Gladiators sack Los Angeles 63-49
April 2, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Las Vegas Gladiators News Release
(Las Vegas, NV) - The Las Vegas Gladiators (5-5) proved that they are a serious threat in the Western Division as they rode to victory over division rival the Los Angeles Avengers (3-7) by a final score of 63-49 at the Thomas and Mack Center. The Gladiators gained the early momentum when WR/DB Aleric Clark return the opening kickoff 57-yards for a TD. The Gladiators are riding high with victories in four of their past five games.
Avenger rookie quarterback Sonnie Cumbie was hassled all game, four sacks and four recorded quarterback hurries prevented Cumbie and LA's offense from getting into a steady rhythm. The line play was tremendous for the Gladiators, led by OL/DL Steve Konopka who recorded 2.5 sacks, 2.5 tackles, 1 forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Konopka was awarded ADT Defensive Player of the Game. The Gladiator's defense has held opponents under 50 points for five straight games.
Gladiator quarterback Jason Fife was efficient completing 21 of 26 passes for 261 yards, five touchdown strikes and two interceptions. Fife also rushed for 31 yards and two scores. Receivers Coco Blalock and Marcus Nash both hauled in seven receptions, for a combined 156 yards and a touchdown (Blalock, 7 catches for 85 yards 1 TD, Nash 7 catches for 71 yards). The AFL's top rushing team continued their dominance on the ground, recording 64 yards rushing on 13 carries.
The Avengers were led by rookie quarterback Sonnie Cumbie who finished 18 of 37 for 261 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions. OS Tony Locke was stellar with five grabs for 101 yards and two touchdowns.
The Las Vegas Gladiators will host the Nashville Kats next Sunday, April 9. Kickoff is set for 12:00 p.m. (pacific). Recording artist Matthew West will be performing a post-game concert at the plaza outside of the Thomas and Mack Center.
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 2, 2006
- Vegas Doesn't Pay Off for Avengers - OSC Original by Tim Peterson
- Gladiators sack Los Angeles 63-49 - Las Vegas Gladiators
- SaberCats topple Rattlers, 61-49 - San Jose SaberCats
- Preds drop Chicago, 55-27 - Orlando Predators
- Orlando defense shuts down Rush, 55-27 - Chicago Rush
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