After a disastrous year in Las Vegas, a move to Cleveland was planned for a struggling AFL franchise during the offseason. Led by former Cleveland Browns QB Bernie Kosar, the Cleveland Gladiators were formed and coming off a 2-14 season in 2007, the Gladiators were not expected to make much noise in the Arena Football League’s Eastern Division of the National Conferece. But after a 3-0 start the Gladiators went on to a 10-6 record and the #4 seed in the National Conference playoffs, and they hosted the Orlando Predators on Monday night. Orlando came in making the AFL Playoffs for the 17th straight season, and while they kept things interesting in the end, the home town Cleveland Gladiators pulled out a 69-66 win. With the win Cleveland was the only home team to win in the Wild Card Round the the 2008 AFL Playoffs and will face #2 Georgia on Monday night on ESPN2. Pro Football Fans, a AFL fan site, is providing coverage of the Arena Football League throughout the season and postseason for more.
Attention Cleveland football and AFL fans! Fans can now buy Cleveland Gladiators clothing & hats & Arena Football merchandise online through Pro Football Fans!