Las Vegas Gladiators Slay Firebirds
Scott Miller
Friday May 7, 2004
”We played well,” said Haege. “It’s a matter of circumstance and how the ball bounces. Lately it is bouncing our way. They did a good job on defense. They schemed us very well.”
The score was close throughout the game but the Gladiators never gave up control. Last week, Haege challenged the defense to take some chances and get a pick. This week, along with the defense, the offense seemed to be playing, if not reckless, with abandon. Their only offensive error was a fumble by Blalock that resulted in no Indiana points.
The combination of Offensive Player of the Game Clint Dolezel (22 of 37 for 292 yards and five touchdowns) to Marcus Nash (11 catches for 129 yards and three touchdowns) seemed unstoppable. Dolezel made some unwise throwing decisions, particularly in the second quarter, but as long as Nash was nearby he seemed to be able to catch the pass. Dolezel explained why Nash was his choice, particularly on third or fourth down.
“I am going to go with my best receiver in motion,” said Dolezel. “If they play him man to man, more times than not, he is going to win.”
The Gladiator defense kept pressure on Firebirds quarterback Adrain McPherson; he was sacked and intercepted twice. One pick, by defensive specialist Cornelius Bonner helped him earn Defensive Player of the Game. In addition to the interception, Bonner led the Gladiators with five tackles. FB/LB Frank Carter was named U.S. Army Ironman of the Game.
The Gladiator kicking game, while improved, still shows some weak points. One indication came with 9:42 remaining in the third quarter. The Gladiators ran a play on fourth and seven from the Indiana 10-yard line instead of attempting a field goal. The play, a pass from Dolezel to Nash, resulted in a touchdown.
The officiating in this game seemed much smoother than other recent games at the Thomas and Mack. However, Maurice Bryant’s 29-yard touchdown reception at the end of third quarter may have been the result of a “hometown call” at the goal line.
The Gladiators continue in their attempt to keep their playoff hopes alive as they fly across country to face the Philadelphia Soul (5-7) at the Wachovia Center in on Saturday, May 8th at 4:30 p.m. (PDT), but they’ll do so without lineman John Dewitt, who is out for the rest of the season with a torn ligament in his right ankle.
Scott Miller is a professional computer geek and talk show host in Las Vegas. His show is streamed live from klav120am.com on Fridays at 8PM. Archives of his show, The Usual Suspects can be found at his website.
