This last Saturday, March 25th, the 7-0 Gladiators battled the 6-1 Tampa Patriots. The Patriots only loss this season came at the hands of the Gladiators in week 5. This game was made more interesting in that if the Gladiators won they clinched the division and home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
On the other hand of the Patriots could win by more than 12 points they could clinch the division and home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Plus, the Patriots were still mad after losing a 16-0 lead which they held midway through the second quarter agains the Gladiators back in week 5. In that game the Glads scored 20 unanswered points to come back for a 20-16 victory. The Patriots swore revenge and that it was just a huge mistake and that it would never happen again.
Coming into this game the Patriots had the #1 offense in the league and the Glads had the #5 offense. The defense of the Gladiators is ranked #2 but most consider it the #1 defense if you figure in strength of schedule. The Patriots have the #3 defense. The night had perfect weather for football so everything was set for an epic battle and that it was.
The first quarter the Patriots drew first blood with an ugly but good field goal. That gave the Pats an early 3-0 lead. The Pats followed that up with a touchdown and a missed extra point that ended the first quarter with the Pats up 9-0. Interestingly that was the same score as the first quarter of game 5.
The second quarter saw the Gladiator offense start to move the ball and drove it down into field goal range but the attempt was no good. The stingy Gladiator defense then started to takeover and the Pats just couldn't get anything going. Midway through the quarter the Gladiator offense moved the ball down the field and scored their first touchdown of the game and with the extra point the Glads got on the board and narrowed the Patriots lead to 9-7. And that is exactly how the first half ended.
The second half was all Gladiator defense. The vaulted Gladiator defense came to play and continued to shut down the Patriots offense. In the third quarter the Gladiators drove down the field but threw an interception on the 2 yard line but 2 plays later tied the game up with a safety. Making the game 9-9 and that is how the 3rd quarter ended. Gladiators 9 Patriots 9
In the 4th quarter the Gladiator defense took over with 2 consecutive pick 6's just 24 seconds apart bringing the score to Gladiators 22 Patriots 9! But the the Glads got a little sloppy and on the ensuing kickoff the Pats ran it back for a touchdown narrowing the lead to 22-15 and giving the Pats some momentum. With just 4 minutes to go in the 4th quarter and with a LOT of help from the referees the Patriots scored again making the score 22-21. Then they lined up for a 2 point conversion to try and take the lead. The 2 point conversion was no good and so the Glads hung on to a narrow 22-21 lead with just 4 minutes remaining.
Then it was time for the Gladiator offense to at least get some first downs and that they did. In fact with 1:49 remaining they punched it in for a touchdown and a 29-21 lead. The Patriots when into panic mode which typically doesn't end well and it didn't. The Gladiator defense picked the ball off again and ran it back for their 3rd touchdown of the night. The Gladiator defense scored on 3 pick 6's and a safety in one game. The final score was Gladiators 35 Patriots 21 and with that win the Gladiators win the Division and secure home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
This last Saturday, March 11th, the Gladiators battled the Jacksonville X-Men. This was an interesting game it that it pitted the leagues #2 defense of the X-Men against the #3 offense of the Gladiators. The night had perfect weather for football and if you are a Gladiator fan it couldn't have gone much better.
Coming into this game the Gladiators were 5-0 and the X-Men were 2-2-1. The X-Men had not given up more that 20 points in an game this season. In fact the X-Men had only given up 40 points all season. The Gladiators had not given up more that 16 points in a game this season. Still the X-Men defense was ranked over the Gladiator defense.
The first quarter both teams defenses were showing why they were so good. But it became clear that the Gladiators had more offensive fire power. The X-Men got only 1 first down in the first quarter. The Gladiators had several drives that came up short but finally late in the first quarter they scored a touchdown. With the blocked extra point the score was 6-0 Glads at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter was more of the same with two good defenses battling but the Gladiator offense could do something the X-Men offense could not and that was to sustain drives. Late in the second quarter the Gladiators scored once again and the second quarter ended with the score Gladiators 13, X-Men 0.
