Sports stats



Las Vegas Gladiators game notes

April 25, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Las Vegas Gladiators News Release


GLADIATORS VS. BLAZE: THE FACTS


Date: Saturday, April 29 2006
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Pacific
Site: (Las Vegas, Nevada) Thomas and Mack Center
Officials: Referee: Dennis Lipski, Umpire: Rick Nelson, Head Linesman: Kavin McGrath, Line Judge: Darrel Leftwich Back Judge: Rich Wilborn.

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

THE GAME CAN BE SEEN...
Log on to AFL.net for live play-by play of the game.

THE SERIES - GLADIATORS VS. BLAZE
GLADIATORS LEAD SERIES 1 - 0
In the previous meeting in Week 9, Las Vegas escaped with a 49-47 victory at the Delta Center in Utah. The game came down to the wire as Gladiator OL/DL Steve Konopka blocked a 34-yard Steve Videtich field goal attempt with eight seconds remaining to seal the victory for Las Vegas. Quarterback Jason Fife completed 18-of-28 passes for 200 yards and four scores.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

If the Gladiators win, it would
- Give the Gladiators a 2-0 overall record versus Utah
- Give Las Vegas a 6-8 overall record
- Give Las Vegas a 5-3 home record
- Give Las Vegas a 4-2 Western Division record

GLADIATORS PREVIOUS GAME VS. CHICAGO

Gladiators fold against Rush 67-47
Offensive Player of the Game Bobby Sippio
ADT Defensive Player of the Game Curtis Eason
US Army Ironman of the Game DeJuan Alfonzo

Sunday, April 23 2006 (Chicago, IL) - The Las Vegas Gladiators suffered their third straight loss as the Chicago Rush sent the Gladiators home packing 67-47. Three first-half quarterback-center exchange fumbles resulted in a one turnover and one safety, leading to a 32-13 half-time score.

Rookie quarterback Jason Fife was replaced by veteran Craig Whelihan in the second quarter as Fife was struggling completing only 2-of-9 attempts with 21 yards and no touchdowns in three offensive series. Whelihan guided Las Vegas to 34 second-half points, connecting on 20-of-32 attempts for 234 yards, six touchdowns despite one interception.

Gladiator receivers Marcus Nash and Joe Douglass led the effort offensively. Nash finished with nine receptions for 77 yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, WR/LB Joe Douglass had seven grabs for 67 yards and one score. In his return from a knee injury FB/LB Marlion Jackson had two catches for 53 yards and two scores, Jackson added nine rushing yards on two attempts.

Newly acquired Rush OS Bobby Sippio had a career game with eight receptions for 168 yards and six touchdowns. Quarterback Matt D'Orazio, absent for last week's contest versus Arizona was effective completing 22-of-34 passes for 308 yards and eight touchdowns.

Defensively the Gladiators were led by newly acquired DS Art Smith, who finished with five tackles and two pass breakups.

The American playoff picture is heating up, with three games remaining Las Vegas, Chicago and Utah are tied at 5-8 for the final two playoff spots.

The Las Vegas Gladiators will return home next week to face Division foe the Utah Blaze on Saturday, April 29 at the Thomas and Mack Center. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. (pacific) and will be the final regular-season home for the Gladiators. For ticket information please call (702)731-4977 or log onto UNLV tickets.com.
THE COACHES


Ron James (Second Season, 13-16)

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.

Danny White (5-8, 1st season with Utah, 146-73 overall)
Danny White was named the first head coach for the Utah franchise on April 2, 2005. White, a living legend of football in Arizona, served as the first head coach and general manager of the Rattlers until 2004. He was named Arena Football League Coach of the Year in only his second season as head coach (1993). White lead the Rattlers to ArenaBowl berths in 1994, 1997, 2002, 2003 and 2004. White finished with the Rattlers with an overall record of 141-65 (.684) ranking him second all-time in Arena Football history. He became an inductee for the Arena Football Hall of Fame class of 2002. If history repeats itself, Blaze fans everywhere can enjoy the results of his winning ways. The history of past successes easily explains why White was Jones' top choice for the Blaze's head coaching job.

One of the finest motivators in the game, White's style has proven to be successful. White began his playing days at Mesa's Westwood High, his collegiate career at Arizona State, and on through his professional with the Memphis Southmen of the World Football League, and then in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys. Those fans of White know his intense desire for excellence. They also know that is Danny White is anything, he's a winner.

Danny and his wife Jo-Lynn have four children; Ryan, Geoff, Heather, and Reed. They also have four grandchildren. Aside from White enjoying family time he stays actively involved in the community, donating his time and efforts to various charities.

GLADIATORS' PREVIEW NOTES AND TRENDS


GAME PREVIEW
Both teams have identical records at 5-8 and are mathematically tied for the sixth and final playoff spot. This game will be crucial for both with only three games remaining in the regular-season. The Gladiators do currently hold the tie-breaker (Week 9 49-47 victory versus Utah) over the Blaze.

