Avengers Lose Season Opener

Frank Carter’s four-yard touchdown run with 2:07 remaining put Las Vegas ahead and the Gladiators went on to beat the Avengers, 46-37, on Sunday at Las Vegas in the season opener for both teams.

Clint Dolezel completed 18 of 30 passes for 251 yards and three touchdowns with two interceptions for the Gladiators. John Kaleo was 19 for 34 with five touchdowns and two interceptions for the Avengers.

“Any time you turn the ball over in this league it is hard to win,” Avenger Coach Ed Hodgkiss said. “We had five turnovers -- two interceptions, one fumble and two change of possessions off kickoffs. That is just too many mistakes.”

The Gladiators took control on the first play of the season as quarterback Clint Dolezel found offensive specialist Coco Blalock for a 47-yard touchdown.

Philadelphia 66, Austin 35 -- Former Avenger Tony Graziani threw for 352 yards and eight touchdowns in his debut with Philadelphia at Austin, Texas.

Graziani threw five scoring passes to Steve Smith. Sean Scott caught a pair of touchdown passes, and Marlion Jackson also scored for Philadelphia.

Dallas 66, Chicago 65 -- Clint Stoerner threw six touchdown passes and the Desperados stopped a two-point attempt on the last play of overtime for the victory at Dallas.

Georgia 46, New Orleans 44 -- Jim Kubiak threw five touchdown passes and finished with 248 yards passing for the victorious Force at Atlanta.

Tampa Bay 63, San Jose 33 -- Shane Stafford tied a career high with eight touchdown passes to lead the Storm at Tampa, Fla.

Orlando 39, Colorado 36 -- Joe Hamilton threw for 241 yards and four touchdowns at Orlando, Fla.

From Times Wire Reports