The second half was all Gladiators. The vaulted Gladiator defense came to play and continued to shut down the X-Mens offense. But the X-Men's defense just didn't have an answer for the shear power of the Gladiator offense. In the third quarter the Gladiator offense got on track and scored 21 more points. In a rare Special Teams misque the Gladiators gave up 6 points to the X-Men and at the end of the third quarter the score was Gladiators 34.and the X-Men 6.
The 4th quarter was just more Gladiators offense and even with some poorly timed penalties the Glads went up 41-6. At this point the FFA mercy rule kicked in and the 4th quarter had a running clock. With a running clock the quarter was over in no time at all and the game ended with the Gladiators winning 41-6. The X-Men had given up more points in one game to the Gladiators then they had all season!
Don't miss out on our next home game which will be against the Tampa Patriots on March 25th at 6:00pm. This is a HUGE game for both teams. The Gladiators beat the Patriots on their home field earlier this year with a come from behind victory and the Patriots want revenge. If the Gladiators win the game they will win the Division and home field advantage throughout the playoffs. SO THIS IS A CAN'T MISS GAME FOR ANY TRUE GLADIATOR FAN.
Gladiators Fumble Away the Post Season
The Gladiators have done something they haven't done all season and that was lose. In a game they physically dominated in every aspect they just couldn't put points on the board. Twice in the first half they drove inside the Commandos 6 yard line only to fumble the ball. During the game the Gladiators fumbled the ball more than a half dozen times. The Glads hadn't fumbled that many times all season. And that's how the season ends, with a perfect regular season wasted.
But was the season a bust? Well the answer to that is a big no. When the Gladiators won the Championship in 2015 they were the oldest team, player for player, in the league. Last year that was even worse. So in 2017 the goal was to rebuild and get young and for that goal, 2017 was a remarkable success. Who would have dreamed that a team with this many rookies would win so many games in their first season together.
The defense this year was simply remarkable and by far the best in the entire league. The good news for 2018 is that the majority of the defense will be back ready to once again be the best defense in the league.
Special teams also made huge strides this year. In the Championship year special teams was suspect. 2017 saw the special teams unit vastly improved. In fact it may have been the best special teams unit for the Gladiators in nearly a decade.
Offense gained some and lost some this year. They had lost the Championship winning QB Joshua Shannon for the 2017 season and had to replace him. Several stepped up and played well but it was their rookie season and at times it showed.
The offensive line showed improvement throughout the year and had a great playoff game even with the loss. The receivers were also very talented but the Glads had some trouble with the timing between receivers and QB.
The Gladiators in 2018 will once again continue to heavily recruit young players as well as work to sign talented veterans. The Gladiators are sure to be the favorite to win it all in 2018.
Summer workouts will start in August with practice starting in October.
This last Saturday, February 25th, the Gladiators battled the Tampa Patriots. This was a BIG rivalary game between two FFA powerhouses. If you were not at this game you missed one for the ages.
Coming into this game the Gladiators were 4-0 and the Patriots were 4-0. Two of only three remaining undefeated teams in the FFA. The Patriots were ranked #1 overall and the Gladiators were ranked #3 overall. Both defenses had given up the same number of points so far this season (43). The Patriots had the #1 offense and the Gladiators had the #3 offense in the league.
The first offensive play of the game the Gladiators were caught off guard. A trick halfback pass went for a long touchdown. So the Glads spotted the Patriots 6 to start the game. The Gladiators had a slow offensive start and didn't score in the first quarter. The Patriots scored a field goal to close out the first quarter. The score was 9-0 Pats.
The second quarter was more of the same. A defensive misque got the Patriots into good field position and they punched it in to score again and with the 2 point conversion the score was 16-0 Patriots. But with time left in the second quarter the Patriots punted to #3 Aeron Green who returned it for a touchdown. The Gladiators then had a brilliant goal line stand to keep the Patriots out of the endzone just before the half making the score 16-6 at halftime.
The second half was a different story and it was all Gladiators. The vaulted Gladiator defense came to play and shut down the Patriots league leading offense. Later in the third quarter the Gladiator offense got on track and scored their first touchdown of the night. At the end of the third quarter the score was Patriots 16 Gladiators 12.
