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Las Vegas Gladiators game notes

March 14, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Las Vegas Gladiators News Release


GLADIATORS VS. RATTLERS: THE FACTS


Date: Friday, March 17, 2006
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Pacific
Site: Thomas & Mack Center (Las Vegas, NV)
Officials: Referee: Riley Johnson, Umpire: Rick Podraza, Head Linesman: Julian Mapp, Line Judge: Paul EngelbertsBack Judge: Bud McCleskey

THE GAME CAN BE HEARD...
On ESPN Radio 920 in Las Vegas with John Hansen handling play-by-play and Mike Pritchard with color commentary.

THE GAME CAN BE SEEN...
On Fox Sports Southwest with Andrew Siliciano handling play-by-play and John Jackson with color commentary.

THE SERIES - GLADIATORS VS. RATTLERS
Rattlers lead regular-season 4-2

This will be the seventh meeting between the teams. The Gladiators are 1-2 at home and 1-2 on the road versus Arizona. In the last meeting between the two, Arizona got off to a 14-0 lead and never looked back. Dolezel threw two costly interceptions in the first half and the Gladiators were not able to rebound after that. Las Vegas lost the final game of their season 49-42 at the Thomas and Mack Center.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

If the Gladiators win, it would
- Give the Gladiators a 3-4 overall record versus Arizona
- Give Las Vegas a 4-4 overall record
- Give Las Vegas a 4-1 home record
- Give Las Vegas a 2-0 conference record
- Assure Las Vegas a first place tie in the Western Division

GLADIATORS PREVIOUS GAME WEEK 7

Gladiators roll, beating Grand Rapids, 66-41.
Offensive Player of the Game Jason Fife
Defensive Player of the Game Anthony Arceneaux
Ironman of the Game Coco Blalock

March 10, 2006, (Las Vegas, NV) - The Las Vegas Gladiators (3-4) overwhelmed the visiting Grand Rapids Rampage (2-5) 66-41 in front of a charged up crowd at the Thomas and Mack Center on Friday night. With the win, Las Vegas assured themselves of maintaining a share of the Western Division lead.

Rookie quarterback Jason Fife continued his outstanding play, connecting on 15 of 23 attempts for 171 yards and a total of eight touchdowns, five through the air and three on the ground. Fife was awarded the Offensive Player of the Game for his efforts. Fife leads the Gladiators with six rushing touchdowns in only three appearances this season. Marcus Nash had a team-high nine grabs for 90 yards and two scores.

After building a 28-21 halftime lead, the Gladiators threw the knockout punch in the third quarter, outscoring Grand Rapids 28-6. The "red and black" played a complete game on both sides of the ball and did not have a turnover in a game for the first time this season. Defensively, Las Vegas forced three turnovers and for the second game in a row scored on the defensive side of the ball, when WR/DB Anthony Arceneaux drilled Rampage OS Anthony Hines jarring the ball loose, allowing WR/LB Joe Douglass to scoop it up and scamper in for a 16 yard touchdown in the third quarter.

The Rampage were led by WR/DB Timon Marshall, who ended the game with 12 catches for 145 yards and with two finding the endzone. Quarterback Chad Salisbury finished 28 of 47 for 306 yards five touchdown passes but threw two interceptions.

The 44 points surrendered, marks the lowest point total given up by the Gladiators this season. Arceneaux was awarded the ADT Defensive Player of the Game. Arceneaux recorded his first interception of the season, forced a fumble that lead to the defensive score, had four tackles, and one pass breakup. Veteran WR/LB Coco Blalock added three catches for 43 yards and two touchdowns while return two kickoffs for 71 yards and adding 1.5 tackles on defense to earn Ironman of the Game honors.

The Gladiators will be back in action on Friday, March 17 at the Thomas & Mack Center when they take on Western Division rival Arizona in a game for 1st place in the West.

THE COACHES


Ron James (Second Season, 11-12)

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.

