Gladiators fall short in Philadelphia, lose 62-61

Saturday June 14, 2008

Playoff picture still cloudy – Week 17 to clear things up
 
PHILADELPHIA – Raymond Philyaw’s two-point conversion pass with just five seconds left in the game was intercepted by Eddie Moten, as the Cleveland Gladiators fell to the Philadelphia Soul, 62-61 in front of a sellout crowd of 16,637 at the Wachovia Spectrum on Saturday night.  The Gladiators slip to 8-7 while the Soul improves to 12-3 with one week left in the 2008 regular season.
 
Trailing 62-55, Otis Amey caught his fourth touchdown of the game, pulling the Gladiators to within one.  Head Coach Mike Wilpolt opted for the two-point conversion, leading to the Moten interception.  Trailing by one, the Gladiators had one more opportunity on the ensuing on-side kick.  Soul wide receiver Chris Jackson fell on the ball, preserving the win.
 
Philyaw finished 26-of-38 for a game-high 319 yards and six touchdowns.  His counterpart, Ohio native Matt D’Orazio also tossed six touchdowns on 25-of-39 passing for 283 yards.
 
Amey paced the Gladiators receiving corps with nine catches for 91 yards and the four scores.  Robert Redd contributed 108 yards on seven catches and one touchdown.  The Arena Football League’s leading rusher, Marlion Jackson carried the ball four times for 20 yards and a score.  He also added one receiving touchdown in the loss.
 
For the Soul, Brent Holmes hauled in 11 catches for 125 yards and two touchdowns.  Jackson caught nine passes for 104 yards and three touchdowns; including the go-ahead score that gave the Soul the 62-55 lead.
 
Cleveland’s playoff hopes remain intact entering the final week of the regular season.
 
The Gladiators return home for the regular season finale on June 21 for the “Battle of the Buckeye State,” when they host their in-state rival Columbus Destroyers.  The first 10,000 fans will receive a Bernie Kosar bobblehead, presented by The Plain Dealer.  Great seats are still available by calling 216.685.9000, by visiting any TicketMaster location or online at www.clevelandgladiators.com