CLEVELAND – The Cleveland Gladiators defeated the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz in dramatic fashion, 44-39, on Saturday night in front of 7,682 fans at Quicken Loans Arena. Cleveland’s defense stopped Oklahoma City’s final drive as time expired to preserve the victory. With the win, the Gladiators improve to 7-8, while the Yard Dawgz fall to 6-8 in 2010.
Trailing 13-0 after a fumbled snap resulted in an Oklahoma City touchdown, the Gladiators scored 21 unanswered points to take a 21-19 lead into halftime. Despite forcing five turnovers, Cleveland could not wrap up the game until the final play, when Xavier Lee’s heave to the end zone fell harmlessly to the turf.
Big plays were plentiful in the game, which featured a 55-yard missed field goal return for a touchdown by Cleveland’s Brent Holmes in the second quarter. On the next Yard Dawgz possession, linebacker Mike Bragg picked up a fumble forced by Davion Mitchell and returned it 41 yards for another score. Xavier Lee provided excitement for Oklahoma City as he took an option pitch and rushed 30 yards for a third quarter touchdown, running over two defenders in the process.
Wide receiver Victor Williams led the Gladiators offensively, catching six passes for 132 yards and two touchdowns, including the winning score on a 45-yard reception with less than a minute to play. Jermaine Lewis also caught two touchdown passes from quarterback John Dutton, who finished the game 15-of-35 for 242 yards and four touchdowns. Defensively, Carlos Campbell, Levy Brown, and Mitchell all recorded interceptions.
For the Yard Dawgz, Tommy Grady and Xavier Lee split time at quarterback, combining to complete 20-of-43 passes for 233 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. Timon Marshall led Oklahoma City receivers with six receptions for 66 yards and one touchdown. Lee also added three catches for 28 yards and a touchdown at wide receiver.
JLS Ironman of the Game – OKC Xavier Lee
Russell Athletic Player of the Game – CLE Victor Williams
Riddell Defensive Player of the Game – CLE Mike Bragg
Cutters Catch of the Game – CLE Victor Williams 3rd Q TD, flipping over the wall
NiftyTV Playmaker of the Game – CLE Levy Brown
Spalding Highlight of the Game – CLE Mike Bragg fumble recovery TD
The Gladiators host the Milwaukee Iron in the 2010 season finale on Saturday, July 31. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM at The Q.
