Sports stats



AFL Cleveland Gladiators

Russ Monk Rushing Touchdown With 0:33 Left Proves to be Game Winner

April 29, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Cleveland Gladiators News Release


CLEVELAND - The Cleveland Gladiators snapped a two-game losing streak by holding off the Tulsa Talons, 34-30, in front of 5,109 fans at Quicken Loans Arena Friday night. With the victory, the Gladiators improved to 4-2 on the season, while the Talons fell to 2-5.

The two teams came out matching scores, as there were touchdowns on the first six offensive possessions combined. The streak stopped when the Talons sacked quarterback Kurt Rocco for a safety with 4:37 left in the second quarter, giving Tulsa a 23-21 lead into the half.

The Talons then extended their lead to 30-21 when quarterback Matt Bassuener found wide receiver Darrell Davis for a four-yard strike that capped off a 12 play, 48-yard drive to begin the third quarter. However, Cleveland's top-ranked total defense would not allow a point the rest of the way.

Rocco left the contest with a hand injury late in the third quarter, and Cleveland native Dan Whalen came into the game in relief. Whalen threw a touchdown pass to wide receiver Robert Redd on his first-ever AFL pass attempt to cut Tulsa's lead to 30-28.

A key interception down the stretch would give the Gladiators the ball at their own six yard line with 4:29 left, and Whalen led the Cleveland offense down the field to take the lead on a four-yard run by fullback Russell Monk. The Talons had the ball with no timeouts and 33 seconds left, but were unable to drive the length of the field to take the game.

Rocco finished 12-of-21 for 136 yards and three touchdown passes. Whalen was 4-for-7 for 39 yards and one touchdown, while rushing for 28 yards. Redd had three touchdown receptions in the contest and wide receiver Troy Bergeron extended his streak of games with a touchdown to nine, dating back to the 2008 season.



Arena Football League Stories from April 29, 2011


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.

OurSports Central