CLEVELAND, OH – Raymond Philyaw connected with Otis Amey on a 45-yard touchdown pass on the first offensive play from scrimmage, en route to a 65-44 Cleveland Gladiators victory over the Chicago Rush in front of 11,377 fans at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.  The Gladiators improved to 8-6 with the win, while the Rush (10-4) lost for just the fourth time this season.

Philyaw was nearly flawless, throwing just five incomplete passes all night.  Named Offensive Player of the Game, he completed 14-of-19 passes for 222 yards and five touchdowns.  He connected with Amey for three scores and Robert Redd and Joe Minucci for one touchdown each.  He has now thrown 173 consecutive passes without an interception.  That spans his last five games.

Amey led the Gladiators with six catches for 125 yards.  He was named Ironman of the Game for his receiving performance and contributions on special teams, returning 50-yard missed field goal for a touchdown.

Having scored on offense and special teams, defensive back Brandon Hefflin intercepted his second pass of the season, returning it 45 yards for a touchdown, giving the Gladiators 28-7 lead early in the second quarter.  He was named Defensive Player of the Game for his team-leading 8.5 tackles and touchdown return.  

Newly acquired wide receiver Ron Johnson contributed five catches for 37 yards and one touchdown in his Gladiators debut.

Rush quarterback Russ Michna completed 28-of-43 passes for 310 yards and six touchdowns.  His lone interception was the Hefflin return.  Travis LaTendresse led all receivers with 12 catches and 146 yards.  He added three touchdowns.