Gladiators faln debut, 61-56

Sunday April 4, 2010

Arizona Rattlers spoil home opener in Cleveland

CLEVELAND – After missing the 2009 season, the Cleveland Gladiators returned to Arena Football and Quicken Loans Arena on Saturday night, falling to the Arizona Rattlers 61-56 in front of a crowd of 11,688.  The Gladiators fall to 0-1 while the Rattlers begin the 2010 season 1-0.

In the win, Rattlers quarterback Nick Davila completed 26-of-39 passes for 273 yards and four touchdowns.  While connecting with six different receivers, Rod Windsor was his favorite target, grabbing 13 passes for a game-high 175 yards and two touchdowns.

In addition to a fine offensive performance, the Rattlers special teams unit returned seven kickoffs for 212 yards and three touchdowns.  In 2008, the Gladiators gave up just one kickoff return for a touchdown all season.

For the Gladiators, quarterback John Dutton threw for 287 yards on 19-of-31 passing, seven touchdowns and four interceptions in his Cleveland debut.  He connected with his 2008 Colorado Crush teammate Ben Nelson for eight catches, a team-high 154 yards and four scores.

The Gladiators travel to Chicago to take on the Rush in a National Conference Midwest matchup on Friday, April 9.  The game can be seen NATIONALLY on NFL Network at 8:00 PM EST.  The Gladiators return home to The Q on Saturday, May 15 when the Tulsa Talons come to town.  Tickets are ON SALE NOW!  For more information, call 216.685.9000 or visit www.clevelandgladiators.com.  Don’t miss all of the hard-hitting, helmet-popping excitement of arena football!  Get ready to Rock the Q and Roll with the Gladiators!