Game Preview: Pittsburgh Power vs. Cleveland Gladiators
May 30, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Pittsburgh Power News Release
PITTSBURGH, PA (May 30, 2014) - The Pittsburgh Power (7-3) welcome the undefeated Cleveland Gladiators (9-0) to CONSOL Energy Center for a rivalry game set for Saturday May 31 at 5:00 p.m. The game can be viewed locally on ThisTV Pittsburgh and nationally on ESPN3. Saturday's contest can also be listened to on TribLIVE Radio with Ken Laird, John Harris and Ike Taylor calling the action.
THE GAME: Cleveland Gladiators (9-0) vs Pittsburgh Power (7-3) Saturday, May 31 - 5:00 p.m. ET CONSOL Energy Center - Pittsburgh, PA TV: ThisTV Pittsburgh, ESPN3 Radio: TribLIVE Radio All-Time Series: Cleveland leads 5-3
LAST WEEK: Pittsburgh scored with one second remaining to beat the Orlando Predators on the road, 62-61. New all-time franchise-leading passer Tommy Grady connected with Hank Edwards on the last offensive play of the game and kicker Julian Rauch knocked through the extra point to give Pittsburgh their fourth straight win. Cleveland also won their last contest in thrilling fashion knocking off Philadelphia 54-52. The Gladiators overcame a 17-point deficit in the final 52 seconds to earn the victory when quarterback Shane Austin connected with Thyron Lewis as time expired to keep Cleveland undefeated.
POWER TO WATCH | OFFENSE: After his 306-yard, eight-touchdown performance in Orlando, Tommy Grady is now the all-time single season leader in Power franchise history for passing yards and passing touchdowns. On the season, he's completed 60.2% of his passes for 2,610 yards and 60 scores. In his first week back from injury, wide receiver Prechae Rodriguez did big things for the Power offense. He hauled in 13 passes for 148 yards and four touchdowns in the win over the Predators. His performance earned him the honor of being the AFL's MVP for Week 11.
GLADIATORS TO WATCH | OFFENSE: Cleveland quarterback Shane Austin is one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the league. He is ranked in the Top 5 in passer rating (111.4) and completion percentage (61.1%) In the Gladiators' last meeting with Pittsburgh, Austin threw for 201 yards and six touchdowns. Austin's favorite receiver on the year has been Dominick Goodman who has caught 71 passes for 681 yards and 13 touchdowns. In addition, Thryon Lewis (6-foot-3) provides a big target for Austin. Lewis has 19 touchdown receptions so far in 2014
POWER TO WATCH | DEFENSE: A big defensive goal for the Power this week will be getting after the quarterback. Defensive lineman Jake Killeen leads the Power on the year with five sacks. Killeen along with defensive lineman Curtis Young and Mac linebacker James Bryant will be looking to put Shane Austin on his back all night.
GLADIATORS TO WATCH | DEFENSE: Marrio Norman has been a stud for Cleveland defensively in 2014. Not only is he tied for the league lead in interceptions with eight, he also has 52 tackles, three tackles for loss and ten pass break ups for the Gladiators. LaRoche Jackson leads Cleveland on the season with 68.5 tackles.
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