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Las Vegas Gladiators game notes

April 18, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Las Vegas Gladiators News Release


GLADIATORS VS. SABERCATS: THE FACTS


Date: Saturday, April 23, 2006
Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. Pacific
Site: Allstate Arena, Chicago, IL (16,000)
Officials: Referee: Referee: Bill LeMonnier Umpire: Mike Delaney Head Linesman: Allen Baynes, Line Judge: Dana McKenzie Back Judge: Billy Beckett

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

THE GAME CAN BE SEEN...
On High-Def: INHD Live with Dave Eanet handling play-by-play and Dan Jiggetts with color commentary.

THE SERIES - GLADIATORS VS. RUSH
RUSH lead 4-0

This will be the fifth meeting overall meeting between the franchises; the Gladiators are searching for their first win in Chicago (0-2 overall).
Last year the Gladiators fell to the Rush 63-62. Clint Dolezel hit Joe Douglass on a 14-yard touchdown strike with 17 seconds remaining to pull within one. The Gladiators went for the two-point conversion and the win, the attempt failed as the Rush pulled out the victory in Week 13.

WHAT'S AT STAKE
If the Gladiators win, it would
- Give the Gladiators a 1-4 record versus Chicago
- Give Las Vegas a 6-7 overall record
- Give Las Vegas a 2-4 road record
- Give Las Vegas a 6-4 American Conference record

GLADIATORS PREVIOUS GAME (Week 12)

Gladiators bitten by SaberCats 69-59
Offensive Player of the Game Mark Grieb
ADT Defensive Player of the Game Clevan Thomas
Army Ironman of the Game James Roe

Friday, April 14, 2006 (San Jose, CA) - An intense battle between Western Division rivals came down to the fourth quarter as Las Vegas (5-7) was outscored 28-14 in the final twelve minutes in route to a 69-59 loss at the hands of the San Jose SaberCats (6-7). The Gladiators lost their first when taking the lead into the fourth quarter, prior to Friday's game Las Vegas posted a perfect 5-0 in games when leading after three quarters. The defeat drops Las Vegas to third-place in the Western Conference.

The Gladiators overcame an opening play interception by SaberCat DS Clevan Thomas on a Jason Fife pass intended for Marcus Nash, to take a 31-28 halftime lead. Both teams exchanged punches through three quarters, only separated by three and four points throughout.

The game took a turn on the second play of the fourth quarter when SaberCat lineman Joe Jacobs sacked Gladiator quarterback Jason Fife jarring the ball loose in the endzone allowing fellow lineman Rex Richards to jump on the loose ball for a San Jose score, lifting them to a 10-point lead. The Gladiators rallied for two late scores but were not able to close the deficit. The Gladiators lost the turnover battle, coughing the ball up three times while the SaberCats did not commit a turnover. On the season the Gladiators are -12 in turnover margin.

Despite the loss the offense was impressive scoring on all possessions not halted by turnovers. Quarterback Jason Fife connected on 19-of-35 passes for 205 yards, three touchdowns despite one interception. Fife continued his stellar rushing attack, leading the team with 28 yards on eight carries adding three rushing touchdowns. WR/LB Junior Lord led the team with 9 grabs for a season-high 100 yards and one touchdown. WR/LB Joe Douglass and OS Marcus Nash added four receptions and a receiving touchdown each.

Defensively the Gladiators were led by DS Chris Canty who recorded a season-high 10 solo tackles. After a remarkable stretch of sub-50 point performances the defense has give up 58 (Nashville) and 69 (San Jose) points respectively in the past two games.

San Jose was led by quarterback Mark Grieb who finished with 388 yards on 28-of-41 passing adding eight touchdowns and no interceptions. WR/LB James Roe caught 11 passes for 147 yards and three touchdowns, while rookie OS Ben Nelson added 9 receptions for 160 yards and four touchdowns.

