By Aaron Wilson
Now that the Houston SaberCats have built some momentum, this week was all about recharging and maintaining conditioning as they prepare for the next stage of their season.
The defending Western Conference division champions are in the playoff hunt again for the fourth season in a row.
On the heels of a franchise-record 14-2 record last season, the SaberCats are on a three-game winning streak after dropping their opening game.
Since that game, the SaberCats have built more timing and chemistry and things are starting to click.
They delivered their overall top performance of the season in a convincing 37-17 win over the Utah Warriors.
Now, the SaberCats are using this week for a highly important agenda.
“Rest,” said Drew Wild, who scored on two tries against the Warriors. “I’m pretty sore after the game. I feel like it’s really shifting. We’re gaining good momentum. Obviously, we’ve got a break now. Some much needed rest and then we can carry that momentum into the next block of games.”
After their win at Zions Bank Stadium, the SaberCats return to action March 22 against Anthem RC on the road followed by a home match against the San Diego Legion March 29 and another match against Rugby LA on April. 5.
“We’ve got a bye week, and the boys are really looking forward to resting up and getting ready for next week,” Pono Davis said. “We’ll enjoy our time and recharge.“It’s good to get the momentum. We’re using different combinations. We’ll see how the camaraderie works for us.”
Davy Coetzer is the SaberCats leading scorer with 25 points.
Four players have at least two tries; Wild, Nathan Den Hoedt, Dominic Akina and Samuel Tuifua.
Andre Warner is the leading passer.
And newcomer Samuel Tuifua is a constant presence in the gain line.
Emmanuel Albert, who has a college and high school football background, leads the squad with 38 tackles.
“It’s definitely a good performance, something to be proud of,” said Den Hoedt, a team captain along with Johan Momsen. “We left some points out there. There are still some things to work on with our overall performance”
Den Hoedt’s family is visiting Hosuton this week.
“It’s going to be pretty low-key, a nice, quiet bye week,” he said. “We’ll definitely be going to the rodeo. That’s on our list of things to do.”
The SaberCats are on a good run. Now, they need to keep that going.
“It’s definitely a case of taking it week to week,” Den Hoedt said. “The competition is stronger and stronger every season. It’s very competitive this year. We’re not getting ahead of ourselves.”
