Gladiators set to enter indoor war

Adam Candee

Friday, Jan. 31, 2003 | 10:55 a.m.

NEXT UP

What: Gladiators at LA Avengers

When: Sunday, 3:30 p.m.

Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles

TV: FoxSportsNet2, Ch. 50

Radio: KBAD 920-AM

Line: Avengers by 3; Total is 96 1/2

Thanks for coming. Now let's play.

Having made their unexpected arrival from New Jersey just some five weeks ago, the Las Vegas Gladiators are ready to leave behind the hoopla of acclimating themselves to the city -- and vice versa -- for Sunday's Arena Football League season opener at Los Angeles.

Into the background fade the questions of how they arrived here and how long they will stay, at least for an afternoon at the Staples Center. The Gladiators are ready to get into the 50-yard cage and match up against one of the league's tougher offenses in the Avengers.

"They can put up points and beat you," Gladiators defensive specialist Damon Mason said. "It's going to be a good challenge for me. I look forward to it."

The Avengers proved to be one of the Arena Football League's most feared offenses in 2002 under first-year head coach Ed Hodgkiss. Los Angeles ranked second in the AFL in passing efficiency (115.0), fourth in total offense (275.6 yards/game), fourth in rushing yards (20.8) and fifth in scoring (52.2).

In the top of the league with 21 rushing yards per game, and ranking behind four teams while averaging more than 52 points per game? Welcome to Arena Football.

Offense abounds in a league where punting is against the rules, and Gladiators coach Frank Haege said that turnovers become even more vital than in the regular game when teams can score essentially at will.

"It's going to all come down to turnovers," Haege said.

While a game at the Staples Center looks like a natural fit for a team located in Las Vegas, the Gladiators' division schedule will actually include contests against Buffalo, Detroit, and New York. Las Vegas remains in the Eastern Division, which it won at 9-5 in 2002, for at least this season.

Being on the road, however, proved to be no problem for the Gladiators while in New Jersey. The Gladiators compiled a 5-2 road mark last season, entering the fourth quarter either tied or behind in each of those five games.

"We're expecting to play well," Haege said.

The Gladiators will again take to the road next week in Phoenix before returning to Las Vegas for their Feb. 17 home opener against Tampa Bay.

For those expecting to hear from local product Jon Denton in this game, don't. The former Green Valley High School and UNLV standout made the squad as the third, or emergency, quarterback and is not likely to see the field much this season.

On the injury front, starting offensive guard Wilky Bazile is likely out for the game with a high sprain of his left ankle. Bazile wore a protective boot on the ankle at Thursday's practice.