SaberCats win ArenaBowl

NEW ORLEANS — It was just like old times in New Orleans with another championship decided.

It was just like old times for the San Jose SaberCats with another title won.

The SaberCats beat the Columbus Destroyers 55-33 in Sunday's ArenaBowl to earn their third Arena League title in six years. It was the first team championship decided in the city since Hurricane Katrina hit in August 2005.

"We don't want to call ourselves a dynasty," said wide receiver James Roe, who scored two touchdowns. "That's for you to do. We'll take it, though."

The SaberCats (16-3), the most successful AFL franchise this decade, capped a 3 1/2-month winning streak. Columbus (10-10), seeking its first ArenaBowl title, won three consecutive road games to reach the final.

"Everyone was talking about Columbus and how they had beaten a one, two and three seed," said SaberCats coach Darren Arbet. "All we did was keep our mouths shut and play."

San Jose was held to its lowest scoring total of the playoffs, but the SaberCats' defense offset that by holding Columbus 30 points below its postseason average.

San Jose quarterback Mark Grieb passed for 218 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. He was named the game's Most Valuable Player.

Columbus quarterback Matt Nagy completed 24 of 43 passes for four touchdowns and 203 yards. He was intercepted twice.