Gladiators Comeback Falls Short in Dallas, 55-48
February 26, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Las Vegas Gladiators News Release
(Dallas, TX) - For the first three quarters the Las Vegas Gladiators (1-4) were outscored by former quarterback Clint Dolezel and the Dallas Desperados 48-21(4-1) at the American Airlines Center. Las Vegas rallied and scored and unanswered 27 fourth quarter points, only to come up short in the end and fall to the eastern division leading Dallas Desperados, by a final score of 55-48.
This game marked the beginning of the Jason Fife era in Las Vegas. In his first career AFL start, replacing Craig Whelihan, the former Oregon Duck quarterback completed 24 of 36 attempts for 299 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions. Fife also added two rushing touchdowns. 2004 AFL Offensive Player of the Year, Marcus Nash, led all receivers with 11 catches for 122 yards and three touchdowns. All of Nash's touchdowns came in the second half, to spark the late Gladiator rally.
The story leading up to the game was no doubt on the match-up with former Gladiator quarterback Clint Dolezel. The Desperado signal caller was efficient on the night, connecting on 25 of 37 attempts for 270 yards and seven touchdown passes with only one interception. Desperado WR/LB Dialleo Burks led the team with team high 10 receptions for 114 yards and four touchdown grabs, Burks also rushed for a score. Defensively, Dallas was sparked by two key interceptions by defensive specialist Jermaine Jones.
After a four yard touchdown strike from Jason Fife to Marcus Nash with 55 seconds left in the fourth quarter, the Gladiators pulled within one score. On the following kickoff, Dallas's Dialleo Burks held on to an onside attempt by Gladiator kicker Eric Houle, to preserve the victory for the Desperados.
The Las Vegas Gladiators remain winless on the road (0-3). The Gladiators will return home (1-1) to face Tony Graziani and the Philadelphia Soul next Sunday, March 5, at 3:30 p.m. (pacific) at the Thomas and Mack Center. The game will be televised on the OLN Network.
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 26, 2006
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