San Jose routs Shock in AFL season opener

| March 12, 2011 8:00 PM

SAN JOSE, Calf. - San Jose's offense jumped out to an early lead and never let up until the clock's final tick in a 76-48 win over the defending Arena Football League champion Spokane Shock in the season opener Friday night before 10,563 at the HP Pavilion.

Three-time ArenaBowl champion quarterback Mark Grieb connected with leading receiver Rodney Wright for a 25-yard touchdown completion and San Jose's first touchdown of the game.

On the ensuing drive, Spokane's offense was stopped after San Jose defensive back Courtney Smith recorded an interception off a tipped ball. Smith made the most of the interception and returned it 16 yards for the SaberCats' second touchdown of the game.

Rowley and Spokane's offense quickly recovered and scored on their second possession with a 24-yard touchdown reception by receiver Markee White.

The SaberCats' offense continued to roll when Grieb connected with receiver Somara Goodsoon for a 25-yard touchdown and the final score of the first quarter. San Jose opened the second quarter with another defensive touchdown off a turnover and never looked back.

Grieb completed 21 of 25 passes for 225 yards with six touchdowns. The SaberCats' receiving corps was led by Wright, who collected 12 receptions for 122 yards with one touchdown.

Rowley completed 30 passes for 364 yards and six touchdowns. Receiver Raul Vijil led the team in catches (13) while Markee White and Greg Orton tied for the team lead in touchdown receptions with two apiece.

The Shock return to Spokane to host the Cleveland Gladiators next Saturday at 7 p.m.

see SHOCK, B4

Spokane 14 13 7 14 - 48

San Jose 27 21 7 21 - 76

SJ - Rodney Wright 25 pass from Mark Grieb (Juan Gamboa kick)

SJ - Courtney Smith 16 interception return (Gamboa kick)

Spo - Markee White 2 pass from Kyle Rowley (Taylor Rowan kick)

SJ - Nichir Flowers 7 pass from Grieb (kick blocked)

Spo - White 24 pass from Rowley (Rowan kick)

SJ - Samora Goodson 25 pass from Grieb (Gamboa kick)

SJ - Dwight McLean 46 interception return (Gamboa kick)

SJ - Chad Cook 1 run (Gamboa kick)

Spo - Terran Sanders 56 kickoff return (Rowley run)

SJ - Flowers 8 pass from Grieb (Gamboa kick)

Spo - Rowley 1 run (Rowan kick)

Spo - Raul Vijil 25 pass from Rowley (Rowan kick)

SJ - Cook 1 run (Gamboa kick)

Spo - Orton 2 pass from Rowley (Rowan kick)

SJ - Flowers 5 pass from Grieb (Gamboa kick)

Spo - Orton 29 pass from Rowley (Rowan kick)

SJ - Flowers 9 pass from Grieb (Gamboa kick)

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

PASSING - Spo, Rowley 30-47-3-364. SJ, Grieb 21-25-222.

RUSHING - Spo, Rowley 1-1, White 1-(-5). SJ, Cook 11-21, Grieb 1-4.

RECEIVING - Spo, Vijil 13-161, White 9-92, Orton 7-103, Sammons 1-8. SJ, Wright 12-123, Flowers 6-46, Goodson 2-40, Cook 1-13.