The Las Vegas Gladiators hit the road to take on American Conference foe the Chicago Rush on Sunday, April 23. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. (pacific). The Gladiators next and final regular-season home game is Saturday, April 29 at the Thomas and Mack Center. The Gladiators will be celebrating "Fan Appreciation Day". Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. (pacific). Call (702)731-4977 or log onto UNLVtickets.com for ticket information.



THE COACHES


Ron James (Second Season, 13-15)

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.

MIKE HONENSEE (99-93 Overall Record)

The only coach in team history, Mike has guided the Rush to a 44-32 regular season record and five playoff appearances in the team's first five seasons. He has an 88-76 regular season record and a 95-85 overall record in his 12 seasons as a head coach.

The 2006 season will be his sixth as head coach of the Rush, his 20th in the Arena Football League, his 13th as a head coach in the league and his 18th as a member of an AFL coaching staff.
Signed a contract extension through the 2006 season with an option for 2007 on July 19, 2004.

Has led the Rush to two Central Division titles (2002, 2004) and three trips to the AFL semifinals (2002, 2004, 2005). ranks third all-time in AFL career coaching victories (95). recorded the 90th win of his career April 2, 2005 at New York. became the fourth coach in AFL history to record 80 career wins with a 51-36 win against the Tampa Bay Storm April 11, 2004. -

During his 12 seasons as a head coach, his teams have reached the playoffs nine times and won a division title five times.
has coached against 43 different franchises during his AFL career.
Was hired as the first head coach in Rush history on September 26, 2000 ... joined the Rush after spending the previous two seasons as head coach and director of player personnel for the AFL's New England Sea Wolves.

Also was the head coach of the Washington Commandos (1990), the Albany Firebirds (1994-96), the Anaheim Piranhas (1997) and the New England Sea Wolves (1999-2000). the Washington and Anaheim franchises ceased operations following the season that Hohensee was head coach. Began his coaching career as an assistant for the Chicago Bruisers in 1989, becoming the first former AFL player to join the league as a coach ... became the youngest head coach in league history when he took over the Washington Commandos in 1990.

GLADIATORS' PREVIEW NOTES AND TRENDS


GAME PREVIEW
This is a pivotal game in the American Conference playoff picture. Las Vegas and Chicago currently hold the fifth and sixth playoff positions. Las Vegas is winless versus Chicago (0-4) all-time and is 1-5 on the road this season. The bright spot is Las Vegas holds a 5-1 mark versus opponents with a .500 record or below this season (59-69 Week 12 loss @ San Jose 6-6 record). This game will mark the return of Gladiator DS Alonzo Spellman to Chicago. The 6'5 305 lb Spellman was a 1st round pick of the Chicago Bears in the 1992 NFL Draft (Junior - Ohio State University), Spellman led the Bears with eight sacks in 1996 earning All-Pro honors.

LAS VEGAS' PREVIOUS GAME
Las Vegas took a 31-28 halftime lead to the locker room, only to be outscored 41-28 in the second-half, in route to a 69-59 defeat in San Jose. The see-saw battle was decided in the 4th quarter when a sack on Gladiator QB Jason Fife jarred the ball loose allowing San Jose to recover for a touchdown. The teams traded touchdowns from there and Las Vegas was not able to close the gap. Jason Fife completed 19-of-34 attempts, three TD's despite one INT. Fife added 28 yards rushing on 8 carries with three rushing TD's.

CHICAGO' PREVIOUS GAME
The Rush fell behind by 20-points at the half, capped by Rattler Erin Damond's 50-yard return on a missed field goal attempt by Chicago K Keith Gisbert as time expired in the first half. Chicago dropped the game 61-42 in Arizona.