LAS VEGAS' PREVIOUS GAME
Las Vegas got off to a slow start, taking a 32-13 whipping heading into the second half against Chicago. The teams traded scores from there en route to a 67-47 defeat at the hands of the Rush. The big story was the first-half miscues by the Gladiators; fumbling three times, losing one and recovering one in the endzone for a Chicago safety. Quarterback Jason Fife was replaced by Craig Whelihan after three consecutive unproductive series to begin the game.

UTAH'S PREVIOUS GAME
After a franchise-record four-game losing streak, the Blaze have caught fire and won two-straight, including a 52-40 effort on the road against the perennial Arena Champions the Colorado Crush last week.

OFFENSIVE PREVIEW
The Gladiators are ranked 14th in total offense (279.5 yards per game), and 7th in scoring offense (50.9 points per game). Rookie QB Jason Fife has experienced growing pains of late and was pulled after a quarter of play last week versus Chicago. On the year Fife has completed 161-267 passes (60.3%) for 1810 yards, 35 TD passes, 11 TD runs with 9 INT's. Veteral QB Craig Whelihan came in and performed well last week, completing 20-32 attempts for 234 yards, six TD's, despite one interception. On the season Whelihan is 105-180 (58.3%) passing with 1376 yards, 27 TD's and 9 INT's. The receiving core is led by OS Marcus Nash with 103 receptions for 1151 yards and 28 touchdowns. The red and black have three additional receivers that will contribute offensively; WR/LB Joe Douglass (47 receptions, 577 yards, and 11 TD's, 5 rushing TD's), WR/LB Junior Lord (23 receptions, 300 yards and 6 TD's) and Aleric Clark (11 receptions, 165 yards and 4 TD's). Las Vegas has the league's most potent rushing attack (36.4 yards per game), behind the rushing of FB/LB Marlion Jackson,(24 carries..124 yards...3TD's) FB/LB RodneyFiler (20 carries...97 yards...1 TD) and QB Jason Fife (41 carries...156 yards...11TD's). The Blaze enter the game averaging the 4th most points in the league (54.2 points per game) and ranked 4th in total offense (302.8 yards per game). The addition of veteran signal-caller Andy Kelly (waivers, Kansas City) has resulted in two straight victories for the Blaze. Kelly is 48-of-70 with 599 yards, adding 12 TD's and only 1 INT. OS Siaha Burly has been spectacular with 105 receptions for 1506 yards and 35 TD's. FB/LB Kevin Clemens leads the Blaze's rushing attack with 59 yards on 38 carries, adding eight scores.

DEFENSIVE PREVIEW
The Gladiators are ranked 16th scoring defense (50.9 points allowed per game) and are 18th in total defense (305.7 yards allowed per game). The secondary has been hampered by injuries. The leading tackler on the field will be WR/DB Anthony Arceneaux (27.5 tackles, 2 INT's and 4 passes defended). Look for new faces DS Art Smith and DS Ivory McCann to play key roles over the next few weeks. OL/DL Wilky Bazile (3.5 sacks) and OL/DL Steve Konopka (2.5 sacks) will apply pressure up front. Utah has the 17th ranked scoring defense (54.9 points per game) and 13th in total defense (288.8 yards per game). Former Rattler WR/DB Orshawante Bryant is a solid Ironman registering 40 tackles, one INT and 5 pass breakups. DS Kelvin Hunter has been a key defender with four picks, 47.5 tackles, 14 pass breakups and three fumble recoveries in 11 games played. OL/DL Hans Olsen (2 sacks) will provide the rush upfront for the Blaze.

SPECIAL TEAMS PREVIEW
The Gladiators special teams have been spectacular this season. The return average of 19.8 yards per return is good for 3rd best in the league and the coverage team is 2nd, allowing opponents an average return of 15.1 yards. K
Eric Houle has been consistent of late nailing 74-of-84 PAT's and 5-of-11 field goal attempts. Blaze K Steve Videtich has booted 7-of19 field goal attempts and has drilled 84-of-90 PAT's. The Blaze average 16.6 yards per kickoff return (13th in AFL), while their coverage is stellar allowing 15.1 yards per return.

SECOND DATE
This Friday will mark the second-ever meeting between the Las Vegas Gladiators and the Utah Blaze. Considering the two are in the Western Division, they will see plenty of each other in years to come. The Gladiators pulled out a 49-47 victory in Utah back in Week 9.

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 in the league (41 carries for 156 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 1.5 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 just nine games in AFL career and is being touted as one of the future stars in the league. Fife has completed 161-of267 attempts for 1810 yards, 35 TD passes and 9 INT's. The former Oregon Duck's versatility has given opposing defensive coordinators nightmares. Fife has rushed for 156 yards and 11 TD's. Furthermore, he has the longest touchdown rush of the season in the league (35 yard TD rush versus Philadelphia, Week 5).

