All but eliminated from playoff contention, the Gladiators nevertheless had spirited practices this week.
View full sizeThe Cleveland Gladiators will play Oklahoma City on Saturday without receiver Ben Nelson (right), whose season ended last week with severe leg injuries.CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Gladiators are all but eliminated from Arena League playoff contention, but that reality did not stop them from having spirited practices this week.
The Gladiators (6-8) host the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz (6-7) on Saturday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 at The Q.
"It comes down to having pride and realizing we're all playing for jobs," quarterback John Dutton said. "I look at every season like that, regardless of what the record is. You play as hard as you can until no games are left."
To even think about the postseason, the Gladiators need to win their last two, including the finale against the Milwaukee Iron at The Q on July 31, and have Milwaukee (8-5) go 0-3 with at least a 29-point loss to Cleveland. That highly unlikely scenario cannot account for Iowa (6-7 entering the weekend) securing the fourth and final spot in the National Conference.
Oklahoma City, very much alive in the American Conference playoff chase, has won three in a row. It is 1-5 on the road.
The Yard Dawgz beat the Gladiators, 63-50, at home in Week 3. It overcame Dutton's 309 yards and seven touchdowns. Gladiators receivers Ben Nelson and Chris Johnson combined for 27 receptions and five TDs -- but will not be available for the rematch.
Nelson and Johnson suffered serious injuries in a 62-56 overtime loss to Spokane at The Q last Saturday.
"They're both done for the year," Dutton said.
Dutton said Nelson broke a bone in his leg and suffered ligament damage and underwent surgery Wednesday. Johnson's injury is to a knee. Taking their places are Victor Williams and Jermaine Lewis (first start). Brent Holmes also starts at receiver.
Nelson leads the league with 282 points and second with 151 receptions and 1,867 receiving yards. Johnson has caught 107 passes for 1,105 yards and 14 TDs in 12 games.
Two weeks ago, the Gladiators went on the road to defeat the Orlando Predators, 77-70, in overtime. According to team communications director Phil Tesar, the Gladiators are one of just four teams in AFL history to play in back-to-back overtime games. Tesar said no team has done so three straight times.
Browns All-Pro Josh Cribbs, an arena fan, will be a special guest of the Gladiators Saturday night.