Colorado Crush

The Cleveland Gladiators returned home to Quicken Loans Arena on Friday night, taking on the Colorado Crush.  The Gladiators, fresh off a loss at Dallas, and riding a two game losing streak, really needed this home win, as the upcoming schedule was not easy to say the least. 

Downtown Cleveland was a flurry of activity.  The Indians also played the A’s next door at Progressive Field.  That meant Gladiators’ fans were treated to Major League Baseball parking prices as well as a double Cleveland loss.

The Gladiators dropped to 3-3 due to poor tackling and two interceptions in a row by Raymond Philyaw. Cleveland lost 69-66.   It was the team's first home loss of the season.  The Gladiators will go back on the road for two games starting next week. 

Recent acquisition Willis Marshall had a promising first game with Cleveland, although it seemed emerging star Robert Redd was left out of the game plan because of Marshall.

Looking back on the stats, Redd really wasn’t MIA.  He tallied nine catches for 100 yards to Marshall’s seven catches for 92 yards.  It just seemed he had disappeared from the offense for some reason.  

Cleveland opened the scoring on a 13-yard pass from Philyaw to Otis Amey.  They made it 14-0 on another 13-yard pass from Philyaw to Amey with 7:20 to go in the first quarter.  All told, Amey caught nine passes for 123 yards and six touchdowns.  He had a great game in the loss.  Philyaw threw for 316 yards and seven TDs.  It would have been a huge night for him but for the two costly interceptions.

Colorado bit back on a 23-yard strike from QB John Dutton to Willie Quinnie, reducing their deficit to 14-7.  The Gladiators kicked an 18-yard field goal after a Colorado defensive stop, and it was 17-7.

The opening of the second quarter did not take Colorado long to pull to within three on a 16-yarder from Dutton to Ben Nelson.  Cleveland came right back with Marlion Jackson capping a seven-play drive with a three-yard run, giving the Gladiators a 24-14 lead.

The Crush made it 24-21 after poor tackling allowed Thomas to rip off a 34-yard run to the Cleveland six. 

The Gladiators got the first interception of the evening, picking off Dutton after they were held and missed a field goal attempt.  Philyaw went to Amey for the score, making it 31-21.

Inexplicably, the Gladiators tried an onside kick with 1:16 left in the half.  Colorado recovered, and two plays later made it 31-28.  That left 51 seconds for the Gladiators to dive the length of the field.  I guess the Crush thought they owed Cleveland a favor, and they onside kicked it right back. 

t’s not like the last minute already lasts long enough in Arena Football, but both teams were trying to extend that time.  The Gladiators took one play on a pass in the back of the end-zone to Amey, putting themselves up 38-28.

The last half-minute was not wasted by Colorado.  The Crush drove down the field, coming up five yards short and settling for a field goal to end the half.  The Gladiators led 38-31.

The third quarter opened with a Colorado touchdown drive, culminating in a 38-38 tie. 

Cleveland drove right back down the field, putting themselves back up by seven on a two yard run by Jackson.  In a back-and-forth quarter, Colorado evened it up at 45. 

The Gladiators opened it up to 52-45, but the Crush tied it right back up 52-52.  The quarter actually ended without another score! 

The score-fest took an ugly turn for the Gladiators.  Philyaw threw into double coverage on a third and six.  The Crush picked it off just inside the end zone for a touchback.  That play might have been the game the way things were going.  If Colorado scored there, they’d have the upper hand.  They opened up their first lead of the night, 59-52.

The next offensive series yielded yet another interception by Philyaw.  It certainly looked like the Elway curse was alive and well in Cleveland.

The defense came up huge, stopping the Crush offense and holding them to a field goal.  With two minutes to go, it was a 62-52 lead by the Crush.  Cleveland took the kickoff to the four, giving them a long field.  Robert Redd made a great one handed grab and broke a tackle, racing 35 yards down to the 10.  Redd scored one play later, and with a minute to go the Gladiators were down by three. 

Amey earned player of the game honors for his five-touchdown performance.  The ensuing onside kick was recovered by the Crush.  In Arena Fotball world, time stands still the last minute.  The defense needed a hold.   If they forced Colorado into a field goal, the Gladiators might have a chance to pull this one out from the throes of defeat.  No such luck.  The Crush scored, making it 69-59 and the crowd headed for the exits.

That wasn’t necessarily the right move.  Philyaw hooked up with Amey on the long ball.  Amey was tackled at the two yard line with 31.9 seconds left.  A quick score right back to Amey, and the Gladiators were once again down by three, 69-66. 

