When analyzing the history of the Colorado Crush’s series with the San Jose SaberCats, it would be difficult to figure why the Crush would want to play the Arena Football League’s defending champions.
But Crush coach Mike Dailey indicated Thursday he thought having San Jose on the schedule was a positive – even if the Crush hasn’t defeated San Jose in three tries.
“I think for a competitor, it is the luck of draw for us,’ Dailey said of tonight’s game at the Pepsi Center. “I don’t think you get to this level as a player or a coach not wanting to measure yourself against the best. Why shouldn’t we see it as an opportunity to play against the defending champions?’
For the Crush, it’s essential the team has a positive answer in order to maintain the lead in the Central Division, as well as the American Conference. After losing 75-51 last weekend at Chicago, the Crush (8-3) leads Chicago by one game in the division and conference races and is one game ahead of Western Division leader San Jose in the conference picture.
After San Jose, four regular- season games remain for the Crush. Four teams from each conference advance to the AFL playoffs: the division winners and the next two best records in the conference.
“Right now it’s a great opportunity for us,’ Crush receiver and defensive back Willis Marshall said. “To be able to come back in five days after losing to Chicago and play the defending champion gives us a chance to get back on track and regain confidence.’
The SaberCats (7-4) have won six of their past seven games. Chicago snapped Colorado’s winning streak at seven, and the Rush dealt a 55-39 setback to San Jose two weeks ago at Chicago.
Crush-SaberCats
What: Arena Football League
Who: San Jose SaberCats (7-4) vs. Colorado Crush (8-3)
When: Today, 7 p.m.
Where: Pepsi Center
TV/radio: Comcast Ch. 5/KHOW 630 AM
Irv Moss can be reached at 303-820-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com.
