VooDoo and Gladiators Set for Saturday's Game

June 14, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL)
New Orleans VooDoo News Release


NEW ORLEANS (June 14, 2012) - The New Orleans VooDoo (5-7) will head to the Cleveland Gladiators (6-6) this Saturday night for an American Conference showdown at The "Q". Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT.

The VooDoo is looking to play a less penalty filled game and to rebound back from last week's loss against the San Antonio Talons.

"The penalties and silly mistakes last week were disappointing and after watching film and a good week of practice, I believe that we on the right path," said Head Coach Pat O'Hara. "We have a good football team and no one wants to win more than these players, so I expect to see a hungry VooDoo team this week."

Despite the miscues, New Orleans was still within striking distance last week against the Talons, falling one-yard short of a game-tying touchdown. On the other hand, the Gladiators are trying to recover of a self-inflicted forfeiture against the Pittsburgh Power (3-9).

With a playoff berth well within reach, O'Hara says, "I'm encouraged we have a great football team, there is still a window for us to get into the playoff and it starts against Cleveland."

VooDoo quarterback Kurt Rocco, will be playing against the team he led to the American Conference East Division Championship last season. Rocco will also be trying to out shine his mentor, Gladiators quarterback John Dutton, who has been leading his offense currently throwing for 2,988 yards, completed 274-of-429 pass attempts, has had 61 passing touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.

"I'm just excited to go back to Ohio, to have my friends and family watch me play, and get to play in the arena that I started out in. I have a tremendous amount of respect for coach Steve Thonn and all of the fans that supported me," said Rocco.

Other former Gladiators playing for the VooDoo include wide receiver Quorey Payne and defensive back Demarcus Robinson. Former VooDoo wide receiver Carlese Franklin will be suiting up for Cleveland, playing against his former team for the first time since being traded a month ago.

According to O'Hara, "The key is to pull this thing together and understand that the goal is getting into the playoffs. It's still there, it's really crazy in our league right now, and Cleveland is a conference game."

Last season, the VooDoo went to Cleveland winless with a 0-4, while the Gladiators were 3-0. The VooDoo left with a 34-33 victory. New Orleans controls the all-time series lead, 2-0, with both wins ending undefeated runs for the Gladiators.

Fans can tune into the game by listening to 99.5 FM "Rush Radio." Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT.

VooDoo on Television: None

VooDoo on the Radio: 99.5 FM WRNO "Rush Radio"

VooDoo Broadcast Team: Ken Trahan (play-by-play)

VooDoo on the Internet: www.wrno.com

VooDoo live game feed: www.ustream.tv/NewOrleansVooDoo

VooDoo live statistics: http://livestats.prestosports.com/neworleansvoodoo



Arena Football League Stories from June 14, 2012


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