Gladiators prevail in tough contest, end season on high note
Dan Barutha, Ironman Insider CorrespondentAugust 4, 2008
Franklin, WI – Many people filled the seats at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex to witness a tough and physical afternoon affair that saw the Rock County Gladiators end their season on a three game winning streak with their victory over the St. Francis Monarchs, 20-13.
Rock County jumped ahead of St. Francis on their opening possession. The Gladiators moved down the field against the Monarchs, but soon found themselves facing a 4th and 7 situation inside Monarch territory. QB Dan Roberts then hit WR Marchez Range in stride for a 35 yard score. The extra point was missed, and quickly, Rock County led by six. The Monarch offense got going midway through the first, as the passing attack of QB Shawn Geiger moved St. Francis. A 33 yard reception by TE Jermaine Austin put the Monarchs in Gladiator territory, but St. Francis was unable to put any points on the board. Right before the quarter ended, Rock County DB Shane Martin recovered a St. Francis fumble, and QB Dan Roberts connected with WR Jemar Ayers for a 40 yard touchdown strike. A two point conversion followed and that gave the Gladiators the lead, 14-0.
In the second quarter, Monarch DB Miguel Vargas forced a fumble to give St. Francis possession. QB Shawn Geiger capitalized on the turnover as he hit WR Prinston Cameron for a 74 yard gain. Then, Geiger hooked up with WR Rodney Thomas from 5 yards out for the score. After a failed extra point, the Monarchs trailed, 14-6. Late in the quarter, the St. Francis defense forced Rock County to a four-and-out series to get the ball back. However, they were unable to take advantage of the stop and at the half, the Gladiators maintained their eight point lead.
On their first series of the second half, Rock County’s offense came out swinging. FB Nick Hammon took an inside handoff 74 yards between the hash marks for the score. His long dash gave the Gladiators the 20-6 lead.
Rock County continued to work the clock in the fourth quarter, but with 1:41 remaining, St. Francis caught a break. LB George Nathaniel scooped up the Gladiator fumble and returned it 35 yards to put the Monarchs within a touchdown. St. Francis tried an onside kick thereafter, but Rock County recovered. Two plays later though, the Monarchs caught another break as DB Miguel Vargas intercepted QB Dan Roberts. It took just one play though, for Rock County to seal the game. Gladiators LB Deandre Harrell intercepted QB Shawn Geiger’s pass with :21 left to finish off St. Francis.
With the victory, Rock County finishes their inaugural season with a 4-5 record. The Gladiators head into the offseason on a high note, and those worthy enough to be called an all-star will play in the second annual All-Star Bowl, taking place on Saturday, September 20th at Rock County Football Park in Beloit. The loss drops St. Francis to 1-7. The Monarchs end their season next Saturday against the Fond du Lac Crusaders at Art Humphrey Field. Kickoff is at 7pm.