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Grieb passes Sabercats over Avengers

Mar 5, 2007 - 7:41 AM LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- Mark Grieb got his season off to a sparkling start.

Grieb threw for six touchdown passes as the San Jose SaberCats defeated the Los Angeles Avengers, 66-58, in the Arena Football League opener for both clubs.

The quarterback completed 25-of-37 passes for 258 yards and two interceptions. Grieb threw four touchdown passes to Ben Nelson, who had 14 catches for 180 yards.

Nelson, the reigning Rookie of the Year, caught a six-yard scoring pass from Grieb on San Jose's first possession for a 7-0 lead. He later caught a nine-yard pass for a 38-31 advantage with five seconds left in the first half.

Grieb and Nelson hooked up on a 24-yard touchdown pass early in the third quarter and a 12-yard scoring strike a little over seven minutes later for a 52-45 edge.

Los Angeles quarterback Sonny Cumbie completed 25-of-41 attempts with seven touchdown passes and no interceptions. Cumbie threw three scoring strikes to Lenzie Jackson, who caught 13 passes for 196 yards.

Kevin Ingram and Rob Turner each had two touchdown catches for the Avengers, who outgained the SaberCats, 321-274.