Gene Nudo (First Season 3-4)

Gene Nudo, the AFL's only three-time Executive of the Year, is celebrating his twelfth season with the Arizona Rattlers and first athe team's head coach.. Nudo, who joined the Rattlers as an assistant head coach in 1995 after serving as the Arena FootballLeague'sVice President of Football Operations, became the team's Vice President of Administration the following season. The 2002 AFL Hall of Fame Nominee also served as the team's Vice President of Operations for eight seasons before becoming general manager in 2004. While overseeing day-to-day football operations, Nudo helped the Rattlers earn five consecutive commissioner awards for the AFL's "Best Organization" (1996-2000) while earning an unprecedented three "Executive of the Year" awards (1997, 1999, 2000). A member of the AFL Board of Directors Executive Committee, Nudo has also served as the chairman of the AFL's Rules and Competition Committee and as a member of the league's Labor Relations Committee. He was instrumental in helping the AFL and its players enter into an interim collective bargaining agreement in 2000. During the 2002 season, Nudo was awarded the AFL's prestigious Founder's Award, given to a person that has dedicated his life and career to the growth and improvement of Arena Football. A true pioneer in the AFL, Nudo coached the first-ever Arena Football games in Rockford, Ill. (1986) as well as it's "Showcase Game" in Rosemont, Ill. (1987). He would later serve as the Director of Player Personnel and assistant coach for the Chicago Bruisers (1987-88), helping guide them to a berth in ArenaBowl II. In his 12 seasons at the team level, Nudo's franchises have competed in five ArenaBowls, winning one with the Rattlers in 1997. Nudo began his coaching career in 1981 as head coach of the River Grove Cowboys of Chicago's Metropolitan Football League. As a head coach, he won five championships in six seasons, including the 1984 AFA Semi-Professional National Championship in Mobile, Ala. He would later lead Chicago's Driscoll Catholic High School to an undefeated 1991 Illinois State High School Championship. Overall, Nudo compiled a 96-20-1 record as a coach, earning a 1992 induction into the Minor League Hall of Fame. Born on April 13, 1958, Nudo is a native of Ridgewood, Ill., where he attended Ridgewood High School. He played at Triton Community College before majoring in Speech Communications at Illinois State University. Gene and his wife Mary are very active in various valley charities and live in Scottsdale with their three children: Katie, Nicholas, and Jack.

GLADIATORS' PREVIEW NOTES AND TRENDS


GAME PREVIEW
This Week eight match-up will be a battle of two red-hot 3-4 teams, both looking to pivot themselves into first place in the competitive Western Division. The Gladiators strut in after an impressive 66-41 dismantling of Grand Rapids behind the leadership of rookie quarterback Jason Fife and an opportunistic defense. This will be the third of a three -game home-stand for Las Vegas. Conversely this will begin a tough road stretch for Arizona. The Rattlers will spend six of their final nine games away from home. Both teams enter this contest with two-game winning streaks, however in different fashions. Las Vegas has outscored their opponents 133-90. Arizona's contests have both gone down to the wire, with the Rattlers outlasting their opponents 111-107 in the last two victories.

OFFENSIVE PREVIEW
The Gladiators are ranked 10th in total offense (283.4 yards per game), and are tied for 7th in scoring offense (52.4 points per game). The Gladiators put up 66 and 67 points respectfully in their last two efforts. Rookie sensation Jason Fife hopes to continue his stellar play. Fife is (57-87-2, for 644 yards with 20 total TD's , 14 passing 6 rushing). The receiving core is led by OS Marcus Nash with 60 receptions for 705 yards and 18 touchdowns. The red and black have three additional receivers that are in double digit receptions; WR/LB Coco Blalock (28 receptions, 289 yards and 3 TD's), WR/LB Joe Douglass (20 receptions, 269 yards, and 5 TD's, 2 TD runs), WR/DB TJ Hill has 12 receptions for 196 yards and 2 TD's). Las Vegas has the 2nd ranked rushing offense in the league (34.7 yards per game), FB/LB Rodney Filer and QB Jason Fife will look to pick up the slack for injured Marlion Jackson. Arizona is ranked 16th in scoring offense (42.2 points per game). The Rattlers will rely on QB Sherdrick Bonner and OS Damien Groce for offensive fire-power. The Rattlers have struggled in the turnover department at a -7 clip for the year (16th in AFL).

