The Cleveland Gladiators forced overtime for the second straight week, but came up short this time to the Spokane Shock, falling 62-56 at Quicken Loans Arena in front of 8,237 fans. On the first drive of the extra period, Shock defensive back Travis Williams intercepted a deflected pass from John Dutton and returned it 43 yards for the win. With the loss, the Gladiators fall to 6-8, while the Shock improve to 11-2, tops in the AFL. The Gladiators quickly pulled ahead 7-0 on an 18-yard strike from Dutton to wide receiver Ben Nelson less than three minutes into the game. Though the spread was never more than 14 points, Cleveland would not lead again. Spokane benefited from two first-half fumbles by the Gladiators, which were both converted into touchdowns. The Gladiators went much of the game without their two leading receivers, Ben Nelson and Chris Johnson, who both sustained injuries. John Dutton led Cleveland through the air, completing 27-of-45 passes for 294 yards and five touchdowns. Brent Holmes led the Gladiators receiving corps with eight catches for 81 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Seeing his first offensive action of the season, Joe Phinisee caught three balls for 38 yards and a touchdown. Defensively, Anthony Hoke registered two sacks. Kyle Rowley engineered Spokane's offensive attack, throwing for 298 yards and seven touchdowns on 25-of-38 passing. His favorite target was Huey Whittaker, who finished the game with 153 yards receiving and five touchdowns on 11 catches. The Gladiators return to The Q next Saturday, July 17 at 7:00 pm when the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz come to town. Josh Cribbs will be signing autographs on the concourse from 6-7 pm.
