Gladiators Get Shot at Finally Beating Buffalo
Marc Viquez
Friday June 21, 2002
"Anytime you get a chance to play a team that beat you before for the second time, you can say it is a bit of revenge,” said WR/LB Jeroid Johnson. “But at the same time it is just another game. You are more focus on what you have to do and minimize all the mistakes and turnovers.”
The Gladiators have had revenge on their minds since a 44-14 defeat to the Chicago Rush three weeks ago. The loss, by a very good Chicago team, could have lead down a dark and rocky road with upcoming games against the ArenaBowl champions Grand Rapid Rampage and the historically dangerous Tampa Bay Storm.
"At first we talked about how embarrassing it was to lose like that, and everyone should step it up, have some pride, and come out the next week ready to play,” said head coach Frank Haege. “Then we left it alone and did not talk about it, almost pretended it never happened. We turned our attention on Grand Rapids and got ready to play." His team has since gone on to outscore its last two opponents 125-76.
OS Mike Horacek, who established a team record with his 68 receptions on the season recently, is looking to play some solid football against an experienced Buffalo team. The Destroyers come in with two wins in a row and look to remain undefeated in four meetings with the Gladiators.
"Buffalo is a good team, but as a player and team we don`t concentrate or focus on an individual,” said Horacek. “They have a lot of good players like Carlos James who I played with in Iowa. He is a good friend, great competitor, and great player. We just try to do our thing, play sound football, keep the turnovers to a minimum and come out with the win.”
Turnovers devastated the team during the Chicago game and what helped them dominate the last two weeks. The New Jersey defense caused six turnovers against Tampa Bay and Grand Rapids, the plays that made the difference in the last two victories.
"The keys to us winning have been our defense," said QB Jay McDonagh, who set a team single-game record with eight touchdown passes against Grand Rapids. "Our defense has come together and that has made a big difference"
New Jersey will be playing one of their most important games against a team that they have never beaten and want to keep their one-game cushion in the standings. The Gladiators have proven they can hold off late quarter comebacks (Toronto), earn a win with the skin of their teeth (Orlando), make a miraculous finish (New York), and dominate the opponent (Grand Rapids). This week will be a treat to see, with the outcome a possible preview of the playoffs.
A fan of the sport since 1990 Marc has covered both the New Jersey Gladiators and Cincinnati Swarm (Af2) for Arenafan Online. Marc now resides in Indianapolis after graduating with a Masters in Sports Management from Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Ind. When not at a Firebirds game Marc can be found traveling the Midwest covering sports for various Internet and print publications.
