Many Pittsburgh Power fans out there are probably feeling disappointment after the Power (0-1) dropped a 63-53 contest at home to their division rivals, the Cleveland Gladiators (1-0). Many of them will probably get the feeling of “Same old Power” and feel like the team is bad like the ones we’ve seen the last few years.
I can’t help but feel like those teams of yesteryear would have lost this game by 40 points and yes I understand there are no moral victories in sports but I’ll count a close competitive game as serious progress from this team. I’m also going to wait to see if they can figure out how to correct the mistakes that cost them victory in this game.
The positives on the night were Prechae Rodriguez with three first quarter touchdowns and finishing the night with nine receptions for 105 yards to go with those scores. Shaun Kauleinamoku had 10 receptions for 95 yards and a score and the third part of the triumvirate Aaron Lesue also produced 67 yards and a score.
Kicker Julian Rauch had a strong season debut for the Power, nailing a franchise record 49 yard field goal and all six extra point attempts. He also made a touchdown saving tackle on a Dominic Jones kickoff return.
Tommy Grady also had a solid debut with 271 yards and five touchdowns but the two interceptions he threw were ultimately the difference maker in this game. The Power blowing a 45-28 lead isn’t going to sit well with the fans either.
Former all-arena defensive back Virgil Gray snagged an errant pass from Chris Dieker to provide a key goal line stop and looked great in coverage all game long. He was the team leader in tackles (10.5) and had a tackle for a loss.
Dieker finished the game with nine total touchdowns (five passing, four rushing) and one interception for the Gladiators offense. His favorite targets were former Power receiver Tyrone Collins (eight catches, 65 yards, 1 TD) and Thyron Lewis (seven catches, 118 yards, 2 TD).
Power head coach Derek Stingley hinted to the fact the team needs to build some chemistry together and it’s important that they show some improvement after the bye week if they are going to beat the San Jose SaberCats in two weeks.
The Power host San Jose on March 29th at 5 PM.
