Gladiators @ West Frisian Outlawz
On a beautiful Sunday the Gladiators combi-team visited the West Frisian Outlawz for the first game of the season.
Gladiators Roster from the Broncos:
Defense: Omar, Coen, Twan, Nikita, Doruk, Joey and Kevin
Offense: Cam, Stefan, Tim, Julius
After an inspiring speech from HC Mark Bright, the Gladiators offense started the game on full throttle. First, with a nice throw down the middle from QB Jameson, our very own TE Stefan Drenth caught a 25 yard completion on 3rd down. Then, a lightning strike TD to Broncos WR Tim Mulder, the Gladiators opened up the game with 6. RB Jasper finished it off with the two-point conversion to make it 8-0 for the guests.
Tim Mulder (#25) going in for the touchdown!
On defense the Gladiators also started strong. The run-heavy offense from the Outlawz had trouble penetrating the defense. However, miscommunication led to the Outlawz first TD, but it was called back after a penalty on the host’s side.
In the second quarter starting TE Stefan Drenth got his first TD of the season. The Postman himself executed the post route perfectly and got to the endzone to put 6 more on the board. With a missed extra point, the first half ended 14-0 in favor of the Gladiators.
The sun came through in the 3rd quarter and so did the defense. LB Omar Westmaas forced a fumble on a run play from the Outlawz, recovered it himself and gave the offense another chance to score. Tim Helleman from Alphen Eagles, who played offense, defense & special teams, crowned his performance on the day with a touchdown reception to put the Gladiators up by 20.
Lots of Broncos players lining up on defense
In the fourth quarter the offense had more trouble connecting. Lack of focus, as well as some injuries, kept the Gladiators scoreless. The Outlawz fought hard until the end and scored a late TD from a 15 yard pass into the endzone. The PAT was successful and the game ended shortly thereafter with a final score of 7-20 for the Gladiators.
Offense, defense & special teams all showed great promise, but also some opportunities for improvement. There is a lot to learn and a lot to do in the next coming weeks before the Gladiators take on the Hilversum Hurricanes on the 17th of March at Nijmegen. It should be an exciting game. Be there!