Obviously an onside kick was coming.  Once again, the Crush recovered.  The onside kick was lame all night; Cleveland had no chance of recovery. First and ten from the twelve was a rushing play, and the Gladiators used their last time out.  One more running play ended the game.  The Gladiators dropped to 3-3 on the season.   

Offensive player of the game – Otis Amey.

Defensive play of the game – Colorado’s Rashad Floyd. 

The game lasted two hours and 40 minutes.

Here is my Week 5 Power Poll and Preview of games

This week there are some key games to watch out for in Week 5.

You have the final two undefeated teams playing this weekend and looking to stay perfect on the year.

The Philadelphia Soul (4-0), #1 in the Power Poll, hosts #5 Tampa Bay Storm (2-1), on Saturday, March 29 at 2p.m. ET (ESPN2 HD, ESPN360.com).

The Soul's offense did not look like it missed injured QB Tony Graziani at all last week against Los Angeles. Backup QB Matt D'Orazio stepped in and was 28 of 42 for 338 yards and eight touchdowns. 

The Dallas Desperados (4-0), #2, travels to the Nassau Coliseum to take on #15 New York Dragons (1-3) on Sunday, March 30 at 3 p.m. ET in a Eastern Division matchup.

Desperdos QB Chris Sanders was 20-of-28 for 276 yards and six touchdowns last week as the Desperados ended the SaberCats 15-game home winning streak 

The Desperados are looking to go 5-0 for the second consecutive season with a win. Dallas is 32-4 in their last 36 regular-season contests, including 12 in a row and six straight on the road. 

The Chicago Rush (3-1), #3, welcomes the Arizona Rattlers (2-2), #9, to the Allstate Arena on Friday, March 28 at 8:30 p.m. ET (AFL NET, FSN Arizona - Delay, at 9:30 p.m. PT, CSN Chicago - Delay, 3/29 at 4 p.m. CT, SIRIUS Radio - Channel 130).

This game marks the first time Rush QB Sherdrick Bonner will face his former team of the past 14 seasons.

Bonner, left Arizona as the team's all-time leader in passing yards (40,979), attempts (5,268), completions (3,261) and touchdown passes (829).

Bonner also led the Rattlers to five ArenaBowl appearances and two championships in ArenaBowls VIII and XI.

This weeks other games include:

Saturday

#8 San Jose (2-2) at #16 Kansas City (0-3), 6:00 P.M. ET, (FSN Bay Area/NBC Local - Live, KSMO Local - Live)

#7 Orlando (2-2) at #13 Columbus (1-3), 7:00 P.M. ET, (AFL NET, WRDQ TV - Live, Columbus Sports Net - Live, CSS - Delay, 3/30 at 5:30 p.m. ET, SIRIUS Radio - Channel 130).

#14 Georgia (1-3) at #17 Utah (0-4), 9:00 P.M. ET, (CSS - Live, KJZZ - Live)

Sunday

#10 Los Angeles (2-2) at #12 Grand Rapids (1-2), 2:00 P.M. ET

#4 New Orleans VooDoo (3-1) at #11 Colorado (1-2), 4:00 P.M. ET (FSN Rocky Mountain Local - Live).

Bye Week: #6 Cleveland (3-1)

Power Poll Rankings:

 1) Philadelphia Soul (4-0, LW: 1) Beat Los Angeles 71-34 on 3/20

 2) Dallas Desperados (4-0, LW: 2) Beat San Jose 59-56 on 3/22

 3) Chicago Rush (3-1, LW: 4) Beat Colorado 70-35 on 3/22

 4) New Orleans VooDoo (3-1, LW: 6) Beat Cleveland 63-24 on 3/21

 5) Tampa Bay Storm (2-1, LW: 8) BYE WEEK

 6) Cleveland Gladiators (3-1, LW: 3) Lost to New Orleans 24-63 on 3/21

 7) Orlando Predators (2-2. LW: 11) Beat Georgia 50-45 on 3/22

 8) San Jose SaberCats (2-2, LW: 5) Lost to Dallas 59-56 on 3/22

 9) Arizona Rattlers (2-2, LW: 13) Beat New York 62-33 on 3/21

10) Los Angeles Avengers (2-2, LW: 7) Lost to Philadelphia 71-34 on 3/20

11) Colorado Crush (1-2, LW: 9) Lost to Chicago 35-70 on 3/22

12) Grand Rapids Rampage (1-2, LW: 15) Beat Kansas City 92-52 on 3/24

13) Columbus Destroyers (1-3, LW: 17) Beat Utah 52-49 on 3/21

14) Georgia Force (1-3, LW: 10) Lost to Orlando 50-45 on 3/22

15) New York Dragons (1-3, LW: 12) Lost to Arizona 33-62 on 3/21

16) Kansas City Brigade (0-3, LW: 14) Lost to Grand Rapids 52-92 on 3/24

17) Utah Blaze (0-4, LW: 16) Lost to Columbus 49-52 on 3/21

WEEK 4 HONORS

CO-OFFENSIVE PLAYERS: Grand Rapids Rampage QB James MacPherson and Philadelphia Soul WR Chris Jackson

