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Gladiators outlast Predators in playoffs

Jul 1, 2008 - 7:02 AM CLEVELAND (Ticker) -- Willis Marshall brought an end to a stirring passing duel, scoring on an 8-yard run with 52 seconds to play to lift the Cleveland Gladiators to a 69-66 victory over the Orlando Predators on Monday night in an Arena League playoff game.

Raymond Philyaw threw for eight touchdown passes and 436 yards to send fourth-seeded Cleveland into a divisional-round playoff game against the Georgia Force next Monday night.

It was the second-highest passing yardage total in league playoff history. Philyaw completed 29-of-38 passes, including a 15-yard scoring pass to Randy Hymes that put the Gladiators ahead to stay, 62-60, with 6:49 to play.

Robert Redd was Philyaw's favorite target, making 14 catches for a franchise-best 204 yards and four touchdowns. Hymes had three receptions - all for touchdowns - for 58 yards.

Predators quarterback Shane Stafford matched Philyaw, throwing eight scoring passes and rushing for another. He finished 30-of-42 for 376 yards and two interceptions, giving fifth-seeded Orlando its last lead at 60-55 on his 6-yard run with 9 1/2 minutes to play.

T.T. Toliver had 11 receptions for 185 yards and four touchdowns for the Predators (9-7). He added a 57-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.