Brigade Earns First Win Versus Gladiators

April 16,2017 (Photo Credit: Cleveland Gladiators)

Shane Carden Throws for Six Touchdowns in 52-49 Victory

Cleveland, OH — The Baltimore Brigade won their first game 52-49 against the Cleveland Gladiators.  QB Shane Carden threw 20 for 31 for 159 yards and six touchdowns.  WR Reggie Gray caught three touchdowns for 92 yards including a catch of 21 yards.  DL Dexter Davis made his presence known defensively, registering 3 sacks for a loss of 10 yards.

“I am happy to get our first win, I am happy for our players,” said Head Coach  Omarr Smith. “We made it hard on ourselves, made a few mistakes that we were lucky to rebound from but we have to do better.”

Baltimore jumped out to a 21-7 lead before Cleveland tied the game at 21 in the third quarter. Both teams traded scores until the fourth quarter when  DB Varmah Sonie scored on a 50-yard kick return and Carden followed with a touchdown pass to WR LaQuan Williams to  give the Brigade a 49-35 lead.

“Shane played well for his first start,” said Smith. “He made some good throws, had some good decisions.”

Gray, who battled flu-like symptoms all week, was named the game’s MVP.

“There was a good chance that he wasn’t going to play,” added Smith. “He made plays when we needed to, he showed courage and determination all weekend.”

KEY STAT: 5 sacks for 22 yards (Baltimore) 1 sack for 3 yards (Cleveland)

KEY MOMENT: Baltimore challenged the Gladiators’ first touchdown. The touchdown was overturned and ruled down by contact.  The Brigade scored on the next possession, taking a 7-0 lead.

MVP: Reggie Gray – 3 TDs for 92 yards

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME: Shane Carden - 20/31 passing, 159 yds, 6 TD

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME: Dexter Davis – 4.5 tackles, 3 sacks, 3.0-11 TFL, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery

Baltimore has a bye week next but will travel to Philadelphia to face the Soul on  April 29. Kickoff is at  7 pm.