The 4th quarter was another battle with neither team able to move the ball well. But with 8 minutes remaining the Patriots made a key mistake. A punt snap was botched and the punter couldn't get the ball away. The Gladiators had the ball back in great field position. By then there was just no stopping the Glads. They handed the ball off to Mike Ford and in two plays he pounded it in to the endzone for the go ahead touchdown. Then Coach Perry made a bold move. With only a 2 point lead in a hostile environment he decided to trust his offense and went for the 2 point conversion. This would force the Patriots to score a touchdown instead of just kicking a fieldgoal. The 2 point conversion was successful and the Gladiators went up 20-16.
The Patriots gave it everything that had and drove the ball down to the 20 yard line of the Gladiators but that is where the Gladiator defense stiffened. The Pats had 12 attempts at the endzone with penalities thrown in and everytime the Gladiators knocked the ball away from the receivers. Finally with just 2.5 seconds remaining the Gladiator offense took the final snap for a hard fought win.
Gladiators are now ranked #1 in the FFA!
Don't miss out on our next home game which will be against the Jacksonville X-Men on March 11th at 6:00pm.
Gladiators End 2017 Season on a High
The Gladiators have ended the season 12 - 1 including the preseason. They accomplished their first undefeated regular season since becoming the Southwest Florida Gladiators and they cleaned up at the annual league awards banquet.
The Gladiators received 5 league wide awards, the most of any team. The first award was the presentation of the Divisional Championship trophy. The Gladiators swept the league to earn this honor.
Then next award was for the Coach of the Year and that went to our first year Head Coach, Gerald Perry. Coach Perry did a great job this year and we are so very proud of him. We can't wait to see what he can do with the team in a second year.
Then came the award for best running back in the league and that went to Alonco Carnes. Alonco amassed a staggering 795 yards on just 82 carries. That is 9.7 yards per carry! His longest run was 85 yards and he finished the season with 7 rushing touch downs.
Of course a running back can not do it alone. The Gladiators have what is considered the best offensive line in the league and with that came the award for best offensive lineman of the year which went to # 76 Ryan McManus. Ryan played his college ball at UCF and stands at 6 feet 8 inches and 340 lbs. He was feared across the league.
Then it was time for the leagues most valuable player and that went to #18 Alonco Carnes. Not only was Alonco the #1 running back but he was also #1 on kickoff returns. On just 10 returns he averaged 26 yards per return. He was also second in overall scoring in the league with 10 touchdowns.
Even though the Gladiators came up short in the playoffs, they still had a banner year. And, with nearly all players returning and with the influx of new players that has already started, all eyes will be on the Gladiators in 2018.
If you are interested in playing for the Gladiators, summer workouts will start in August with practice starting in October.
Gladiators Start Playoff Run This Saturday
This Saturday, April 29th at 6:00pm, the Gladiators will start their playoff run by hosting the River City Commandos. The game will be played at Lakewood Ranch Park in Bradenton Florida.
Just like in the NFL the FFA playoffs are a win or you are out situation. Last Saturday was the Wildcard round. The Gladiators being Divisional Champions did not play in the Wildcard round as they secured a bye.The River City Commandos played last Saturday and advanced to the Divisional round by beating the Jacksonville X-Men 20-12.
This should be a good matchup between two good teams. The Gladiators finished the regular season 10-0 and are the only undefeated team in the FFA. The Commandos finished the regular season 6-4 by winning 5 of their last 6 games. Their only loss in the second half of the season was to the Gladiators in a close 9-0 game in Jacksonville. This time the Commandos have to come to Bradenton and that is a long bus ride to then get out and play right away.
The Gladiators are ranked #5 in Offense and #2 in Defense. The Commandos are ranked # 6 in Offense and #3 in Defense. So home field advantage, league rankings and their one head to head meeting all favor the Gladiators. But where the Gladiators have a big advantage is in the kicking game where they are clearly superior.
Don't miss out on what should be a great playoff game. Come and cheer the Gladiators on to victory and an appearance in the Conference Championship game.
Gates open at 5:30pm with Kickoff at 6:00pm.
Admission: $10.00 for Adults, $5.00 for Students 7-11, Kids 6 and under are Free
Lakewood Ranch Park
5350 Mustang Alley
Bradenton, FL 34211
Gladiators Finish Regular Season Undefeated!
