ANAHEIM-LA KISS (2-3) was happy to back at home and trying to get back in win column. But San Jose Sabercats (3-3) had different plans, handing the KISS a 48-32 defeat at the Anaheim Honda Center. The Sabercats had all the answers in this game, and that was Rod Harper. Harper found the end zone four times on nine catches, for a great stat of every other catch was for six.
The Sabercats came in quieting the crowed down fast with a touchdown on its opening possession to take 7-0 lead with 9:49 left. LA KISS responded with 1-yard touchdown run by Joe Mortensen, but failed to convert the extra point to trail, 7-6, to close quarter. The KISS’ offense is need of a tune-up to get it back firing on all cylinders. There were a few series that looked promising and had balance production from the wide receivers. The KISS need someone to break out and carry this team on their back.
From the stat line, quarterback JJ Raterink looks like a game winner, completing 67 percent of his passes and passing for a game-high 305 yards. The starting trio had Samie Parker lead the way with two touchdowns on 10 catches for 61 yards. There was a pair of turnovers by Parker that he wished had back. DJ “Captain” Morgan turned in a solid performance with 10 catches for 119 yards with a touchdown. The third of the wide receiver trio, Markee White, came up with nine catches for 111 yards and handful of first downs to keep drives alive.
The Sabercats’ stats on offense was one sided but it was enough to steal the win and get team about .500 ball. Harper’s four touchdown performance was just enough for his team to maintain a 16-point lead to close the game. The KISS secondary had some hard hits but they sagged off enough that gave room for points. Most teams in the AFL don’t run that much, but Sabercats handed off 12 times, leaving defense on their toes. Fullback Odie Armstrong was a strong punishing rusher when you stood flat-footed in his path.
Defense back Andre Jones had seven great tackles with an interception but even that wasn’t enough. There are still few puzzles pieces that need to be address, by head coach Bob McMillen. The team as a whole has to get it right fast to keep pace and allow for possible playoff berth at end of the season. The 10,000 plus fans saw enough to go home sad, never seeing LA KISS lead the game.
The KISS will have a tough week of practice this week to allow for them to bounce back after back-to-back losses. They will host the Spokane Shock (4-2) Pacific Division leader on Sunday May 4, at 4 p.m.
Jevone Moore a writer, photographer by trade and a coach in life at heart. Former UCLA Bruin football player during the good years, City Champs 92-95.