OFFENSIVE PREVIEW
The Gladiators have the 8th ranked scoring offense (51.3 points per game) and are 14th in total offense (277.1 yards per game). The "red and black" have continued their dominant rushing attack, and are ranked first (37.4 yards per game) and have 28 rushing touchdowns (2nd in AFL). Rookie QB Jason Fife has been solid completing 159-of-259 attempts (61.4%) for 1789 yards, 35TD passes, 9 INT's and has added 11 rushing scores. OS Marcus Nash has been the go-to receiver with 94 catches for 1074 yards and 26 TD receptions. WR/LB Joe Douglass (40 receptions for 510 yards with 10 TD catches and 5 rushing TD's), WR/DB Coco Blalock (35 receptions, 374 yards and four TD's) and WR/LB Junior Lord (20 receptions, 271 yards 5 TD's) have added offensive balance. The Gladiators post the league's most potent rushing attack (37.4 yards per game). Five Gladiators have 14 or more carries on the season; QB Jason Fife (40 carries, 155 yards 11 TD's), FB/LB Marlion Jackson (22 carries, 111 yards 3 TD's), FB/LB Rodney Filer (19 carries 95 yards and 1 TD), WR/LB Joe Douglass (16 carries 34 yards 5 TD's) and FB/LB Matt Kinsinger (14 carries, 30 yards and 1 TD). Chicago enters the contest ranked 13th in scoring offense (48.7 points per game) and 10th in total offense (283.6 yards per game). QB Matt D'Orazio has passed for 2,739 yards on 244-of-355 passing (68.7%), 35 TD's and 5 INT's. D'Orazio is also Chicago's leading rusher, carrying the ball 53 times for 157 yards scoring rushing TD's. Former Kansas State standout QB Michael Bishop started last week versus Arizona, completing 23-of-41 attempts for 333 yards, 6 TD's and 1 INT. Bishop added 19 rushing yards on six carries. With the mid-season acquisition of Bobby Sippio (waivers from Tampa Bay) the Rush has a talented trio at the receiver slot. OS C.J. Johnson (66 receptions, 743 yards 8 TD's), WR/LB Etu Molden (47 receptions, 536 yards 6 TD's) and Bobby Sippio (7 receptions, 139 yards 3 TD's: with Chicago) should give the Gladiators fits in the secondary. The Rush have the sixth rated rushing attack in the league (24.3 yards per game), along with D'Orazio FB/LB Bob McMillen (28 carries, 62 yards and 4 TD's) will add punch inside.

DEFENSIVE PREVIEW
The Gladiators are ranked 12th in scoring defense (53.8 points allowed per game) and dropped to 18th in total defense (305.3 yards allowed per game). The defense has given up 69 and 58 points respectively after holding opponents under 50 points in the previous five contests (San Jose 69, Nashville 58,Philadelphia 49, Grand Rapids 41, Arizona 47, Utah 47, Los Angeles 49 and). WR/DB TJ Hill has been solid all year, leading the team in tackles with 76.0. DS Chris Canty has added 45.5 tackles and 7 passes defended in just seven games. The Gladiators are now ranked 12th in sacks (10), led by OL/DL Wilky Bazile (3.5) and OL/DL Steve Konopka (2.5). The Rush have the 11th ranked scoring defense (53.1 points allowed per game) and the 10th ranked overall defense (284.8 yards per game). WR/DB Dennison Robinson and DS Jeremy Unertl lead the team with 58 tackles each, Unertl also has a team-high 8 INT's to go along with 8 passes defended. The push up-front will come from OL/DL Khreem Smith who has been a force in his rookie season, recording 7 sacks, 17.5 tackles, 2 passes defended and 5 forced fumbles. Veteran FB/LB Bob McMillen adds veteran leadership and toughness to Chicago's defense.

SPECIAL TEAMS PREVIEW
The Gladiators kickoff team has been spectacular this season. The 19.6 yards per return is good for 3rd best in the league (Coco Blalock 22.7 KO avg., Aleric Clark 21.0 KO avg.). Clark has been a spark since filling in for the injured Blalock, returning two kickoffs for TD's in the past three weeks. The coverage team is 5th in the league, allowing a stingy starting field position of the 10.5 yard line. K Eric Houle has come on of late hitting 28-of-29 PAT's in his last four games and is 69-of-78 on the season. Houle is 3-of-9 on field goal attempts this season. Rush K Keith Gispert has booted 5-of-9 field goal tries on the year. The Rush are right behind Las Vegas, averaging 19.2 yards per return. The coverage unit has been solid, giving up 16.2 yards per return.

