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IFL Duke City Gladiators

Duke City Gladiators Power Through Panthers

April 11, 2022 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Duke City Gladiators News Release


RIO RANCHO, N.M. - The Duke City Gladiators got its first W for the 2022 season. First-year pro Ramone Atkins guided the Gladiators to a 50-28 win over the Bay Area Panthers at the Rio Rancho Events Center. Saturday evening's game was the first victory for first-year head coach Sherman Carter.

"Our record-breaking quarterback Nate Davis received a season ending injury during the first game of this season," said Gladiators' owner Gina Prieskorn-Thomas. "Since then, Atkins, who joined the team a few weeks ago and has never played indoor football, has been training with Nate. Last night's game showed the progress he has made. He led with confidence and threw crucial passes - giving us our first win for the season."

Atkins, who played collegiately at New Mexico Highlands University, presence at the helm was felt early in the game. With 8:20 to go in the first Atkins threw a 12-yard pass into the hands of wide receiver Jarod Elmore, followed by a field goal by Cody Barber. Atkins held the ball with 2:02 in the first quarter for another touchdown. In the second quarter, an Atkins 6-yard pass was caught by wide receiver Darryl Stonum to make the score 20-6. Late in the second quarter, Atkins connected with Gladiators' franchise player Dello Davis on a 25-yard pass. The Gladiators headed into the locker-room at halftime leading 29-12.

In the second half of the game, Atkins connected with Davis twice; a 6-yard pass and a 25-yard pass. Barber was successful six of seven field goal attempts. Former Denver Broncos player Devonte Jackson carried the ball for 24 yards. La Cueva alum Ronnie Daniels, who made his professional debut, was able to get nine yards on four carries.

Defensively, the Gladiators show much improvement. Manzano High School and Eastern New Mexico University alum Jason Serda had a team high of 5.5 tackles. Linebacker Malcolm McCoy recovered a Panthers fumble and score six for the Gladiators. He also blocked a Panthers field goal kick and took it back to the endzone - adding 2 additional points for the Gladiators.

"Our team is coming together," Prieskorn-Thomas said. "We have been working hard. Last night's win felt great, but we aren't done yet."

The Gladiators will close out a four-game home stand on Saturday against the Tucson Sugar Skulls. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. Pre-game festivities include an Easter Egg Hunt for children 10 and younger.



Indoor Football League Stories from April 11, 2022


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