ADT DEFENSIVE PLAYER: New Orleans VooDoo DB Calvin Spears

IRONMAN PLAYER: Chicago Rush WR/LB DeJuan Alfonzo

Rosemont, IL. - Receiver Damian Harrell made Arena Football League History on Saturday night against his former team the Colorado Crush, whom he had played for the last five seasons. Harrell, signed with the Rush as a free agent over the summer, caught two touchdown passes in the final five minutes of the half to raise his career total to 304 and break Eddie Brown's old record of 303.

"[The record-breaking catch] still hasn't registered yet because I'm not a big stat guy," Harrell said. "It probably won't until after I retire."

The Rush (3-1) won the game against Colorado (1-2) 70-35 before an Allstate Arena record crowd of 16,043 fans.

The Rush used a deep rotation on offense in which seven different players scored touchdowns. Besides Harrell's two touchdowns, Backup quarterback Russ Michna and wide-receiver/defensive back DeJuan Alfonzo had two touchdown's each, and rookie wide-receiver Donovan Morgan, fullback Dan Alexander, lineman Joe Peters and receiver Travis LaTendresse had solo TDs for the Rush.

The Rush held the Crush to just one second-half touchdown and didn't allow the Crush to score any points in the final twenty-seven minutes of the game.

Peters also had a blocked field-goal in the game that led to a safety.

"That was one of the [reasons] I came here to play for coach [Mike] Hohensee," Harrell said. "This team's depth and versatility will help me extend my career and get better at the same time."

Colorado quaterback John Dutton told me before the game, "One of the reason's why he [Harrell] is going to break the record is because I have thrown alot of those[touchdown's] to him."

Rush quarterback Sherdrick Bonner made good on a promise to play better and it showed. Bonner was 24 of 29 for 211 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions and no sacks.

"He was seeing the field well, and he was very poised," Hohensee said. "Plus, he had a good understanding of where our guys were coming from and who's who in the offense - especially with three new receivers."

Dutton was 23 of 36 passing for 271 yards and four touchdowns. The Rush defense did intercept him once, blocked two field goals and recovered a fumble on a snap. The Rush defense stopped the Crush on downs three different times and converted all three of those for touchdowns.

"As a defensive line, we pride ourselves in putting presure on the quarterback to take the pressure off our defensive backs," Peters said. "But our offense also is greatly improved now and getting better every week." 

Harrell mentioned also that "He expects to get a call from Eddie Brown sometime in the near future, to congratulate him on breaking the record tonight."

Harell also went over by the stands after he caught the record-breaking touchdown and threw the ball into the stands to his son.

In the usual prediction format, the Arena Football League (AFL) gets it's very own preview this year!

The AFL is not widely supported; Most of the league's fans come from cities with franchises.  However, the AFL deserves a shot.

If you have never attended a game, I challenge you to find your nearest AFL or af2 team and check out the talent level and the excitement of Arena Football. There is nothing like a kickoff hitting the iron on the net and your team recovering the ball at your opponent's five-yard line just after you scored not more than 30 seconds before. 

Tomorrow, the New Orleans VooDoo will take on the Los Angeles Avengers to kick off the season. Will you give it the old college try and see what the buzz is about this league?

Without further adieu, I give you the 2008 AFL predictions and preview per division.

AMERICAN CONFERENCE

Central Division

Chicago Rush
The Rush have bolstered up a roster that won the Arena Bowl just two seasons ago. With the additions of Sherdrick Bonner from Arizona, the AFL's version of Brett Favre, and wide out Damian Harrell, a nine-year vet of the league and the Offensive Player of the Year twice already, the Rush look poised to make another run at the Central Division championship.

Grand Rapids Rampage
Maybe I am a bit biased as to the Rampage, given that one of my best friends in the business is their defensive coordinator, but I believe in Ron Selesky and Steve Thonn at the helm. With Adrian McPhereson lining up under center for the Rhinos, Grand Rapids will be the only competition the Rush has in the division.

Colorado Crush
The Crush no longer have the threat of Damian Harrell, as he will be wearing Rush blue this season, but the Crush will have the arm of John Dutton to throw to whomever the Crush put on the field. Expect rookie Jeff Hughley to make an immediate impact. A force for the af2's league champion Tulsa Talons, Hughley will quickly help fill the shoes Harrell left.  Besides, the kicker for Colorado is Clay Rush—his jersey reads C. Rush.  How cool is that?

