Arena League

Today: Tampa Bay Storm vs. San Jose Sabercats

By FRANK PASTOR
Published January 30, 2005

WHEN/WHERE: 3; St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa; Arena Football League season opener.

TV/RADIO: Ch. 8; 620-AM. COACHES: San Jose - Darren Arbet (73-27, seventh season). Storm - Tim Marcum (167-63, 17th season).

SERIES: 5-5.

TICKETS: $12-$45 ($100 front row, XO Club); (813) 301-6600.

NOTES: San Jose (2002, 2004) or Tampa Bay (2003) has won the past three ArenaBowls. The SaberCats defeated the Storm 56-52 in the opening round of the playoffs last season despite being outscored 46-21 in the second half, including 27-0 in the fourth quarter. After dropping the first five meetings, San Jose won the past five. The SaberCats and Storm are ranked first and second, respectively, in the Arena Football League Writers Association's preseason poll. Storm receiver/defensive back T.T. Toliver (torn MCL), receiver/linebacker David Saunders (ankle sprain), lineman Rod Williams (dislocated finger) and fullback/linebacker David White (high ankle sprain) are on injured reserve. Lynaris Elpheage or Anthony Derricks will replace Toliver on defense, with Clif Dell expected to take Toliver's place on offense. San Jose defensive specialist Clevan Thomas (knee), the 2003 defensive player of the year, also is out. SaberCats defensive specialist Omarr Smith and receiver/linebacker Calvin Schexnayder played for the Storm.

[Last modified January 30, 2005, 00:41:45]