The Cleveland Gladiators fell to the Orlando Predators in a shootout at Quicken Loans Arena 76-56. Even though the score may not show it but this game was neck and neck for three quarters.
Orlando set the pace when Randy Hippeard led a three play scoring drive to start off the game and put the Predators up early but Arvell Nelson and the Gladiators came back with a rushing touchdown by Larry Beavers.
Collin Taylor extended his impressive streak to 21 games with touchdown catches and had three touchdown catches for the night. Larry Beavers had his most productive night as a Gladiator. Beavers had one receiving and rushing touchdown and ended up with 309 total yards.
Defense was not a factor in this game at all. Cleveland allowed 322 yards passing and produced no turnovers for the first time this season. Special teams were also off allowing 211 return yards to Brandon Thompkins.
Brandon Thompkins had one of the most impressive games I have ever seen. Thompkins had 341 total yards and seven total touchdowns. The Gladiator defense could not find a way to stop the Hippeard and Thompkins connection.
The game was back and forth with the biggest lead for both teams was by six points and Cleveland found themselves down by the same margin in the fourth quarter. With a chance to take the lead, Arvell went through the motion to throw a pass but the ball slipped out of his hand and Orlando recovered.
That pretty much sealed the deal for Cleveland but if that wasn’t the nail in the coffin, another late game interception by Nelson that was returned for a touchdown was. Although he had a very impressive first three quarters, Arvells turnovers cost the Gladiators the game. Next week, Cleveland Takes on Jacksonville.
STATS:
Randy Hippeard 22-34, 322 yards, 7 TD, 1 rushing TD.
Brandon Thompkins 9 catches, 123 yards, 5 TD, 1 rushing TD and 1 kickoff return for a TD
Arvell Nelson 25-37, 332 yards, 6 TD, 2 INT and a fumble loss.
Collin Taylor 11 catches, 148 yards and 3 TD.
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