Dogged by losing record, Gladiators ready to go to the vet

Adam Candee

Friday, March 7, 2003 | 10:02 a.m.

NEXT UP

What: Gladiators at Carolina Cobras

When: Sunday, 9 a.m.

Where: Charlotte Coliseum

TV: None

Radio: KBAD 920-AM

Line: Gladiators by 10, total is 97

Todd Hammel owns of one of the most distinguished resumes in Arena Football league history. Yet Thursday, the 11-year veteran quarterback talked like a green rookie about his start Sunday for the Gladiators at winless Carolina.

"It's just an opportunity for me to showcase what I can do," Hammel said.

Showcase what he can do? Hammel ranks second in the AFL record book in completions (1,891) and attempts (3,387), fourth in passing yards (23,626) and sixth in passing touchdowns (357). He threw 3 touchdown passes in relief of starting quarterback Jay McDonagh during last week's ugly 72-37 home loss to San Jose.

After Wednesday's practice, Gladiators coach Frank Haege named Hammel the Sunday starter against the Cobras (0-5). Green Valley High graduate Jon Denton remains the third, or emergency, quarterback.

Playing with his fifth team in as many years, Hammel sees the start as an audition both for Las Vegas (2-3) and for future expansion teams.

"I'm an old vet," Hammel said. "Teams are evolving and going with the younger guys."

Haege said the quarterback switch is not yet permanent, although the coach feels Hammel has the hot hand.

"Right now, (Hammel) just gives us our best chance to win," Haege said. "When he's in there, we move the ball."

McDonagh, in his second AFL season, leads the AFL with nine interceptions, all of which came in the Gladiators' three losses. He led the then-New Jersey Gladiators to a 9-5 record and an Eastern Division title last season.

"Jay's got to work on throwing the ball on time, and not relying on his arm strength when he's in there," Haege said.

No matter who takes the snaps, the Gladiators must find a way to eliminate mental mistakes -- penalties and turnovers. Las Vegas ranks last in the league with a minus-10 turnover margin and only three teams have taken more penalties than the Gladiators (45). There are no drills to be installed or speeches to be given to fix such problems.

"All you can do is work on it and try to do it right," Haege said.

Of course, a visit to the league's worst team could be an elixir for Las Vegas. Carolina is suffering through a painful season in which it is being outscored by an average of 27 points.

The statistics paint a numbing picture for the Cobras, whose closest game was a 49-44 loss to Detroit on Valentine's Day. Every other defeat has been by at least 28 points, in a season where the AFL is touting close games and parity.

"Carolina's an 0-5 team, but we can't be too confident," Hammel said.

The Gladiators practice today before departing Saturday for North Carolina.