Winless Gladiators make trek to familar ground

Adam Candee

Friday, Feb. 20, 2004 | 10:38 a.m.

Noon, Van Andel Arena TV: None. Radio: KBAD 920-AM

A little fighting among friends is no problem for the Las Vegas Gladiators. In fact, it's welcome.

Some trash talking and flaring tempers marked Thursday's Gladiators practice, as the team prepared for Sunday's game at Grand Rapids. With the teams stuck at 0-2 after playing two solid games, Gladiators coach Frank Haege actually enjoyed seeing a few training camp-level scraps.

"Guys were going after each other a little bit," Haege said.

It would be tough not to be upset after squandering an 11-point lead at Colorado in the final 36 seconds to open the season and then giving away a fourth-quarter edge against Los Angeles last week. Las Vegas ranks in the upper half of the league in total offense (fifth) and total defense (eighth) with nothing to show for it.

"We need a little anger and some guys mad, get some blood flowing," Las Vegas quarterback Clint Dolezel said.

The trip to Grand Rapids is a homecoming for both Dolezel and wideout Terrill Shaw, both of whom led that franchise to the 2001 ArenaBowl championship. Dolezel is eager to get back to Grand Rapids, but not because of some anger or vendetta -- the game just represents the next chance for Las Vegas to mark the win column and nurture some confidence.

"We know we're good, but we just don't have a win yet," Dolezel said. "Not only do we need to win, but we need to put a whoopin' on Grand Rapids. We need to develop that swagger."

Without special teams miscues against Colorado and Los Angeles, the Gladiators might have that swagger and two wins as well. Las Vegas allowed onside kick recoveries late in both games that turned into winning touchdowns.

"We need to come together a little better on special teams." Haege said. "Overall, we're where we want to be football-wise."

The acquisition of Dolezel, who tossed eight touchdowns in last week's loss to Los Angeles, from Grand Rapids is central to the Gladiators' improvement.

Grand Rapids management told Dolezel early in the 2003 offseason that he would be traded as a cost-cutting move and he said there is "no bitterness at all" toward the organization. This is not his first trip to Van Andel Arena as a visitor -- Dolezel twice played there for the Houston ThunderBears in 1998 and 1999, splitting the games.

The Rampage (0-2) is struggling without Dolezel and Shaw. The team has lost its two contests by a combined 38 points and has yet to score more than 37 points in a game. Grand Rapids ranks last in the 19-team league in total offense and second-to-last in scoring offense.

Even in a down year such as this, Grand Rapids features one of the league's most hearty fan bases. The Rampage regularly sells out its 10,594-seat arena with people who love the arena football game and can make it "deafening," according to Dolezel.

"(You'll) find a really good crowd with knowledge," Dolezel said. "They know when to get loud, know when to get quiet. It will be a packed house."

Kickoff is Sunday at noon local time. The Gladiators' next home contest in Sunday, Feb. 29 against expansion New Orleans.

GARLING LEAVES: Gladiators general manager Mary Ellen Garling is leaving the team effective immediately to pursue a job outside of football. Assistant general manager Ryan Tyson will serve as acting general manager.