Gladiators Keep Playoff Hopes Alive
Will Burge
Sunday June 8, 2008
Defense. It is the very reason coach Mike Wilpolt was brought into Cleveland. It is what had been missing for most of the Gladiators season. On Saturday night, they found their defensive stride defeating the Chicago Rush 65-44.
“The (defensive backs) played better, we got a ton of pressure on the quarterback, and we got them in situations they weren’t comfortable in. This was one of our top two of three performances as a defense.” Coach Mike Wilpolt said of the defensive masterpiece.
As they have many times this season, Cleveland went for a knockout punch right from the kickoff. On the first play from scrimmage Philyaw went deep down the sideline to Otis Amey for a 45 yard touchdown. That was just the beginning of another fantastic performance from one of the Arena Football League’s premier receivers. Amey finished the night with 6 catches for 125 yards and 3 touchdowns. That puts him at 100 receptions for the year.
Chicago tied the game on the next drive but would surrender 21 points and only score ten of their own before halftime. Powered by consistent pressure on Chicago’s quarterback, Russ Michna, the Gladiators’ defense confused and rattled the Rush’s offensive attack. On one play Cleveland defensive lineman Silas Demary destroyed Michna as he was throwing and the ball fluttered right into the arms of Brandon Hefflin who returned the ball 45 yards for a Gladiator defensive touchdown.
“It was big. The defense needed to step up tonight. They got pressure up front and I took advantage of the opportunity” said Hefflin.
The 38-17 Gladiator lead at halftime was more than enough of a cushion to hold off the Rush. Chicago had already qualified for the playoffs before they even played tonight. It showed as the Rush played extremely uninspired football in the second half.
“We came into the game thinking they were 10-3 and they were already guaranteed a first round bye (in the playoffs). We figured if we get up on them fast they might fold.” Amey said of the Rush’s lackluster second half performance.
Raymond Philyaw had another efficient performance for Cleveland. He finished with 14 completions on 19 attempts for 222 yards and 5 touchdowns. A milestone was also achieved by fullback Marlion Jackson. He finished the game with 29 yards making him only the tenth rusher in AFL history to have 300 yards in a season. He now has 324 yards.
All in all it was a very complete performance by the Gladiators who need to win as many games as they can down the stretch. Going into the game Cleveland was in the seventh position and only six teams make the playoffs.
“I don’t like to put pressure like that on players but they read the paper and they look at the standings. (They know) that we need to win these two more games.” Coach Wilpolt responded when asked if they were approaching the final two games as must wins.
The Gladiators hope to keep their playoff dreams alive as they take on the Philadelphia Soul in the city of brotherly love next Saturday at 7:00 PM. The Soul will be looking to avenge a loss earlier in the year in Cleveland. It was the first marquee win for the young franchise and knocked the Soul from the undefeated ranks.
