Gladiators Put Out Blaze in 54-53 Victory
May 18, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Las Vegas Gladiators News Release
The Las Vegas Gladiators ended their nine game losing streak, in a 54-53 victory over the Blaze. The victory came when Gladiators kicker Steve Azar nailed a 22-yard field goal with 9/10 seconds left in the game in front of 14,305 at EnergySolutions Arena in Utah.
The Gladiators went down 21-0 in the first quarter, but a big interception by DB Earthwind Moreland in the 2nd quarter gave the Gladiators a momentum swing that resulted in a quick seven points by Gladiators WR Travis LaTendresse. LaTandresse scored all three of the Gladiators touchdowns in the first half. The Gladiators cut the lead to just seven with 57 seconds left in the 2nd quarter, but an efficient drive by the Blaze, had them back up 14 to finish the half.
The Gladiators offense never missed a beat after the first quarter, led by QB Nick Rolovich who finished the game with 28 completions for 329 yards and seven touchdowns, in his first start of the season. The receiving corps was led by Offensive Player of the Game Travis LaTandresse who finished the game with nine receptions for 117 yards and four touchdowns. WR Thabiti Davis did not trail far behind with 11 receptions for 114 yards and two touchdowns. Former starting QB Brian Jones took on the role as kick returner for the Gladiators and had a solid night finishing the game with five returns for 85 yards.
The defense for the Gladiators came out of the half strong with a huge 3rd down sack and blocked kick by Defensive Player of the Game Karon Riley at the start of the fourth quarter that resulted in a safety and gave the Gladiators their first opportunity to take the lead, which they did answering with a 32-yard touchdown reception to FB Marlion Jackson, putting the Gladiators up by two.
The Gladiators up by just one point with one minute to go in the fourth quarter, held the Blaze to just three points with 35.2 seconds left in the game. The Gladiators drive would end with nine tenths of a second on the game clock and a Steve Azar field goal that would give the Gladiators the one point victory.
The Blaze were led by QB Joe Germaine who finished the game with 28 completions for 322 yards, six touchdowns and an interception. Blaze WR's Tom Pace and Siaha Burley added three touchdowns each and over a hundred yards in receptions.
The loss for the Blaze takes them to 5-7 and bumps the Gladiators to 2-10 on the season.
Gladiators 2007 tickets are on sale now please call the Gladiators front office at 702-731-4977 for more information or visit www.lvgladiators.com. Single game tickets can be purchased exclusively through the Orleans Arena box office or at www.orleansarena.com.
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