Las Vegas Gladiators game notes

Published on February 14, 2006 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Las Vegas Gladiators News Release


GLADIATORS VS. FORCE : THE FACTS


Date: Friday, February 17, 2006.
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Pacific
Site: Thomas and Mack Center (Las Vegas, Nevada)
Officials: Referee: David Cutaia, Umpire: Doug Wilson, Head Linesman: Greg Shields, Line Judge: Dave Chesney, Back Judge: James Cole.

THE GAME CAN BE HEARD...
On ESPNRadio 920 in Las Vegas with Andrew Siciliano handling play-by-play and Mike Pritchard with color commentary.

On AFL.net. for live play-by-play log on to arenafootball.com.

THE SERIES - GLADIATORS VS. FORCE
Force lead 2-1

This will be the fourth meeting between the teams. The Gladiators are 1-1 at home and 0-1 on the road versus Georgia. In the last meeting between the two, Georgia outscored Las Vegas 38-13 in week four of the 2005 season. Georgia's defensive effort was the best in franchise history allowing only 13 points. The game was played in front of 9,722 at Thomas and Mack Center.

WHAT'S AT STAKE
If the Gladiators win, it would
- Give the Gladiators a 2-2 overall record versus Georgia
- Give Las Vegas a 2-2 overall record
- Give Las Vegas a 2-0 home record

GLADIATORS PREVIOUS GAME (Week 3 at Colorado)

Second Half rally lifts Colorado past Las Vegas 65-55
Offensive Player of the Game Willis Marshall
Defensive Player of the Game Rashad Floyd
Ironman of the Game Willis Marshall

February 12, 2006, Denver, Colorado- After leading at halftime 35-27 and scoring on their first six possessions the Las Vegas Gladiators (1-2) cooled off in the second half and fell to the reigning AFL champions Colorado Crush (3-0) 65-55 at the Pepsi Center.

The Gladiators came out the gate early with a fumble recovery on the opening play of the game, which led to the Gladiator's first score and the offense was efficient scoring on every possession in the first half. Colorado rallied in the second half forced three turnovers and outscored Las Vegas 38-20 in route to their first 3-0 start in franchise history. The turning point in the game came when Colorado recovered an onside kick after their first score in the second half and never looked back.

The Gladiators were led by Joe Douglass who had six grabs for 104 yards and four touchdowns in his first action of the season. Craig Whelihan had a strong performance going 23 of 34 for 298 yards seven touchdown tosses and was intercepted once. Whelihan also missed a series with an injury in the second half but returned to play the remainder of the game.

Damian Harrell was more involved in the second half and finished with a game high nine catches with 108 yards and two scores. Quarterback John Dutton was 27 of 46 for 307 yards and six touchdown passes with no interceptions.

The Las Vegas Gladiators return home next week to face the Georgia Force on Friday, February 17, at 7:30 p.m. (pacific) at the Thomas and Mack Center.

THE COACHES


Ron James (Second Season, 9-10)

Ron James is entering his second season as Head Coach of the Las Vegas Gladiators. In his first year as head coach the Gladiator teams ranked #1 in total offense and #1 in total defense Arena Football League and finished with an 8-8 record.

Prior to becoming the head coach, James served as assistant head coach/line coach and special team's coordinator for the Gladiator organization from 2001-2004.

Coach James has nine years of AFL experience having served as the line coach and player personnel director with the Houston Thunderbears from 2000-2001 and as an assistant with the Albany Firebirds in 1990 and 1991.

In addition to coaching in the AFL, James has coached a combined total of 14 years on the collegiate level.
In 1998 and 1999 Coach James served as the Admissions Support officer and assistant football coach at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

From 1993 thru 1998 James coached at Kentucky Wesleyan College. While at KWC James served as offensive coordinator and offensive line coach in 1993. The following season James was promoted the assistant head coach/defensive coordinator and coached the secondary. He remained in that position until 1998.

Among the other college stops were stints as the defensive coordinator and secondary coach at Hartwick College from 1992-1993. Prior to that, James was the defensive coordinator and linebacker coach at St. Lawrence University from 1989-1992. Additionally James coached at Siena College from 1986-1989 as the linebacker coach and also served as JV Head Coach in 1989.

James was a four-year starter at Siena College where he achieved First-Team All N.C.F.A. All - America honors in 1985 and was named a first-team all conference selection twice. Upon completion of his college football career, James had brief NFL stops with the NY Giants, New England Patriots and Cincinnati Bengals. He earned a BA from Siena and a MPA from the State University of New York at Albany.

Born on April 28, 1964, James is a native of Albany, New York. He is married to wife, Lynn and has two children Brady and Alexis. They live in Henderson, NV. He is a member of the American Football Coaches Association and the Order of Kentucky Colonels.

Doug Plank (Second Season, 14-8)

Doug Plank enters his second season as head coach of the Georgia Force in 2006. In his first season as an AFL head coach, he led the Force on a magical ride to ArenaBowl XIX. Plank was voted 2005 AFL Coach of the Year after leading the Force to a league best 11-5 regular season record and a 13-6 record overall.have two children, Andrea and Michael.