Kansas City Brigade
While I love Kevin Porter, one of my all-time favorite Auburn standouts and former head coach of the much respected Macon Knights of the af2, I don't see this year's team making as big of an impact as last season. With the loss of offensive coordinator Chris Siegfried, I don't feel like the Brigade will be much competition, even with Rickey Foggie coming in as the winner of the last two Assistant Coach of the Year Awards in the af2.

WESTERN DIVISION

San Jose Sabercats
If you don't know anything about the AFL, know this—never bet against San Jose. Winners of three Arena Bowls, including last season’s, the Sabercats are the class of the AFL. Mark Greib is the best quarterback of the latest century and he has Arena Football record holder Scott Rislov backing him up as Brett Elliot tries to heal. James Roe and Rodney Wright are two of the top receivers in the league as well.

Utah Blaze
The Blaze have gotten rolling and Utah has a professional team to be proud of again. AFL vet Joe Germaine has his team ready to compete with the 'Cats. When J.J. McKelvey and Aaron Boone get going, the Blaze could be a force in the American Conference.

Arizona Rattlers
With the departure of legendary quarterback Sherdrick Bonner, can the Rattlers hang on to their storied past? Does the new ownership and coaching staff want to remember the Bonner years? With Siaha Burley, you can't help but think the Rattlers are going to have a solid receiving corps as usual. As well as Ironman Jerrian James from Orlando, the Rattlers will need all the help they can give their new signal caller, whether it be Jeff Smoker or Lang Campbell.

NATIONAL CONFERENCE

EASTERN DIVISION

Dallas Desperados
No arguing the fact that Dallas started last season 15-1. The problem is that when crunch time came, they folded like a tent. Clint Dolezel talked of how tough training camp was this season, mentioning how most guys fought for their job. With Josh Bush and Anthony Armstrong bulking up a great receiving corps, look for the Desperados to make another spectacular run.

Philadelphia Soul
Talk about upgrading a receiving corps. Just the addition of Chris Jackson make the Soul instant division contenders. And in case you didn't know, Jackson and current signal caller Tony Graziani hooked up 117 times in 2003 while both were with the L.A. Avengers for 48 scores. Philly has a legit shot for the first time in the Bon Jovi world.

Columbus Destroyers
Arena Bowl runners up last season, however unlikely it was, the Destroyers proved everyone wrong. This season, they won't come as a surprise, because most intelligent Arena Football guys think they will struggle. And they will.  Former Buckeye QB Justin Zwick is back in the league, but Perry Patterson will get the nod opening day.

Cleveland Gladiators
That's right, fans. Cleveland is back. But this time the name doesn't "rock".  But the quarterback does. Cleveland head coach Mike Wilhoit coaxed Raymond Philyaw into reuniting with him in Ohio and starting the franchise over. Andy McCullough and Cornelius Bonner give Philyaw great targets to hit. I'm worried about the defense.

New York Dragons
The Dragons don't have Yankees money. Heck, they ain't got Mets money. Therefore the team suffers every season. With a herd of former af2 vets including both 2007 Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, QB Ryan Vena and DB Levy Brown, the Dragons hope the class of the af2 will help with the struggles the Dragons have known recently. 

SOUTHERN DIVISION

Georgia Force
In a watered-down Southern division this season, Georgia looks to be the favorite, despite losing two top receivers to free agency.  However, Troy Bergeron returns with nobody with any arena experience to help. Chris Greisen will have to man up to win this season.

New Orleans VooDoo
The VooDoo traded for Chris Horn from the Philadelphia Soul and in turn received a deep threat that Steve Bellisari can use. Along with receiver James Jordan, the VooDoo will have a great offense, but can  the inexperience in the defensive backfield be overcome before the season gets out of hand?

Tampa Bay Storm
Who would have ever thought that the next two teams would be in the bottom of their divisions? The Storm with quarterback Brett Dietz have a long way to come this season. Lawrence Samuels and Sedrick Robinson should provide good targets for Deitz, but the offensive line is a question as well as a backup quarterback.

Orlando Predators
First, I must say that it is funny that Shane Stafford made the trek across I-4 just to play for his old team's arch rival. Stafford has a lot to live up to this season, and I don't see much for the Preds. Kenny McEntyre is back in a Preds uniform after a season in KC, but that's not going to make the secondary worth paying to watch. No receivers that stand out. The defensive line is just average. I hope that Jay Gruden turns it around, but I don't see it this year.

 ARENA BOWL CHAMPIONS: Dallas Desperados