SaberCats Media Relations

SAN JOSE, Calif. - The Arena Football League and the SaberCats announced today that defensive lineman Joe Sykes earned weekly honors from the AFL for his outstanding performance this past Friday in San Jose’s 51-34 win over the Orlando Predators. Sykes was named the Riddell Defensive Player of the Week and AFL Playmaker of the Week. This is the second time this season that Sykes has been named Riddell Defensive Player of the Week, as he earned recognition for his four sack performance on April 28 in a blowout win over the Iowa Barnstormers.

Sykes recorded two-and-a-half sacks on Friday, along with five-and-a-half total tackles, forced a fumble and had an electrifying one-handed leaping interception that he returned 43-yards for a touchdown in a dominating defensive performance by the SaberCats. The former Southern Jaguar now has 13.5 sacks in just 12 appearances this season, which places him at the top of the AFL rankings in that category. In addition, Sykes became the SaberCats single season franchise leader for sacks, passing Hall of Famer Sam Hernandez (12 in 2000). He is now just two sacks behind current SaberCats teammate Gabe Nyenhuis for the AFL single season sack record (15.5 in 2010 for the San Antonio Talons).
 
ABOUT THE SAN JOSE SABERCATS
The ArenaBowl XVI, XVIII and XXI champion San Jose SaberCats, are in their 16th season. Fans can go to thesanjosesabercats.com or call 408-673-3400 to purchase 2012 season tickets, which are now pro-rated, with packages starting as low as $30. Make sure to follow the SaberCats on Facebook and Twitter for all of the latest news on the team.