AFL Cleveland Gladiators

Gladiators Vanquished by VooDoo for First Loss of 2011

April 16, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Cleveland Gladiators News Release


CLEVELAND - The Cleveland Gladiators dropped their first game of the season to the New Orleans VooDoo, 34-33, to fall to 3-1 on the season. A crowd of 7,123 fans at Quicken Loans Arena were on hand to see the contest on Saturday evening. The victory was the first for New Orleans in 2011, as they improved to 1-4.

The Gladiators got three rushing scores out of fullback Russ Monk in the game. All three of his touchdowns came in the first half, tying the second-most in a single game in franchise history. Quarterback Kurt Rocco went 17-of-29 in the game for 217 yards and one touchdown, with two interceptions.

The VooDoo were led by Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game Danny Wimprine, who went 22-of-36 for three touchdowns and one interception. Wimprine and fullback Tom Taggert also added rushing scores in the win.

Cleveland had a chance to take the lead late in the game when they had possession deep in New Orleans territory. Wide receiver Victor Williams took a reception down to the VooDoo three yard line, but could not get out of bounds before time expired to set up a potential game-winning field goal.

The loss prevented the Gladiators from setting a franchise record for most wins to begin a season. The Gladiators had 3-0 starts to begin this and the 2008 seasons. The VooDoo were the first opponents to defeat Cleveland in each of those campaigns.

Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game- New Orleans QB Danny Wimprine

Riddell Defensive Player of the Game- Gladiators DL Anthony Hoke

JLS Ironman of the Game- Gladiators WR Robert Redd

Cutters Catch of the Game- Gladiators DB Levy Brown's interception over the boards in the fourth quarter

Nifty Playmaker of the Game- Gladiators WR Troy Bergeron

Spalding Highlight of the Game- VooDoo DB Jerron Wishom's interception late in the fourth quarter

National Guard Player of the Game- VooDoo QB Danny Wimprine

The Gladiators will head to Jacksonville to take on the 4-1 Sharks for their next game on Saturday, April 23 at 7:00 p.m. Their next home contest will be FRIDAY, APRIL 19 versus the Tulsa Talons at 7:30 pm at Quicken Loans Arena. SINGLE-GAME TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW! For more information, visit www.clevelandgladiators.com or call 216.685.9000 today!



Arena Football League Stories from April 16, 2011


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