HOMECOMING FOR ALONZO
In April of 1992 the Chicago Bears made junior defensive end Alonzo Spellman the 22nd overall pick of the NFL Draft. Spellman went on to register 43.0 career sacks in 123 appearances throughout his stay in the NFL (Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, and the Detroit Lions). During the 1996 season Spellman led the Bears with 8.0 sacks.

SPELLMAN AND DITKA AND PLANK
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.


KEEP THEM UNDER 50 AND WIN
After allowing 50 points or more in four of their first five contests and posting a 1-4 start, Las Vegas had held opponents under 50 points in six straight games, leading to a 4-1 mark before falling to Nashville 58-44 and San Jose 69-59 in consecutive weeks. The Gladiators are 5-1 when holding opponents under 50 points this season (only loss 47-33 loss to Arizona).

TWO FOR ONE
Rookie QB Jason Fife has not only shown off his rocket arm this season, but has also run his way to respect. Fife is the leading rusher on the team and the league's second leading rusher (40 carries for 155 yards and 11 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 1.4 rushing TD's per game, if he continues this pace he will finish with 16 rushing TD's on the season.

ROOKIE SENSATION
Jason Fife has started eight games in his AFL career and is being touted as "the real deal," and one of the future stars in the league. Fife has completed 159-of-259 attempts for 1789 yards, 35 TD passes and only nine INT's. The former Oregon Duck's versatility has given opposing defensive coordinators nightmares. Fife averages 3.9 yards per carry, has 11 rushing TD's and has the longest touchdown rush of the season in the league (35 yard TD rush versus Philadelphia, Week 5).

MR NASH
OS Marcus Nash has piled up 26 receiving touchdowns this season (2.1 scores per game) for the red and black. He is on pace for 37 which would be just below 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. The former Tennessee Volunteer has hauled in 90 receptions for 1043 yards this season.

TURNOVER WOES
Las Vegas is fortunate to be the current 5th seed in the playoff race considering they are dead last in one of the most important statistical categories. The Gladiators have a -12 turnover margin this season, good for 18th in the AFL.

SLAM THE DOOR SHUT
Las Vegas is 5-1 when leading after three quarters this season. That stat suffered its first black-eye last week, the Gladiators took a 45-41 lead into the 4th quarter only to be outscored 28-14 in the final frame. Furthermore, the Gladiators are 2-0 in contests decided by three points or less (vs. San Jose 51-48, vs. Utah 49-47). Despite being outscored 133-152 in the fourth quarter, Las Vegas has held serve when it counts.

1st ROUNDERS
The Gladiators have three current NFL first-round picks on their active roster heading into Week 10. DS Alonzo Spellman (22nd overall, Chicago Bears 1992), OS Marcus Nash (30th overall, Denver Broncos 1998) and recently acquired DS Chris Canty (29th overall, New England Patroits 1997).

DYNAMIC DUO
The special teams unit for the Gladiators has been outstanding this season under the coaching of Gary Gussman. The Gladiators are ranked in the top five in kickoff coverage (4th allowing 15.5 yards per return) and kickoff return (3th 19.6 yards per return). The duo of WR/DB Coco Blalock and WR/DB Aleric Clark has been tremendous this season. Blalock is averaging 22.7 yards per return (2nd AFL) and in Blalock's absence; Clark has 32 kickoff returns for 672 yards (21.0 yards per return, 6th in AFL). Clark has returned two kickoffs for scores in three weeks (57-yard return versus Los Angeles, 56-yard return versus San Jose).

RUSHING ATTACK
Who says you can't run the ball effectively in the AFL. The Gladiators are doing just that through ten weeks this season. The Gladiators have the most potent rushing attack in the league (36.9 yards per game), behind the efforts of QB Jason Fife (40 carries 155 yards 11 TD's), FB/LB Marlion Jackson (22 carries 111 yards three TD's), FB/LB Rodney Filer (19 carries 95 yards one TD), WR/LB Joe Douglass (16 carries 34 yards 5 TD's) and FB/LB Matt Kinsinger (14 carries 30 yards 1 TD).

