having the top-ranked total offense, posting 5,786 total yards.

Fans can go to thesanjosesabercats.com or call 408-673-3400 to receive the latest news and information about the SaberCats or to purchase 2012 season tickets, which start as low as $90. Individual game tickets start as low as $12. They are available now through Ticketmaster, and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com, by calling 800-745-3000, or at any Ticketmaster outlet locations.