For the first time since becoming the Southwest Florida Gladiators, the Gladiators have finished the regular season undefeated. Not even in the 2015 Championship year were the Glads undefeated in the regular season. The Gladiators are the only 2017 team in the Florida Football Alliance (FFA) to finish the season undefeated. They are ranked #1 overall and get home field advangage throughout the playoffs.
The Gladiators completed the season by soundly beating the Anclote Pirates in a game distracted by the field lights not coming on when they were supposed to causing an hour delay in game play.
But overall the Gladiators were just too much for the Pirates and dominated in every phase of the game. This allowed the Gladiators to rest many starters to make sure everyone was healthy going into the playoffs.
But the night was not without some drama and excitement. The Glads had the lead 23-2 when the lights would not come on with 6:59 to go in the 3rd quarter. A maintenance crew was called in and a little over an hour later the lights came on so the game could be finished. A big thank you to all of the fans who stayed and waited for the lights to come back on.
As an interesting note the 2 points scored by the Pirates would come off of a blocked extra point ran back for a 2 point conversion. You don't see that everyday. And also of interest was Craig Carnes nice night carrying the ball just 15 times for a huge 136 yards. That's 9 years per carry!
The Playoffs are next for the Gladiators who will wait to see who they play on April 29th. That is a game you will not want to miss.
Gladiators Start Playoff Run This Saturday
This Saturday, April 29th at 6:00pm, the Gladiators will start their playoff run by hosting the River City Commandos. The game will be played at Lakewood Ranch Park in Bradenton Florida.
Just like in the NFL the FFA playoffs are a win or you are out situation. Last Saturday was the Wildcard round. The Gladiators being Divisional Champions did not play in the Wildcard round as they secured a bye.The River City Commandos played last Saturday and advanced to the Divisional round by beating the Jacksonville X-Men 20-12.
This should be a good matchup between two good teams. The Gladiators finished the regular season 10-0 and are the only undefeated team in the FFA. The Commandos finished the regular season 6-4 by winning 5 of their last 6 games. Their only loss in the second half of the season was to the Gladiators in a close 9-0 game in Jacksonville. This time the Commandos have to come to Bradenton and that is a long bus ride to then get out and play right away.
The Gladiators are ranked #5 in Offense and #2 in Defense. The Commandos are ranked # 6 in Offense and #3 in Defense. So home field advantage, league rankings and their one head to head meeting all favor the Gladiators. But where the Gladiators have a big advantage is in the kicking game where they are clearly superior.
Don't miss out on what should be a great playoff game. Come and cheer the Gladiators on to victory and an appearance in the Conference Championship game.
Gates open at 5:30pm with Kickoff at 6:00pm.
Admission: $10.00 for Adults, $5.00 for Students 7-11, Kids 6 and under are Free
Lakewood Ranch Park
5350 Mustang Alley
Bradenton, FL 34211
Gladiators End 2017 Season on a High
The Gladiators have ended the season 12 - 1 including the preseason. They accomplished their first undefeated regular season since becoming the Southwest Florida Gladiators and they cleaned up at the annual league awards banquet.
The Gladiators received 5 league wide awards, the most of any team. The first award was the presentation of the Divisional Championship trophy. The Gladiators swept the league to earn this honor.
Then next award was for the Coach of the Year and that went to our first year Head Coach, Gerald Perry. Coach Perry did a great job this year and we are so very proud of him. We can't wait to see what he can do with the team in a second year.
Then came the award for best running back in the league and that went to Alonco Carnes. Alonco amassed a staggering 795 yards on just 82 carries. That is 9.7 yards per carry! His longest run was 85 yards and he finished the season with 7 rushing touch downs.
Of course a running back can not do it alone. The Gladiators have what is considered the best offensive line in the league and with that came the award for best offensive lineman of the year which went to # 76 Ryan McManus. Ryan played his college ball at UCF and stands at 6 feet 8 inches and 340 lbs. He was feared across the league.