The 11-5 mark was the best record in franchise history (previous best 8-8 in 2003), and secured the Force's first Southern Division Championship and the number one seed in the playoffs. The Force went on to win the inaugural National Conference Championship game by defeating the Orlando Predators 60-58. The victory secured the Force's place in ArenaBowl XIX.

Plank has coached in four straight ArenaBowls. He helped lead the Arizona Rattlers to three previous ArenaBowls as their defensive coordinator. In his final season with the Rattlers, the team finished with an 11-5 record and earned the top seed in the AFL playoffs.

A member of The Ohio State University football team, Plank played in three consecutive Rose Bowls (1973-75). While at Ohio State, he played for legendary coach Woody Hayes.

Plank brings with him a wealth of football experience that includes an impressive career in the NFL. He was selected by the Chicago Bears in the 12th round of the 1975 NFL Draft and started at safety for eight seasons. The "46 Defense" created by Buddy Ryan was named for Plank's jersey number and aggressive style of play. Plank was also the first Bears rookie to ever lead the team in tackles.

He has prior broadcasting experience with the Sports USA Radio Network, Arizona Cardinals, Arizona State University Football, Fox Sports Net, and Westwood One.

Plank and his wife Nancy, have two children, Andrea and Michael.
for eight seasons. The "46 Defense" created by Budd football team, Plank played in three consecutive Rose Bowls (1973-75).e played for legendary coach Woody Hayes.



2006 SEASON

Offensive Player of the Game
Week Opp. Player
1 @ AUS John Fitzgerald (QB)
2 SAN Marcus Nash (OS)
3 @COL Willis Marshall (WR/DB)


ADT Defensive Player of the Game
Week Opp. Player
1 @ AUS Damon Mason (DS)
2 SAN Wilky Bazile (DL)
3 @COL Rashad Floyd (DS)

Army Ironman of the Game
Week Opp. Player
1 @ AUS Dane Krager (FB/LB)
2 SAN Marlion Jackson (FB/LB)
3 @COL Willis Marshall (WR/DB)





AFL TOP 10: League Leaders after Week 3
GLADIATORS
Player Rank Category Stat
Craig Whelihan 6 Touchdown Passes 17
7t Rushing TD's 3
9 Pass Yards Per Game 269.0

Marcus Nash 5 Scoring 50
5 Touchdowns 8
6 Yards Per Game 105.7
7 Receptions 25

Marlion Jackson 1 Rushing Yards 77
1 Yards Per Rush 6.4

Defense Defense Defense

Coco Blalock 5t Interceptions 2

TJ Hill 4 Combined Tackles 24.5

Wilky Bazile 8 Sacks 2
2 Combined Tackles for Loss 3.5

Dameon Porter 6 Passes Defended 8

MILESTONE WATCH

PLAYER MILESTONE CURRENT NUMBER TO GO
Wilky Bazile 20 Sacks 18.5 1.5
Wilky Bazile 150 Tackles 130 20
Coco Blalock 3000 Receiving Yards 2,799 201
Coco Blalock 50 Receiving Touchdowns 40 10
Coco Blalock 3000 Kick Return Yards 2,607 393
Joe Douglass 5,000 Receiving Yards 4,272 738
Joe Douglass 100 Receiving Touchdowns 97 3
Steve Konopka 20 Sacks 18 2
Steve Konopka 100 Tackles 77.5 22.5
Junior Lord 2,000 Receiving Yards 1,654 346
Marcus Nash 5,000 Receiving Yards 4,615 385
Marcus Nash 500 Receptions 379 121
Dameon Porter 30 Interceptios 27 3
Craig Whelihan 5,000 Passing Yards 4,692 308
Craig Whelihan 100 Touchdown Passes 98 2


WEEK 4 PREVIEW, NOTES AND TRENDS

***Schedule Change Notice: Week 11 versus Nashville Kats at the Thomas and Mack has been changed from Saturday, April 8th 2006, 7:30 p.m. (pacific) to Sunday, April 9th 2006, 12:00 p.m. (pacific).***


Preview
BOTH TEAMS OFF TO TOUGH STARTS
Las Vegas and Georgia are both off to 1-2 starts and are looking to even up their record at 2-2. Las Vegas has lost their two contests to undefeated teams, (Colorado 3-0, Austin 3-0) both coming on the road. The Gladiators return home with a 1-0 record in 2006 and all time home record of 16-9. The Force's record is a bit deceiving, being on the losing end of two dramatic games, both decided on the final play. Georgia has lost both games by a total of three points. Georgia is 0-1 on the road this season and 15-18 on the road in their franchise history.

WHERE THEY STAND
The Gladiators: At 1-2, are on top of the Western Division! With division rivals off to a slow 2006 campaign, The Gladiator's 1-0 conference record, along with Los Angeles are tied for first place.
The Force: A 1-2 record places them in fourth place, in the tough Southern Conference. Georgia has outscored their opponents this season by a total of 14 points, but has been on the losing end of two close contests.