DEFENSIVE PREVIEW
The Gladiators are ranked 12th scoring defense (53.7 points allowed per game) and total defense (300.3 yards allowed per game). Coach Ron James has his troops playing well only surrendering 90 points is their last two contests. In consecutive games, the Gladiators have scored on the defensive side of the ball. WR/DB TJ Hill leads the team with 45.5 combined tackles. DS Dameon Porter has been rock solid this season with 12 pass breakups to go along with 33 combined tackles. The Gladiators are ranked 14 in sacks, led by OL/DL Wilky Bazile, (2 sacks) but have been getting an improved pass rush from week to week. Arizona's defense is one of the stingiest in the AFL (4th overall, 262 yards per game, 8th in scoring 48.1 points allowed per game). The Rattlers are led by Ironman Randy Gatewood, who has a team-high 29.5 tackles to go along with 2 picks and 6 passes defended. The Rattlers have struggled in the paint all year long (18th in AFL, opponents 91% conversion rate).

SPECIAL TEAMS PREVIEW
K Eric Houle had his best effort of the year last week nailing 9-9 PAT attempts and a career best 46 yard field goal. The kickoff return team has been spectacular averaging 18.0 yards per return (5th in AFL), thanks in large part to WR/DB Coco Blalock (20.5 yards per kickoff return, 3rd in AFL). Arizona is ranked 8th in the AFL in field goal percentage (46.7%). Their return team was sparked by three return touchdowns in the Orlando game. Arizona is ranked 2nd in the AFL in kickoff return average (21.1 yards per return).

*** ADT DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK***
Rookie WR/DB Anthony Arceneaux was awarded with the AFL's ADT Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts against Grand Rapids in week 7. The rookie from Utah recorded four tackles, one interception, one pass deflection, and a forced fumble which led to a 16-yard
fumble return for a touchdown by WR/LB Joe Douglass. This is the first Player of the Week honors a Gladiators player has received this year.

HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE
The Gladiators have compiled a 3-1 home record this season and are 18-10 all-time at the Thomas and Mack Center. Week 8 will mark game three of a three game home-stand for Las Vegas. The Gladiators are 1-2 all-time at home versus Arizona.

CHASING A RECORD
Rookie QB Jason Fife has not only shown off his rifle arm this season, but has let his legs to do the talking on the field. Fife is the second leading rusher on the team (15 carries for 58 yards and 6 TD's). The former Oregon Duck is chasing the rushing TD mark for a QB in a season (Aaron Garcia in 1999 playing for Iowa, had 15 rushing TD's, Jay McDonagh in 2003 had 15 touchdowns). Fife is averaging two rushing TD's per game, if he continues this pace he will finish with 24 rushing TD's on the season.

MR. EFFICIENCY
Jason Fife has started three games at quarterback in the AFL but is not playing like it. A passer rating of 117.3 places him sixth in the AFL. Fife is ahead of stars such as John Dutton (113.4), Mark Grieb (116.9) and Tony Graziani (104.7). Fife is completing 65.5% of his attempts, looking to break the rookie record of 65.6% set by Joe Hamilton in 2004 while playing for the Orlando Predators.

RACK EM UP MARCUS
OS Marcus Nash has piled up 18 receiving touchdowns this season (2.6 scores per game) for the red and black. He is on pace for 42 which would beat his mark last season, when he caught 41 TD's. Nash's career best was 46 touchdown grabs in 2004. He was recognized for his efforts, winning the AFL's Offensive Player of the Year.

MILESTONE WATCH
This week's match-up with division rival Arizona could be witness to three historic milestones achieved by noted Gladiator stars WR/LB Joe Douglass and WR/LB Coco Blalock. Douglass needs two receiving TD's for 100 all-time in his six-year career. With 67 yards in kickoff returns, Blalock will surpass 3,000 kickoff return yards in his career.

KEEP IT SIMPLE
The indoor game is dissected, combed through, and analyzed each week in order to figure out which team has the edge heading into the game. For the Gladiators it has been simple, do not turn the ball over. The "red and black" are 3-1 in games in which they have either tied or won the turnover battle. For the first time this season they did not cough up the ball against Grand Rapids, while forcing three turnovers (2 INT's 1 Fumble).

