Arizona outguns Las Vegas, 80-63
April 11, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Las Vegas Gladiators News Release
Phoenix, AZ, April 10, 2004 - Sherdrick Bonner threw nine touchdown passes to lead the Arizona Rattlers to an 80-63 win over the Las Vegas Gladiators at the America West Arena in Phoenix on Saturday. Bonner, the Baby Ruth Real Deal Offensive Player of the Game, completed 21 of 35 passes for 263 yards as the Rattlers won their second straight and improved to 5-5 on the season. The loss, the Gladiators fourth in a row, dropped Las Vegas to 3-7.
The Gladiators fumbled the ball away on their first possession and played catch up all game. Gladiators' offensive specialist Marcus Nash continued to tear up opposing defenses as he tied an AFL record with seven touchdown receptions in the game. The league's leading receiver finished the night with 15 catches for 145 yards.
Bonner spread the ball around, completing passes to six different receivers, with both Randy Gatewood and Hunkie Cooper leading the charge with five receptions apiece. With his 23 yards receiving and 23 yards on kick returns, Cooper becomes only the second player in AFL history to surpass 20,000 all-purpose yards for his career.
Cooper was named the ADT Defensive Player of the Game as he had 2.5 tackles and one fumble recovery.
Las Vegas quarterback Clint Dolezel, who coming in to the game led the AFL in nearly every passing category, was nearly flawless. He completed 29 of 37 passes for 290 yards and nine touchdowns, with no interceptions.
The Gladiators have a bye in week 11. They return to action in week 12 at the Thomas & Mack Center against the Detroit Fury on Sunday, April 25. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 PM.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 11, 2004
- Wranglers snub the Force, 42-26 - Austin Wranglers
- Rush knocks off defending champs, 51-36 - Chicago Rush
- McPherson, Firebirds continue surge - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
- McPherson, Firebirds Burn Cobras 65-31 - Carolina Cobras
- Arizona outguns Las Vegas, 80-63 - Las Vegas Gladiators
- Rattlers quiet Gladiators, 80-63 - Arizona Rattlers
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