Arizona Football League - AzFL
The Scottsdale Gladiators took on the Phoenix Raiders in week two as their first game of the season. With the rain out last weekend, the adrenaline buildup was evident, as the pounding began early and hard. The debut of new head coach, Anthony LaBarbera, was a successful one, winning 34 to 7 against the Raiders. The game was played clean and hard by both teams. Kory Parham, first year quarterback with the Gladiators, had a good game throwing three touchdowns passes and running for another. Kory states, “The offense is not clicking on all cylinders yet but we will". Number 11, Manny "Fresh" Ruvalcaba, was the recipient of two of the three TD passes and, “Mr. Everything”, Allen "Aire" Stevenson caught the other. Byron Autry, number 20, displayed his running ability by rushing for over 100 yards in the victory.
Defensively, the Gladiators held their opponents to 7 points giving up a touchdown in the beginning of the second half. Two new additions to the Gladiator defense, Andre Molina and Aaron Abbott, had interceptions on defense, stopping the Raiders before they could get started. Josh "Sloth" Hawkins recovered a fumble as the aggressive defense works hard to keep the Raiders offense under control.
Over all, the Gladiators played a hard-hitting game against a great team. The Gladiators will match-up with the Raiders again later in the season. This week, the Gladiators will face the Verde Valley Coyotes, who are hungry and looking for their first win of the season.
Come support us next week as we take on the Verde Valley Coyotes at 4:30 pm at Sunnyslope High School. See you at the games!!!!!! Go GGGGGG-Men!!!
This week's Players of the Game:
Offense - # 9 Kory Parham - QB
Defense - # 13 Andre Molina - LB
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