Then it was time for the leagues most valuable player and that went to #18 Alonco Carnes. Not only was Alonco the #1 running back but he was also #1 on kickoff returns. On just 10 returns he averaged 26 yards per return. He was also second in overall scoring in the league with 10 touchdowns.
Even though the Gladiators came up short in the playoffs, they still had a banner year. And, with nearly all players returning and with the influx of new players that has already started, all eyes will be on the Gladiators in 2018.
If you are interested in playing for the Gladiators, summer workouts will start in August with practice starting in October.
This last Saturday, March 25th, the 7-0 Gladiators battled the 6-1 Tampa Patriots. The Patriots only loss this season came at the hands of the Gladiators in week 5. This game was made more interesting in that if the Gladiators won they clinched the division and home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
On the other hand of the Patriots could win by more than 12 points they could clinch the division and home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Plus, the Patriots were still mad after losing a 16-0 lead which they held midway through the second quarter agains the Gladiators back in week 5. In that game the Glads scored 20 unanswered points to come back for a 20-16 victory. The Patriots swore revenge and that it was just a huge mistake and that it would never happen again.
Coming into this game the Patriots had the #1 offense in the league and the Glads had the #5 offense. The defense of the Gladiators is ranked #2 but most consider it the #1 defense if you figure in strength of schedule. The Patriots have the #3 defense. The night had perfect weather for football so everything was set for an epic battle and that it was.
The first quarter the Patriots drew first blood with an ugly but good field goal. That gave the Pats an early 3-0 lead. The Pats followed that up with a touchdown and a missed extra point that ended the first quarter with the Pats up 9-0. Interestingly that was the same score as the first quarter of game 5.
The second quarter saw the Gladiator offense start to move the ball and drove it down into field goal range but the attempt was no good. The stingy Gladiator defense then started to takeover and the Pats just couldn't get anything going. Midway through the quarter the Gladiator offense moved the ball down the field and scored their first touchdown of the game and with the extra point the Glads got on the board and narrowed the Patriots lead to 9-7. And that is exactly how the first half ended.
The second half was all Gladiator defense. The vaulted Gladiator defense came to play and continued to shut down the Patriots offense. In the third quarter the Gladiators drove down the field but threw an interception on the 2 yard line but 2 plays later tied the game up with a safety. Making the game 9-9 and that is how the 3rd quarter ended. Gladiators 9 Patriots 9
In the 4th quarter the Gladiator defense took over with 2 consecutive pick 6's just 24 seconds apart bringing the score to Gladiators 22 Patriots 9! But the the Glads got a little sloppy and on the ensuing kickoff the Pats ran it back for a touchdown narrowing the lead to 22-15 and giving the Pats some momentum. With just 4 minutes to go in the 4th quarter and with a LOT of help from the referees the Patriots scored again making the score 22-21. Then they lined up for a 2 point conversion to try and take the lead. The 2 point conversion was no good and so the Glads hung on to a narrow 22-21 lead with just 4 minutes remaining.
Then it was time for the Gladiator offense to at least get some first downs and that they did. In fact with 1:49 remaining they punched it in for a touchdown and a 29-21 lead. The Patriots when into panic mode which typically doesn't end well and it didn't. The Gladiator defense picked the ball off again and ran it back for their 3rd touchdown of the night. The Gladiator defense scored on 3 pick 6's and a safety in one game. The final score was Gladiators 35 Patriots 21 and with that win the Gladiators win the Division and secure home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Gladiators Finish Regular Season Undefeated!
For the first time since becoming the Southwest Florida Gladiators, the Gladiators have finished the regular season undefeated. Not even in the 2015 Championship year were the Glads undefeated in the regular season. The Gladiators are the only 2017 team in the Florida Football Alliance (FFA) to finish the season undefeated. They are ranked #1 overall and get home field advangage throughout the playoffs.
The Gladiators completed the season by soundly beating the Anclote Pirates in a game distracted by the field lights not coming on when they were supposed to causing an hour delay in game play.
But overall the Gladiators were just too much for the Pirates and dominated in every phase of the game. This allowed the Gladiators to rest many starters to make sure everyone was healthy going into the playoffs.
