Gladiators lose despite solid first half

Despite a solid first half, the Duke City Gladiators lost in San Jose, California, to the Bay Area Panthers 28-50 July 13.

The Gladiators now fall to 2-13 on the season as the Panthers improve to 12-3. The Panthers have also clinched the western conference’s number-one seed in the 2024 IFL playoffs.

The game began with a Gladiators touchdown when quarterback Hasan Rodgers dashed for a 24-yard touchdown, capping off the two-play opening drive.

After a little back and forth, the Gladiators were able to take a 20-16 lead late into the second quarter when superstar Tamorrion Terry caught a 15-yard touchdown.

“Scary Terry,” once again, filled the stat sheets, finishing with six catches, 92 yards and two touchdowns.

After the second half, the Panthers began to pull away and scored three touchdowns that went unanswered, giving the Panthers a 36-20 lead.

The Gladiators found a little momentum in the third quarter when quarterback Javin Kilgo threw a 24-yard touchdown to Tamorrion Terry. And on the very next play, Kilgo rushed it in himself to get an extra two points.

However, on the ensuing kickoff, the Panthers scored a touchdown, which would end up being the dagger for the Gladiators' chances of winning.

The Gladiators ultimate demise came as a result of throwing two interceptions and struggling to kick the ball between the goalposts. Gladiators kicker Ernesto Lacayo had a night to forget, including two missed PATs and three missed field goals, one of which was blocked.

The Gladiators will look to finish the season on a high note, playing their season finale at 3:05 p.m. July 21 at the Rio Rancho Events Center. They will play the Northern Wranglers and have a chance to spoil the Wranglers' playoff hopes.

The Wranglers (9-6) are competing with the Arizona Rattlers (10-5) for the final playoff spot in the western conference and will need to beat the Gladiators to have any chance at the playoffs.