DENVER – Bernie Kosar’s Cleveland Gladiators split the season series with John Elway’s Colorado Crush with a 50-46 win at the Pepsi Center on Saturday night in front of 11,214 fans.  Cleveland (7-4) has now won three straight and four of their last five, while the Crush (4-7) has now lost four of their last five.

Raymond Philyaw connected with Willis Marshall for an eight-yard touchdown pass with 3:21 remaining in the game, giving the Gladiators a 43-38 lead.  Philyaw’s two point conversion pass fell incomplete.

On the ensuing Colorado drive, former St. Edward High School standout Alphonso Hodge recovered a fumble by Crush fullback Chris Watton, giving Cleveland the ball.  Philyaw then found Otis Amey for a 23-yard touchdown pass, giving the Gladiators a 50-38 lead, preserving the victory.

Philyaw finished 28-of-40 for 324 yards and six touchdown passes in the win.  Amey recorded a game-high 131 yards on nine catches and four touchdowns.  He now has 991 receiving yards on the year – needing just nine to reach the 1,000 yard plateau.  Along with Robert Redd – the two will mark the first time the Gladiators have had two 1,000-yard receivers in the same season.

Redd totaled 68 yards on nine catches and a score.  Marshall finished with seven catches for 78 yards and the go-ahead touchdown.

For the Crush, John Dutton completed 31-of-40 passes for 272 yards and five touchdowns.  His favorite target was Ben Nelson, who caught a game-best 11 passes for 125 yards and three touchdowns.

The Cleveland Gladiators return home for their first Saturday night game as they host the Dallas Desperados at Quicken Loans Arena on May 31.  Great seats are still available by calling 216.685.9000, by visiting any TicketMaster location or online at www.clevelandgladiators.com.