Gruden lifts Orlando to rout of Gladiators

Monday, April 21, 2003 | 9:54 a.m.

Jay Gruden threw five touchdown passes as the host Orlando Predators defeated the Las Vegas Gladiators 56-31 in the Arena Football League.

Gruden, the younger brother of Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden, was 15-for-26 for 169 yards.

Orlando (8-4) took control of the game on the final play of the first half. Las Vegas (6-6) had the ball on the Predator 1-yard line, but Orlando's Kenny McIntyre scooped up a fumble and returned it deep into Las Vegas territory. A penalty on the Gladiators then gave Orlando the ball at the Las Vegas 2 with an untimed down.

Electing to go for the touchdown instead of a field goal, Gruden threw a touchdown to Lamont Moore, giving Orlando a 28-14 halftime lead. The Predators then scored touchdowns on their next four possessions.

archive