SCRORING MACHINE
OS Marcus Nash has piled up 28 receiving touchdowns this season (2.1 scores per game) for the red and black. He is on pace for 34 which would shy of 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 103 receptions for 1151 yards this season.

PROTECT IT WITH YOUR LIFE
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 4-2 in games in which they have either tied or won the turnover battle. The team is 0-6 when loosing the turnover battle. Last week against Chicago the Gladiators had three fumbles (losing one) and one interception compared to no turnovers for the Rush.

GLADIATORS VERUS THE WEST
Las Vegas will spend the remaining three games in the Western Division. Based on recent history that should bid well for the 5-8 Gladiators. Las Vegas is 3-2 versus division rivals and 2-6 versus the rest of the league. Las Vegas will travel to Arizona and Los Angeles to finish the season.

BIG RETURN ON YOUR INVESTMENT
The special teams unit for the Gladiators has been outstanding this season. The Gladiators are ranked in the top five in kickoff coverage (2th allowing 15.1 yards per return) and kickoff returns (3rd, 19.8 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 (tied for 2rd in AFL) and in Blalocks absence, Clark has 40 kickoff returns for 871 yards (21.8 yards per return) adding two returns for scores.

THE THREE HORSEMEN
Who says you can't run the ball effectively in the AFL. The Gladiators are doing just that through eight weeks this season. The Gladiators have the most potent rushing attack in the league (36.4 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 three of the top 12 rushers in the AFL; Jason Fife (2nd 156 yards), Jackson (t7th, 120 yards) and Filer (t12, 97 yards).

ARIZONA GARAGE SALE
When AFL Hall of Fame Coach Danny White was hired on July 21, 2005 to coach the Utah Blaze he brought some familiar faces from his coaching days in Arizona. Former Rattler star Hunkie Cooper is the Blaze's current offensive coordinator and the Blaze have five former Arizona Rattlers on their current roster (OS Siaha Burley, WR/LB Tom Pace, WR/DB Orshawante Bryant, QB Joe Germaine, DS Kelvin Hunter).

JOE D
WR/LB has been rock solid for the Gladiators amid the injuries and roster moves. Douglass has contributed offensively with 47 receptions for 577 yards and 11 TD's, adding 35 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns to his tallies. Defensively he has scored twice, recorded 20.5 tackles, one sack, one INT and two fumble recoveries.

MONEY IN THE FOURTH QUARTER
The Gladiators have posted a 3-1 record this year when leading after three quarters. Although the Gladiators have been outscored 131-111 in the final quarter, when leading they have the knack to slam the door shut.

TALE OF TWO SEASONS
Gladiator rookie K Eric Houle (Saginaw Valley State) had his struggles early this season. In his first six games Houle had only one field goal (1-6) and watched 8 of his 38 PAT attempts sail wide. Houle's 2006 AFL career has been resurrected, in the last seven weeks he has directed 43-of-46 PAT's through the uprights and booted 4-of-5 three-pointers. Houle is has 27 touchbacks this season (2nd in AFL).

FAMILIAR FACES
Utah K Steve Videtich spent 2001-2003 with the Gladiator franchise (New Jersey 01-02, Las Vegas 03). During his days as a Gladiator Videtich hit 47-95 field goal attempts and knocked down 145-156 PAT's. Videtich currently holds the Gladiator record for field goals in a game (5, versus Tampa Bay, July 21, 2001). Blaze offensive coordinator Hunkie Cooper never played for Las Vegas in the AFL, however Cooper was a standout at UNLV and a two-time All-Big West performer. Cooper currently makes Las Vegas his home in the off-season with wife Tiffany and their four children.

PLAYERS TO WATCH FOR THE BLAZE

# 5 OS - SIAHA BURLEY
This 2005 recipient of the 2005 Offensive Player of the Year is an electrifying performer. In his sixth season from Central Florida, Burley has 105 catches for 1506 yards and 35 TD's.

# 4 WR/DB - ORSHAWANTE BRYANT
Bryant has been the Blaze's most productive two-way player. Offensively Bryant has 74 grabs for 878 yards and 9 TD's.
On the defensive side he is second on the team in tackles (40.0), has one interception and five passes breakups.

# 21 DS - KELVIN HUNTER
Hunter is definitely the impact player in the Blaze's secondary. In only 11 games this season Hunter has four picks, 47.5 tackles, 14 passes defended and 3 fumble recoveries.

#23 WR/LB - TOM PACE
The former Rattler is a steady two-way player for the Blaze. Pace has 58 receptions for 628 yards and 13 TD catches. Defensively he has 22.5 tackles, one INT and four fumble recoveries.

• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League (1987-2008) message board...

Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 25, 2006


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Las Vegas Gladiators Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central