Final Pass Tipped Away as Gladiators Fall to Arizona

February 10, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Las Vegas Gladiators News Release


In a turnover-plagued game, the Las Vegas Gladiators dropped their second consecutive contest as they fell to the Arizona Rattlers 46-42 at America West Arena in Phoenix on Sunday. The Gladiators had a chance to win on the last play of the game but quarterback Jay McDonagh's pass to George Williams was tipped and picked off as time ran out.

The defenses for both teams starred early as Arizona's Randy Gatewood intercepted McDonagh on each of the Gladiators' first two drives, the first propelling the Rattlers to a 6-0 lead after Gatewood rumbled 47 yards for the score. The Gladiators defense was also strong early, sacking Arizona quarterback Chris Hixson three times in their first two drives.

After a Nelson Garner field goal made it 9-0, Gladiators' kick-returner Sedrick Robinson took the ensuing kick off and weaved through the sea of defenders 58 yards to the house for a touchdown. Following a missed field goal by Garner, McDonagh found Jeremy Wilkinson on a 16-yard strike to make it 14-9. The teams traded touchdowns the rest of the way and the Gladiators went into half up 28-23.

The second half was more of the same. With the Gladiators leading 35-30 after a touchdown strike from McDonagh to Williams, Jermaine Younger forced a fumble on the kickoff that the Gladiators recovered at the Rattlers' 14-yard line. However, the team could not capitalize when, three plays later, Younger fumbled at the Rattlers' 7-yard line. It only took two plays for Arizona's answer as Chris Horn fell on a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown after a long pass to Gatewood was stripped by defensive specialist Damon Mason.

The fourth quarter saw the lead change hands two more times, the final score coming on a Hixson to Gatewood pass with 2:23 remaining. After a 33-yard kickoff return by Robinson, the Gladiators moved the ball to the Rattlers' 11 with under :30 seconds to play. On first down, Robinson gained five yards to the six. Frank Carter moved the ball to the five on second down, where the Gladiators called time out with :04 seconds to play, setting up the final attempt.

McDonagh finished the day 18-33 for 211 and five touchdowns. The AFL's leader in reception in the first week Mike Horacek caught six balls for 88 yards and three touchdowns. Hixson, the game's MVP, was 18-26 for 168 and three touchdowns. Gatewood, the Ironman of the Game, finished with three catches for 47 yards and a touchdown in addition to his two interceptions.

After opening the season with back-to-back road games, the Gladiators make the Las Vegas debut on Monday, February 17, at the Thomas & Mack Center against the Tampa Bay Storm. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 PM.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 10, 2003


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