Gladiators steamroll Barnstormers at home, 76-35

Sunday June 20, 2010

Turnovers lead to Gladiators victory

CLEVELAND – The Cleveland Gladiators played nearly mistake-free football as they defeated the Iowa Barnstormers, 76-35, Saturday night in front of 8,179 fans at Quicken Loans Arena.  With the win, the Gladiators improve to 5-6 and complete the season sweep over the Barnstormers, who fall to 4-6 on the year.

Leading 35-21 at halftime, Gladiators quarterback John Dutton connected with wide receiver Ben Nelson for a 30-yard touchdown with 7:44 remaining in the third quarter.  Iowa’s next possession ended when Cleveland defensive back Levy Brown picked off Ryan Vena’s pass and returned it 13 yards for a touchdown, giving the Gladiators a 49-21 lead.

Cleveland forced five turnovers on the night to go along with a net recovery on the game’s opening kickoff.  The Gladiators did not commit a turnover in the contest.

Leading Cleveland offensively, Dutton completed 24-of-40 passes for 284 yards and seven touchdowns.  Nelson led all receivers with game-highs of 11 catches, 157 yards and five touchdowns.  Brent Holmes added six catches for 79 yards and a pair of touchdown receptions.

Vena connected on 18-of-24 passes for 207 yards and four touchdowns for the Barnstormers.  He was sacked three times and intercepted once.  He was replaced in the fourth quarter by Brian Villanueva, who finished 3-of-7 for 37 yards and an interception.

With the 41-point victory, the Gladiators have now outscored their opponents by a combined 77 points in their last two home games.

The Gladiators return to The Q on Saturday, July 10 at 7:00 pm when the Spokane Shock comes 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!