But the night was not without some drama and excitement. The Glads had the lead 23-2 when the lights would not come on with 6:59 to go in the 3rd quarter. A maintenance crew was called in and a little over an hour later the lights came on so the game could be finished. A big thank you to all of the fans who stayed and waited for the lights to come back on.
As an interesting note the 2 points scored by the Pirates would come off of a blocked extra point ran back for a 2 point conversion. You don't see that everyday. And also of interest was Craig Carnes nice night carrying the ball just 15 times for a huge 136 yards. That's 9 years per carry!
The Playoffs are next for the Gladiators who will wait to see who they play on April 29th. That is a game you will not want to miss.
Gladiators End 2017 Season on a High
The Gladiators have ended the season 12 - 1 including the preseason. They accomplished their first undefeated regular season since becoming the Southwest Florida Gladiators and they cleaned up at the annual league awards banquet.
The Gladiators received 5 league wide awards, the most of any team. The first award was the presentation of the Divisional Championship trophy. The Gladiators swept the league to earn this honor.
Then next award was for the Coach of the Year and that went to our first year Head Coach, Gerald Perry. Coach Perry did a great job this year and we are so very proud of him. We can't wait to see what he can do with the team in a second year.
Then came the award for best running back in the league and that went to Alonco Carnes. Alonco amassed a staggering 795 yards on just 82 carries. That is 9.7 yards per carry! His longest run was 85 yards and he finished the season with 7 rushing touch downs.
Of course a running back can not do it alone. The Gladiators have what is considered the best offensive line in the league and with that came the award for best offensive lineman of the year which went to # 76 Ryan McManus. Ryan played his college ball at UCF and stands at 6 feet 8 inches and 340 lbs. He was feared across the league.
Then it was time for the leagues most valuable player and that went to #18 Alonco Carnes. Not only was Alonco the #1 running back but he was also #1 on kickoff returns. On just 10 returns he averaged 26 yards per return. He was also second in overall scoring in the league with 10 touchdowns.
Even though the Gladiators came up short in the playoffs, they still had a banner year. And, with nearly all players returning and with the influx of new players that has already started, all eyes will be on the Gladiators in 2018.
If you are interested in playing for the Gladiators, summer workouts will start in August with practice starting in October.
Gladiators Fumble Away the Post Season
The Gladiators have done something they haven't done all season and that was lose. In a game they physically dominated in every aspect they just couldn't put points on the board. Twice in the first half they drove inside the Commandos 6 yard line only to fumble the ball. During the game the Gladiators fumbled the ball more than a half dozen times. The Glads hadn't fumbled that many times all season. And that's how the season ends, with a perfect regular season wasted.
But was the season a bust? Well the answer to that is a big no. When the Gladiators won the Championship in 2015 they were the oldest team, player for player, in the league. Last year that was even worse. So in 2017 the goal was to rebuild and get young and for that goal, 2017 was a remarkable success. Who would have dreamed that a team with this many rookies would win so many games in their first season together.
The defense this year was simply remarkable and by far the best in the entire league. The good news for 2018 is that the majority of the defense will be back ready to once again be the best defense in the league.
Special teams also made huge strides this year. In the Championship year special teams was suspect. 2017 saw the special teams unit vastly improved. In fact it may have been the best special teams unit for the Gladiators in nearly a decade.
Offense gained some and lost some this year. They had lost the Championship winning QB Joshua Shannon for the 2017 season and had to replace him. Several stepped up and played well but it was their rookie season and at times it showed.
The offensive line showed improvement throughout the year and had a great playoff game even with the loss. The receivers were also very talented but the Glads had some trouble with the timing between receivers and QB.
The Gladiators in 2018 will once again continue to heavily recruit young players as well as work to sign talented veterans. The Gladiators are sure to be the favorite to win it all in 2018.
Summer workouts will start in August with practice starting in October.
Gladiators Fumble Away the Post Season
The Gladiators have done something they haven't done all season and that was lose. In a game they physically dominated in every aspect they just couldn't put points on the board. Twice in the first half they drove inside the Commandos 6 yard line only to fumble the ball. During the game the Gladiators fumbled the ball more than a half dozen times. The Glads hadn't fumbled that many times all season. And that's how the season ends, with a perfect regular season wasted.
