Brigade Drop Bomb on Gladiators
Adam Lieberman
Monday April 9, 2007
Then there was the unfortunate 4,838 fans at the Orleans Arena, who witnessed the Las Vegas Gladiators (1-5) get embarrassed by the Kansas City Brigade (3-2) 65-31.
The Gladiators once again started off slow and were unable to overcome a 31 point first half deficit.
“After watching today’s performance, I don’t think it could get any worse," said Gladiators head coach Danton Barto. "I’m embarrassed the way we played and the performance was horrendous. They could have probably beaten us by 100 today, but they let off the gas.”
The Gladiators were stopped by the Brigade defense seven times; three fumbles, two interceptions, a goal line stand, and a field goal which in the arena game is just as could as a stop.
Las Vegas QB Shaun King was a mere 24 of 49 for 253 and three scores to go along with his two interceptions. King’s second intercepted pass was returned for a touchdown by Arena Football League great Kenny McEntyre.
“This was disappointing and we need to overcome all bad things. Rome wasn’t built in a day and we need to stay positive and continue to improve,” said King.
The lone bright spot for the Gladiators was the play of AFL rookie Terrance Quattlebaum. Signed just two days ago and playing in his first ever AFL game, he caught 11 passes for 119 yards and all three of Kings touchdown passes. Quattlebaum was signed due to injuries to receivers Etu Molden and Kevin Prentiss.
“Shawn told me in practice the last two days that he was going to go to me and that I needed to be ready and I was. I would have liked to get the win, but it felt really good to be out there and playing,” said Quattlebaum.
Offensive player of the game honors went to Brigade quarterback Raymond Philyaw. Philyaw picked apart the Gladiators’ secondary completing 19 of 23 passes for 292 and six scores.
Gladiators’ defensive back Earthwind Moreland, “Regardless of the what the coaches do or say, we are the guys on the field and we didn’t execute today, bottom line.”
Obviously disappointed with his team’s performance today, Barto promised changes. “We have some guys who care and we have some guys who could give a flip if we win or lose. Today, I saw a lot of guys quit. We might have to make some big time personal changes before Georgia next week.”
The Gladiators face what could arguably be the most difficult part of their schedule over the next two weeks. They must go on the road for two straight games against the Georgia Force followed by the Colorado Crush.
Notes: Gladiators’ wide receiver Etu Molden missed the game with an undisclosed injury…WR Kevin Prentiss will miss 6 to 12 weeks with a broken ankle…Sunday’s attendance of 4,838 was the lowest in the five years that the Gladiators have been in Las Vegas.
Adam Lieberman currently is a Concierge in Las Vegas and is the former president of the Gladiators booster club. He holds a communications degree from San Diego State University and has been a season ticket holder since the team moved to Las Vegas five years ago.