FOR KICKS
Rookie K Eric Houle's back was against the wall versus Grand Rapids. Up until week 7 Houle had been struggling, converting on only 1-6 field goals and 30-38 PAT's. That all changed last Friday night for Houle when he banged in all nine PAT's and for good measure added a career-long 46 yard field goal in the fourth quarter.

CAN JOE MAKE IT THREE IN A ROW?
In consecutive wins, the Gladiator's defense has come up big and scored a defensive touchdown. It started against Philadelphia when WR/DB Joe Douglass practically picked up a Tony Graziani pass (deflected by Dameon Porter) off the turf and raced down the sideline for a 46-yard INT return for a touchdown. Last week versus Grand Rapids Joe was "Joe on the spot again", picking up the pigskin on the turf, after WR/DB Anthony Arceneaux jarred the ball loose from OS Anthony Hines, "Joe D" then scampered in for a 16 yard touchdown.

GUSSY IS SPECIAL
Second year special teams coordinator Gary Gussman has worked wonders with special teams this season. The Gladiators are ranked fifth in kickoff return average (18.0 yards per return) and have the electrifying return-man Coco Blalock (3rd in AFL 22.7 yards per kickoff return). K Eric Houle got off to a tough start but seems to be turning it around after drilling 9-9 PAT's and a 46 yard field goal last week versus Grand Rapids. The coverage team has consistently given the opponents tough starting field position.

THREE YARDS AND A CLOUD OF DUST
Who says you can't run the ball effectively in the AFL. The Gladiators are doing just that through seven weeks this season. The Gladiators have the second most potent rushing attack in the league (34.7 yards per game), behind the efforts of FB/LB Marlion Jackson, FB/LB Rodney Filer and sensational rookie QB Jason Fife. Las Vegas has the top two, average per carry rushers in the league and three of the top six. Jackson is first (5.6 yards per carry), Filer is second (4.5 yards per carry) and Fife is sixth (3.9 yards per carry). Fife's six rushing TD's is tops in the AFL.

IN THE TRENCHES
In a league where the spotlight is constantly on skill players, consistency on the OL/DL is certainly a key for success. The Gladiators have inked the same six starting lineman for all seven games this season. OL/DL Tupe Peko, OL/DL Chukie Nworkie, OL/DL Wilky Bazile and DS Alonzo Spellman have combined to start every contest this season for the red and black.

FAMILIAR FACES
OL/DL Vince Amey is in his third season with Arizona. Amey is no stranger to the big lights of Vegas, spending the 2004 training camp with the Gladiators before being picked up by Arizona. Former Honorable Mention All-American UNLV standout WR Randy Gatewood returns to UNLV this week. WR/LB Gatewood has won the AFL's Ironman of the Week in consecutive games (Week 6, Week 7). DS Clarence Lawson will definitely have a cheering section for this weeks match-up. Not only does Lawson reside in Las Vegas in the off-season but the former Utah Ute was an All-State defensive back at Clark High School (Las Vegas, NV).

PLAYERS TO WATCH FOR RAMPAGE

#13 QB - SHERDRICK BONNER
Bonner has appeared in five games this season. He has passed for 1,556 yards, completing 118 of 210 attempts with 27 TD passes compared to 10 picks. Bonner is entering his 14th AFL season and is recognized as one of the greatest AFL quarterbacks in league history.

#83 OS - DAMIEN GROCE
In his first season with the Rattlers, Groce has emerged as their top playmaker. He has 38 catches for 554 yards and 11 touchdown grabs. The former Iowa State standout has added 11 rushing yards on three attempts.

#37 WR/DB - RANDY GATEWOOD
Recognized as one of the top Ironman performers in the AFL, the 11-year veteran has been a key performer on both sides of the ball for Arizona. Gatewood has 31 receptions for 375 yards and seven touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball he has 29.5 tackles, two INT's and six pass deflections.

#2 FB/LB - BO KELLY
In his 11th season this veteran AFL star adds toughness and balance to the squad. Kelly has recorded a team-high four rushing TD's and 39 yards on the ground. On the defensive side of the ball, the former East Texas State star has 21.5 tackles and five passes defended.

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