It comes down to pride for the Pittsburgh Power (3-12) as they host the San Jose SaberCats (11-4) in the final home game of the 2013 season. The teams played a closely fought game in San Jose a few weeks ago that saw the game tied with a minute to go.
Both teams started their backup quarterbacks last time but we should see the regular starters Steven Sheffield and Russ Michna run the fireworks show this week. Sheffield helped lead the Power to their highest score of the season last week but it was in a losing effort. His three interceptions proved to be costly but he will try to rebound this week against the SaberCats. There’s also a chance we could see Shane Austin make this start as well. Look for this to be a game time decision.
Russ Michna has been one of the best quarterbacks in the AFL since joining San Jose in week six. The veteran has helped turn the season around for the SaberCats and has the team firmly headed in the right direction. The team has already clinched a playoff spot but can still grab the number three seed and avoid playing the Arizona Rattlers until the National Conference Championship game.
The Power receiving corps has seen back to back franchise record performances out of wide receivers Mike Washington and Julian Talley. Washington set the record with five receiving touchdowns against New Orleans but saw Talley tie the record a week later with his five touchdown catches against Cleveland. Both players have been strong for the Power this year and should continue that trend against San Jose. Also look for Kenny Stafford who was activated from other league exemption status and could provide a spark for the Power offense.
Former Power wideout Jason Willis has been having a great year leading the San Jose offense and nearly had a 100 yard game last time out against Pittsburgh. He also added two touchdowns and will look to make a huge impact back in the Steel City. Fred Williams has been producing some big time plays for San Jose lately, including a five touchdown performance against the Arizona Rattlers a few weeks ago which earned him the Russell Athletic Player of the Week award. Huey Whittaker rounds out the talented receiving corps which gave the Power fits in their last meeting. Also keep an eye on Jabari Fletcher who has six rushing touchdowns since getting the nod at fullback in week 12.
Power defensive back Sergio Gilliam made a highlight reel interception return for a touchdown to tie the game in the final minute last time around and hopes to electrify the Consol Energy Center with a few more of them on Saturday. Alvin Ray Jackson and Chris LeFlore both have two interceptions this year after posting much higher totals last year. They’ve been great in coverage, they just don’t have the interceptions to show for it, but perhaps that will change this week against San Jose.
Clevan Thomas still has it in his 8th AFL season, having picked off 11 passes so far this year to lead the AFL in that category. He added two more to his resume last week and will be a terrifying presence for the Power offense to work around. Huey Whittaker had the game sealing pick six in the earlier meeting between these two teams.
There’s no denying the SaberCats have superior talent, especially at quarterback, but the Power managed to hang in there last time around in a tough road game. Maybe some home cooking in the final home game of the year will give this team a boost.
They’ll have to play pretty flawless and make the big plays when they present themselves. That hasn’t been a strong point for the team this year. Whoever starts at quarterback for the Power will be going up against a strong veteran defense that has made the big plays all season long. The SaberCats want to make a statement that they are a team to be reckoned with in the playoffs.
Believe me, they are.
Photo Courtesy of Pittsburgh Power Facebook Page.