OFFENSIVE PREVIEW
This should be a fairly even match-up on the offensive side of the ball. Las Vegas has been moving the ball well in the last two games. They rank seventh in scoring offense (50.7) and eighth in total offense (294.3). Look for the emergence of Joe Douglass, (first game of season 6 catches, 104 yards and 4 touchdowns) to take some of the attention off Marcus Nash. The key to the game could come down to red zone offense, Las Vegas ranks third in red zone offense, while Georgia is 16th in Red Zone Defense. Georgia's offensive is opportunistic, scoring 55.7 points per game (third in AFL), but they rank tenth in total offense. The key match-up will be with Gladiator DS Dameon Porter, taking on speedy OS Chris Jackson. Keep an eye on moving the ball on the ground, Marlion Jackson is leading the league in rushing yards (77) while Georgia is ranked 14th in rushing defense giving up 21 yards per contest.

DEFENSIVE PREVIEW
Las Vegas is near the cellar in points allowed on the season, the red and black give up 59.0 points per game ( 17th in the AFL), however they are ranked 10th in total defense giving up 287.3 yards per game. The Gladiators are tied for last in turnover margin (-4), if they can win the turnover battle, they will put their physical defense in better situations to keep the scoring down. Georgia is allowing 51.0 points per game (12th in AFL) and they are 11th in total defense giving up 288.0 yards per game. The do have a knack for forcing turnovers, the Force are +2 in turnover margin this year.

CLOSING IN ON CENTURY MARK
Two Gladiators are potentially one game away from achieving career milestones. Quarterback Craig Whelihan is two passing touchdowns away from 100 for his AFL career. Whelihan has 10 touchdowns on the season and is looking to add to that total on Friday night. Joe Douglass, in his first action of the season, caught four touchdown passes, including a highlight reel touchdown catch before the half versus Colorado. Joe D. now has 97 touchdown grabs and three to go for the century mark.

MR. PORTER IS BACK ON TRACK
After seeing his 2005 season cut short breaking two bones in his arm, #1 is playing just like his number. This nine year pro (AFL ALL-IRONMAN 2001-02) from Wayne State, was acquired last season by Las Vegas from Austin. After three games this season Porter has emerged as a defensive force compiling eight pass breakups and 16.5 tackles.

SPELLMAN, PLANK, AND DITKA?
Not only did rookie Gladiator nose tackle Alonzo Spellman and the Force's second year head coach Doug Plank both play collegiate football at Ohio State University, they both share a notable link to Chicago Rush co-owner Mike Ditka. Spellman was the last first round draft pick make by Mike Ditka ( selected 22 overall in 1993) while playing one season at defensive end for the colorful, often tempered head coach. Plank,(selected in 12th round in 1975) on the other hand played for Coach Ditka during his first year as head coach for the Chicago Bears in 1982.

MARLION ALMOST ON BLANK'S PAYROLL
Gladiator standout FB/LB Marlion Jackson, leads the AFL in rushing this season (77 yards), made the final cut for the Atlanta Falcon's final 53 man roster in 2005. After acquiring several free-agents the Falcons then released Jackson. Arthur Blank, the Force owner, is also the distinguished owner/CEO of the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL and this week's opponent, the Georgia Force.

HIGH'S AND LOW'S
Last season's match-up between these two teams in week four last season, (Las Vegas 13- Georgia 38) set franchise scoring records. The 13 points scored, was the lowest output by the Gladiator's offense in franchise history. On the defensive side of the ball, the 13 points given up by the Force, set a record for points allowed in the teams brief four year history.

THOMAS & MACK FORCE
Georgia is the only team last season, other than the Gladiators, to play a home game at the Thomas and Mack Center. After winning in their first trip versus Las Vegas, the 2005 National Conference Champion Force were appointed as the home team in ArenaBowl XIX against the Colorado Crush. The game saw Crush's Clay Rush kick the game winning field goal for the second time as the clock expired. The Force suffered a 48-51 defeat at the Thomas and Mack Center in ArenaBowl XIX.
PLAYERS TO WATCH FOR GEORGIA

# 8 QB MATT NAGY- Former University of Delaware standout led Georgia to the championship game last season. Nagy has completed 71-107 (66.4%) with 16 touchdown passes with 2 interceptions. Nagy is among the top five quarterbacks in the AFL with a 116.9 passer rating.

# 81 OS CHRIS JACKSON- In his seventh season out of Washington State, "CJ" has been dynamite for the Force. Jackson has 21 grabs for 302 yards and seven touchdowns.

# 8 WR/DB DEREK LEE - In his second year from Tennessee Tech, Lee has added balance to the Georgia offense. Lee has 34 catches for 324 yards adding six touchdowns.

#24 DS NATE COGGINS - This second year defensive specialist from West Georgia is the most active defensive player on the field. An athlete with good size and speed has made several key plays on the year. Coggins has 14.5 tackles on the year, seven passes defended, one interception, and a fumble recovery.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 14, 2006


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