But was the season a bust? Well the answer to that is a big no. When the Gladiators won the Championship in 2015 they were the oldest team, player for player, in the league. Last year that was even worse. So in 2017 the goal was to rebuild and get young and for that goal, 2017 was a remarkable success. Who would have dreamed that a team with this many rookies would win so many games in their first season together.
The defense this year was simply remarkable and by far the best in the entire league. The good news for 2018 is that the majority of the defense will be back ready to once again be the best defense in the league.
Special teams also made huge strides this year. In the Championship year special teams was suspect. 2017 saw the special teams unit vastly improved. In fact it may have been the best special teams unit for the Gladiators in nearly a decade.
Offense gained some and lost some this year. They had lost the Championship winning QB Joshua Shannon for the 2017 season and had to replace him. Several stepped up and played well but it was their rookie season and at times it showed.
The offensive line showed improvement throughout the year and had a great playoff game even with the loss. The receivers were also very talented but the Glads had some trouble with the timing between receivers and QB.
The Gladiators in 2018 will once again continue to heavily recruit young players as well as work to sign talented veterans. The Gladiators are sure to be the favorite to win it all in 2018.
Summer workouts will start in August with practice starting in October.
Gladiators Finish Regular Season Undefeated!
For the first time since becoming the Southwest Florida Gladiators, the Gladiators have finished the regular season undefeated. Not even in the 2015 Championship year were the Glads undefeated in the regular season. The Gladiators are the only 2017 team in the Florida Football Alliance (FFA) to finish the season undefeated. They are ranked #1 overall and get home field advangage throughout the playoffs.
The Gladiators completed the season by soundly beating the Anclote Pirates in a game distracted by the field lights not coming on when they were supposed to causing an hour delay in game play.
But overall the Gladiators were just too much for the Pirates and dominated in every phase of the game. This allowed the Gladiators to rest many starters to make sure everyone was healthy going into the playoffs.
But the night was not without some drama and excitement. The Glads had the lead 23-2 when the lights would not come on with 6:59 to go in the 3rd quarter. A maintenance crew was called in and a little over an hour later the lights came on so the game could be finished. A big thank you to all of the fans who stayed and waited for the lights to come back on.
As an interesting note the 2 points scored by the Pirates would come off of a blocked extra point ran back for a 2 point conversion. You don't see that everyday. And also of interest was Craig Carnes nice night carrying the ball just 15 times for a huge 136 yards. That's 9 years per carry!
The Playoffs are next for the Gladiators who will wait to see who they play on April 29th. That is a game you will not want to miss.
Gladiators Start Playoff Run This Saturday
This Saturday, April 29th at 6:00pm, the Gladiators will start their playoff run by hosting the River City Commandos. The game will be played at Lakewood Ranch Park in Bradenton Florida.
Just like in the NFL the FFA playoffs are a win or you are out situation. Last Saturday was the Wildcard round. The Gladiators being Divisional Champions did not play in the Wildcard round as they secured a bye.The River City Commandos played last Saturday and advanced to the Divisional round by beating the Jacksonville X-Men 20-12.
This should be a good matchup between two good teams. The Gladiators finished the regular season 10-0 and are the only undefeated team in the FFA. The Commandos finished the regular season 6-4 by winning 5 of their last 6 games. Their only loss in the second half of the season was to the Gladiators in a close 9-0 game in Jacksonville. This time the Commandos have to come to Bradenton and that is a long bus ride to then get out and play right away.
The Gladiators are ranked #5 in Offense and #2 in Defense. The Commandos are ranked # 6 in Offense and #3 in Defense. So home field advantage, league rankings and their one head to head meeting all favor the Gladiators. But where the Gladiators have a big advantage is in the kicking game where they are clearly superior.
Don't miss out on what should be a great playoff game. Come and cheer the Gladiators on to victory and an appearance in the Conference Championship game.
Gates open at 5:30pm with Kickoff at 6:00pm.
Admission: $10.00 for Adults, $5.00 for Students 7-11, Kids 6 and under are Free
Lakewood Ranch Park
5350 Mustang Alley
Bradenton, FL 34211