An Unexpected Start

May 10, 2014

By CONNOR GOMER




On July 27th, 2013, the Cleveland Gladiators lost their final game of the season to the Utah Blaze, 48-46.
Losing this game by two points was a reflection of the entire 2013 season for the Gladiators. It seemed that after each game every Cleveland fan was saying, “We almost won.” Tied for a League-worst record of 4-14, the Gladiators had their work cut out for them in the offseason. Moving forward, Coach Steve Thonn decided that “almost” wasn’t good enough.
“Last year, we were a real young team,” Coach Thonn said. “We wanted to keep getting better and better as the season went on. Even though our record didn’t show it, we showed some major improvements the second half of the year.”
While the Gladiators did face a lot of criticism going through the season, Coach Thonn never doubted his players. In the offseason his goal was to keep his core group of guys, while adding some veterans with AFL experience. The Gladiators did just that adding some key elements to the team such as quarterback Shane Austin and Defensive back Dominic Jones.
“We knew we would be better. What we didn’t know is how much better we were going to be,” explained Thonn. “The new guys have gelled together with our team extremely well so far.”
Star defensive back Marrio Norman agrees with Thonn.
“I feel like the guys on the team last year were a little childish,” Norman said. “When the coaches brought in veteran players this offseason, we really started to come together as a team.”
One addition that has had a huge impact on the offensive side of the ball has been quarterback Shane Austin. Only throwing two interceptions this season and completing 61.1 percent of his passes, Austin has emerged as one of the team’s most valuable assets.
“We heard a lot of good things about Shane last year when he played for Pittsburgh,” said Thonn. “After we signed him in the offseason, he had a real good camp and has shown his excellent decision making, accuracy, and protection of the football.”
While Austin has been one of the most efficient quarterbacks this season, the Gladiators defense has been in top form. Cleveland is first in the League in overall defense, allowing only 39 points per game. Much of this can be attributed to the three dominating defensive backs the Gladiators possess in Dominic Jones, Marrio Norman, and LaRoche Jackson. The trio has combined for nearly 60 percent of the tackles on the team this year. Norman is tied for first in the League for interceptions with six and LaRoche Jackson ranks third in the League in tackles with 46.5.
“LJ (LaRoche Jackson) and I started off playing together last year so we already had great chemistry going. When Dominic Jones came in from Orlando, we all started feeding off each well,” said Norman. “Now that we are all veterans, we have started to figure out what works and we bring something different to the table than anyone else in the League.”
Thonn agrees and says the addition of Jones was what put the secondary over the top.
“Bringing in Dominic Jones from Orlando really solidified our defense,” Thonn said.
Jones has accumulated 37.5 tackles, 11 breakups, two fumble recoveries, and one interception in just six games played this season. Adding Jones to the defense and Austin to stabilize the offense could mean all the difference for Cleveland, but the Gladiators still have their work cut out for them if they want to continue winning games. The East Division’s combined winning percentage of 63 percent is a League best this year. However, even with the tough schedule up ahead, the Gladiators are prepared to rise to the occasion.
“Playing against good competition this year is definitely preparing us for the playoffs,” Norman said. “Playing against Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Iowa is giving us good competition week in and week out, which will prove to give us an edge.”
The edge can already be seen. This is the best start to the Gladiators season in franchise history. They are at the top of their division and are No. 1 in the weekly Power Rankings. Even if it is only Week 9, one thing is for certain: “almost” is no longer good enough for the Cleveland Gladiators in 2014.