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AFL Cleveland Gladiators

Gladiators Get Back on Track with Win over Soul

May 21, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Cleveland Gladiators News Release


CLEVELAND - The Cleveland Gladiators defeated the Philadelphia Soul, 59-41, in front of 7,979 at Quicken Loans Arena on Saturday night. The victory improved Cleveland to 2-0 in East division play and 6-3 overall this season. The loss dropped the Soul to 3-7.

National Guard MVP Kurt Rocco was stellar after leaving last week's game with an injury. Kurt finished 18-of-29 for 233 yards and seven touchdown passes. Robert Redd continued his outstanding play this season with 248 all-purpose yards (113 receiving, 125 kick return), adding eight catches and four receiving scores.

For Philadelphia, Ryan Vena went 20-for-31 for 249 yards and six scoring tosses. Wide receiver Donovan Morgan was outstanding with nine catches for 132 yards and four touchdowns, receiving Nifty Playmaker of the Game honors.

The Gladiators forced two safeties on the night for the first time in franchise history. Cleveland had not recorded a safety in franchise history prior to 2011, while they have four total this season.

Cleveland forced a fumble on the opening drive of the game, scoring three plays later on the first Rocco-to-Redd connection and did not look back. The Gladiators never trailed in the contest and did not turn the ball over once. The Soul had two fumbles and an interception in the game.

Offensive lineman Adam Tadisch had a 15-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter. The 6'8" 340 pound guard's lone other scoring reception came in Week 16 last season when he hauled in a 19-yard score against Spokane.

Gladiators Defensive lineman Drew Berube was named Riddell Defensive Player of the Game in his first-ever AFL game and start, finishing with two total tackles, one tackle-for-loss, one sack, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one safety. Defensive lineman Anthony Hoke totaled 2.5 tackles, one sack, 1.5 tackles-for-loss, two passes defended and the other safety. Hoke now has 6.5 sacks on the season, one shy of his 2010 total at the halfway point of this campaign.

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