Gladiators Unable to Overcome Early Deficit
March 4, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Las Vegas Gladiators News Release
The Las Vegas Gladiators fell in the season opener in Austin losing to the Wranglers 57-36. The Gladiators started the game with a 19-0 deficit that they were unable to recover from. Although the Las Vegas Gladiators were down by 19 points early they showed promising strides of potential success, but the early setback didn't allow the Gladiators enough time in the end to pull out a win.
Austin started the game with a field goal by kicker Mark Lewis, followed by a safety, and an on-side kick recovery that lead to a touchdown by FB/LB Chad Duke. Austin did not allow the Gladiators to touch the ball until after two possessions which led to two scores.
Gladiators' QB Shaun King ran it in from one-yard out for their first touchdown of the game with 13 minutes to go in the second quarter. With the Gladiators finally gaining momentum on offense they came back with a safety and field goal that would have them only down 29-12 at the half.
The Gladiators defense was solid; deflecting passes and rushing Austin quarterback Adrian McPherson the entire game. The Gladiators started the second half strong with a first down pass to WR Etu Molden and consecutive completions to WR Kevin Prentiss. Both receivers made outstanding plays, which resulted in significant yardage for the Gladiators. The drive resulted in a field goal by Steve Azar. QB Shaun King came back with another quarterback sneak resulting in a touch down to cut the lead to 36-22, but the Wranglers answered each time with a score that left the Gladiators continually trailing.
The early deficit in the first quarter put Las Vegas in a position that they were unable to bounce back from. Austin played extremely well, giving Las Vegas only glimpses of hope to regain the lead.
The Las Vegas Gladiators will be back in action on the road Thursday, March 8th against the Grand Rapids Rampage. Season tickets for the 2007 Las Vegas Gladiators home schedule are on sale now and can be purchased by calling the Las Vegas Gladiators office at 702-731-4977. The Gladiators kick off their home opener against the New Orleans VooDoo on March 18th at 3pm in the Orleans Arena. Single game tickets can be purchased at www.orleansarena.com or through their box office.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 4, 2007
- Gladiators Unable to Overcome Early Deficit - Las Vegas Gladiators
- Partlow gets first victiry in Wranglers 57-36 win - Austin Wranglers
- Rampage Defeat Crush in Season Opener, 44-42 - Grand Rapids Rampage
- Brigade roughs up defending champs to open second season - Kansas City Brigade
- Rush falls to Kansas City in Opener 54-41 - Chicago Rush
- Dallas Topples Dragons in Season Opener - New York Dragons
- Rattlers Show Fight, Fall To Force 69-65 - Arizona Rattlers
- Game-winning field goal lifts Blaze over VooDoo, 63-61 - Utah Blaze
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