Gladiators find rhythm against Soul, 67-49
Published on March 5, 2006 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Las Vegas Gladiators News Release
(Las Vegas, NV) - The Las Vegas Gladiators (2-4) got off to a hot start and never looked back, rolling over the Philadelphia Soul (3-3), 67-49 at the Thomas and Mack Center.
In his second career AFL start, quarterback Jason Fife was electric. The Offensive Player of the Game completed 18 of 28 passes for 174 yards and five touchdown passes and no interceptions. Fife was also the leading rusher in the game scampering for 34 yards on six carries, including a 35 yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Fife spread the ball hitting five different Gladiator receivers on the night, led by OS Marcus Nash with six grabs for 65 yards and three touchdowns. Junior Lord and Coco Blalock also added three receptions each.
The Gladiator defense was the difference in the first half, stopping Philadelphia's offense on two of their first three possessions. In the third quarter, Las Vegas scored their first defensive touchdown of the season, on a Joe Douglass 47 yard interception return. WR/DB Joe Douglass finished as the Army Ironman of the Game, adding three receptions, two rushing touchdowns, two tackles and an interception return for a touchdown. FB/LB Steve Konopka was awarded as the ADT Defensive Player of the Game, tallying one tackle, one pass breakup and applying pressure all night to Soul quarterback Tony Graziani.
Philadelphia never let up, making it interesting in the fourth quarter, but fell short. The Soul were led by quarterback Tony Graziani, who finished the game completing 22-46 attempts for 346 yards and six touchdown tosses and one pick. OS Marcus Knight, led all receivers with nine catches for 131 yards and one score. Defensively, the Soul were led by DS Eddie Moten, who tallied seven tackles on the game.
The Gladiators, now tied for first place in the Western Division, will host the Grand Rapids Rampage next week. The Game will be at the Thomas and Mack on Friday, March 10, at 7:30 p.m. (pacific).
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