American East Rundown

This is going to be a weekly segment where I focus on how the Soul's division rivals performed in their weekend/Monday night match-ups. Two of the three teams played in Week 1 (well one team actually) and I'll list below:

> Cleveland Gladiators: Monday, March 12th at Georgia Force

• Lost 41-39 -> Gladiators (0-1) Force (1-0)
• QB John Dutton -> 27 of 43 for 308 yards - 4 TD's 4 INT's
• WR Thyron Lewis -> 11 receptions for 152 yards and 3 TD's
• DB Joe Phinisee -> 4.0 tackles and 2 INT's

The Gladiators opened up their 2012 season on the road as the American Eastern Division's reigning champions, but sloppy play eliminated any chance of a victory. QB John Dutton resumed his role as the Gladiator's starting signal caller for the first time since 2011's season opener where he injured his Achilles' tendon. The 12-year AFL veteran tore his left Achilles' tendon on the road in a 61-55 victory over the Spokane Shock during the team's season opener. Dutton's 4 interceptions along with a lost fumble accounted for 5 of the game's 9 turnovers. Though not penalized much at all, both teams' defenses came to play in the Week 1 contest keeping the score at a low 22-13 margin at half in favor of the Force. The Gladiators took their only lead of the game 2:02 minutes into the fourth quarter on a 20-yard touchdown strike from Dutton to WR Thyron Lewis making it 32-28 Gladiators. That capped three consecutive scoring drives for Cleveland, taking them out of a 28-13 deficit. The Force responded with two straight scoring drives to make it 41-32 with just 3:20 left to play. The Gladiators tacked on another touchdown with 57 seconds left, but proved to be too little too late as the Force was able to close out their home opener. The Force were able to turn a fumble recovery and a Dutton interception into touchdowns in the second and fourth quarters respectively which doomed the Gladiators' chance at victory.

Next Week: BYE

> Milwaukee Mustangs: BYE Week

• Mustangs (0-0)

Next Week: Saturday, March 17th at Arizona Rattlers (0-1)

> Pittsburgh Power: Friday, March 9th at Orlando Predators

• Won 40-26 -> Power (1-0) Predators (0-1)

I refuse to comment further on this game due to the strike nonsense that took place.

Next Week: BYE