Saturday, May 3, 2008

Gladiators Hand Soul First Loss of the Season, 67-55

CLEVLEAND - The Cleveland Gladiators did what no other team has been able to do in 2008, defeating the Philadelphia Soul 67-55 in front of 13,721 fans at Quicken Loans Arena on Friday night. The Gladiators improve to 5-4 while the Soul slips to 9-1. No teams remain unbeaten.

The Arena Football League's top rusher Marlion Jackson carried the ball 11 times for 41 yards and four touchdowns in the victory. His four rushing touchdowns set a single-game career high.

Raymond Philyaw found Otis Amey with 42 seconds left in the game on a 23-yard touchdown pass, sealing the Gladiators victory. Philyaw threw just five incomplete passes all game, completing 25-of-30 passes for 290 yards and five touchdowns. Amey accounted for four touchdowns while Joe Minucci added his second score of the season.

Willis Marshall returned four kicks for 125 yards, including a 52-yard return with 6:21 left in the game, setting up the Minucci touchdown pass.

Matt D'Orazio started but was replaced by Tony Graziani after suffering an injury in the third quarter. D'Orazio finished 16-of-21 for 141 yards and three scores before exiting the game. Graziani, despite being intercepted on his first attempt from scrimmage, finished 15-of-23 for 150 yards and three scores.

Larry Brackins led all receivers with 14 catches and 146 yards. Chris Jackson became just the third player in AFL history to total over 300 receiving touchdowns following his second quarter touchdown. Jackson hauled in eight passes for 65 yards and three scores.

Jackson earned Offensive Player of the Game honors, while Sakeen Wright nabbed ADT Defensive Player of the Game. Marshall's return yards plus 68 yards receiving earned him Ironman of the Game.

The Cleveland Gladiators host the Orlando Predators on May 9 at Quicken Loans Arena. The first 10,000 fans in attendance receive an Inaugural Season Poster, courtesy of All Disaster Services. Great seats are still available by calling 216.685.9000, by visiting any TicketMaster location or online at www.clevelandgladiators.com.



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