FAMILIAR FACES
Newly acquired DS Tony Lukins was picked up after being waived by Chicago in Week 11. Lukins started at DS for the Gladiators versus San Jose, recording two tackles on the game (1 tackle for loss). In four appearances, Lukins has 16.5 tackles and 5 pass deflections. Rush WR/DB Dennison Robinson spent 2002-2004 with the Gladiators earning team Ironman of the Year in 02 and 04. DS Marvin Taylor spent the 04 and 05 seasons with Las Vegas. Standout DS Jeremy Unertl spent the 05 campaign with the "red and black."

KONO THE GLADIATOR
Since returning off injured reserve OL/DL Steve Konopka has been instrumental in the resurgence of the Gladiators in the Western Division race. Since "Kono's" return against Philadelphia, Las Vegas has won four of six and held opponents under 50 points for five of the last weeks. The seventh-year pro from Central Connecticut has 3.5 sacks, 3 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble and notably a last-minute field goal block versus Utah to preserve the victory in Week 10.

ALERIC MR. ELECTRIC
Rookie WR/DB Aleric Clark has been sensational since joining the team in Week 7 versus Grand Rapids. Clark was signed as a free-agent when WR/DB Coco Blalock went down with a calf injury. The speedster from Texas A&M Kingsville has 672 kick-off return yards on 32 returns, 2 return TD's (21.0 average) and has 10 receptions for 136 yards with four finding the endzone. Clark dazzled the crowd in Week 10 game (versus Los Angeles) returning the opening kick-off 57 yards for a touchdown, then proceeded to catapult himself into the stands for a victory celebration.

STEADY IN THE SECONDARY
With the mid-season departure of veteran DS Dameon Porter, DB's TJ Hill and Chris Canty have added leadership, toughness, sure tackling and consistency to the secondary this season. Hill is the team's leading tackler with 76.0 stops and has added 6 pass breakups. In just seven games Canty is the second leading tackler with 45.5 stops and a team-high 7 passes defended. Last week versus San Jose, Canty had a game and season-high 10 tackles.

CENTURY MARK
Gladiators OL/DL Wilky Bazile is only one of 23 players in the AFL with at least 10 years experience in the league. Bazile broke into the AFL in 1996 with the Charlotte Rage. He has played for nine teams throughout his career, including the Gladiators twice (2002-03, 05-06).

ROAD WARRIORS
The Gladiators will spend three of the final four regular-season games on the road in 2006. The good news for the Gladiators is two of the three road games will come against teams with a sub-500 record (Las Vegas 4-0 versus teams with a losing record). The bad news is Las Vegas is 1-4 on the road this season and face division foes Arizona, Los Angeles and conference rival Chicago. * Note - Arizona is the only opponent that currently holds a winning record at home (4-2).

PLAYERS TO WATCH

#37 DS JEREMY UNERTL
Can you believe Las Vegas has this standout in camp! Unertl has tallied 58.0 tackles, 8 INT's and 8 passes defended. He adds stability and toughness to the secondary.

#17 WR/LB ETU MOLDEN
A formidable two-way performer; Molden has 47 grabs for 536 yards and 6 TD's offensively and has registered 12.5 tackles and two fumble recoveries. Molden has appeared in eight games this season due to injuries.

STORY LINES LAS VEGAS VERSUS CHICAGO
- " Fifth and Sixth Seeds in American Conference Battle it out"
- " Return of Alonzo Spellman to Chicago"
- "Who will start for Rush at Quarterback D'Orazio or Bishop"
- "Should be plenty of running; league's leading rushing team pitted against second to last in rush defense and Fife verus Bishop."
- "New Faces; Woody Dantzler, Bobby Sippio and Michael Bishop emerge for Rush"
- "Will sensational RB/FB Marlion Jackson return to the Gladiator lineup?"
- "Can electric-Aleric keep the KO's coming?"

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