Yard Dawgz' Streak Snapped in Cleveland

Originally Published: Jul 17, 2010 9:35 PM CDT

Corey DeMoss
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz’ three-game winning streak came to an end Saturday with a 44-39 loss to the Cleveland Gladiators.

The Yard Dawgz (6-8) jumped out to a quick lead thanks to two touchdowns less than 90 seconds apart. Tommy Grady delivered an 11-yard touchdown pass to Alvance Robinson, and Brandon Perkins recovered a fumble in the end zone on the ensuing drive to give OKC a 13-0 lead.

The Gladiators (7-8) responded with 21 unanswered points capped off by a 41-yard fumble return for a touchdown by Michael Bragg. Oklahoma City drew within two points three different times on the night, but did not retake the lead until Timon Marshall caught an eight-yard touchdown pass from Xavier Lee with one minute remaining to make it 39-38.

But the Yard Dawgz defense fell apart on the next drive and surrendered a 45-yard touchdown pass to Victor Williams on the first play to give the lead back. OKC did not have enough time to come back.

Grady struggled to find open receivers and finished with 14-of-30 passing and two costly interceptions to go with two touchdowns and 159 yards. Lee entered later in the game and went 6-of-13 for 74 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Williams and Marshall each lost a fumble as well to bring OKC's turnover total to five.

Cleveland quarterback John Dutton threw for 252 yards and four touchdowns, with Victor Williams acting as his most dangerous target. Williams finished with 132 receiving yards on six catches and both of his touchdowns came on plays longer than 20 yards.

Saturday marked Oklahoma City’s first loss since June 11 to the Arizona Rattlers. The Yard Dawgz will see their next action at 6:30 p.m. on July 24 against the Orlando Predators before finishing the season the following week against the Tulsa Talons.