CLEVLEAND, OH – Robert Redd’s 27-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter gave the Cleveland Gladiators a 48-29 lead and put the third-year receiver over the 1,000 yard mark, as the Gladiators defeated the Orlando Predators 62-43 in front of 13,808 fans at Quicken Loans Arena on Friday night. Cleveland improves to 6-4 and 4-1 at home, while the Predators slip to 7-4 on the year.
Redd earned Offensive Player of the Game honors with nine catches for 126 yards and three touchdowns. In a little role reversal in the first quarter, Redd found quarterback Raymond Philyaw on a six-yard pass, giving the Gladiators a 7-6 lead.
Philyaw finished 23-of-31 for 280 yards and seven touchdown passes, connecting with Redd and Otis Amey for three scores each, and Sakeen Wright for his first touchdown of the year.
Predators quarterback Shane Stafford completed 27-of-38 passes for 312 yards and six touchdowns in the loss. Ron Johnson grabbed a game-high 10 passes for 118 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Predators receiving corps. T. T. Toliver also cracked the 100-yard mark, hauling in eight passes for 117 yards and one score.
Wright took home Ironman of the Game honors for his first receiving touchdown of the year and a team-high 8.5 tackles. Gladiators defensive lineman Joe Minucci nabbed Defensive Player of the Game for his 2.0 tackles (1.0 sack for seven yards), one pass defended and a forced fumble.
The Cleveland Gladiators return home for their first Saturday night game as they host the Dallas Desperados at Quicken Loans Arena on May 9. Great seats are still available by calling 216.685.9000, by visiting any TicketMaster location or online at http://www.clevelandgladiators.com/.
Predators vs. Gladiators Preview
