Gladiatori Bring Alpha Crown to Roma
Gazzetta dello Sport
Guido Sarducci
December 27, 2010 - Roma
The cinderella story continues as the 5th seeded Roma Gladiatori defeated the Santa Muerte Reapers last night in a thrilling 27-24 contest at Stadio Olimpico to advance to the league championship game. The victory brings a conference championship trophy to Roma for the first time in the team's storied and sometimes troubled history. The capacity crowd of 12,280 witnessed a classic see-saw battle with the Gladiatori capturing a late lead in the 4th with a three yard, Dee Funky to Bawl Hawg touchdown pass with 1:35 left in the contest. A raucous, but visibly nervous home crowd watched the Sante Muerte offense take possession on their own 38 yard line with 1:25 on the clock and all of their timeouts remaining. But as it has done all season, the stingy Gladiatori defense refused to give up the big play and forced the run heavy Reaper offense to burn timeouts, and precious seconds. With Roma sending five speedy cornerbacks onto the field to protect the late lead, Sante Muerte's hopes of advancing to the league championship game were crushed when their MVP candidate halfback was brought down on the Gladiatori 28 yard line by CB Darrelle Easter with four seconds left. Well shy of the game preserving sidelines, and a miracle Reaper comeback.
Roman Holiday
Roma fans erupted in jubilation as the final seconds clicked off the clock and broke into a wildly enthusiastic version of "Gladiatori alla Vittoria" the increasingly popular Gladiatori fight song, even before the final gun. The raucous singing in the tiny stadium was said to be heard even by His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI in Vatican City. In the city of Roma, bars and restaurants flew open their doors and the alcohol flowed, and it seemed if every street was teeming with exuberant fans wearing the red and gold. Roma police were on high alert as the happy reveling continued until early morning, but it seemed the worst outcome for the thirsty fans will prove to be a serious headache. Almost 24 hours after the game, fans wearing Gladiatori jerseys can still be witnessed on various modes of public transport making the tired journey home.
Bring on the Busts
This victory celebration will be short lived for the Gladiatori front office. For them, it is right back to work to prepare for an undefeated NFL Busts team that ruled the Zeta Conference without serious opposition. Yes, the Roma Gladiatori have proven themselves to be serious competitors and an extremely talented simulated football team. They continually rise to the challenge and scratch out victory after victory as the underdog. As the league championship, and final game of 19 approaches, one wonders if they have the determination, talent and mental toughness to fight for one more victory to defeat an undefeated monster. Can Cinderella slay Goliath?
Gazzetta dello Sport
Guido Sarducci
December 27, 2010 - Roma
The cinderella story continues as the 5th seeded Roma Gladiatori defeated the Santa Muerte Reapers last night in a thrilling 27-24 contest at Stadio Olimpico to advance to the league championship game. The victory brings a conference championship trophy to Roma for the first time in the team's storied and sometimes troubled history. The capacity crowd of 12,280 witnessed a classic see-saw battle with the Gladiatori capturing a late lead in the 4th with a three yard, Dee Funky to Bawl Hawg touchdown pass with 1:35 left in the contest. A raucous, but visibly nervous home crowd watched the Sante Muerte offense take possession on their own 38 yard line with 1:25 on the clock and all of their timeouts remaining. But as it has done all season, the stingy Gladiatori defense refused to give up the big play and forced the run heavy Reaper offense to burn timeouts, and precious seconds. With Roma sending five speedy cornerbacks onto the field to protect the late lead, Sante Muerte's hopes of advancing to the league championship game were crushed when their MVP candidate halfback was brought down on the Gladiatori 28 yard line by CB Darrelle Easter with four seconds left. Well shy of the game preserving sidelines, and a miracle Reaper comeback.
Roman Holiday
Roma fans erupted in jubilation as the final seconds clicked off the clock and broke into a wildly enthusiastic version of "Gladiatori alla Vittoria" the increasingly popular Gladiatori fight song, even before the final gun. The raucous singing in the tiny stadium was said to be heard even by His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI in Vatican City. In the city of Roma, bars and restaurants flew open their doors and the alcohol flowed, and it seemed if every street was teeming with exuberant fans wearing the red and gold. Roma police were on high alert as the happy reveling continued until early morning, but it seemed the worst outcome for the thirsty fans will prove to be a serious headache. Almost 24 hours after the game, fans wearing Gladiatori jerseys can still be witnessed on various modes of public transport making the tired journey home.
Bring on the Busts
This victory celebration will be short lived for the Gladiatori front office. For them, it is right back to work to prepare for an undefeated NFL Busts team that ruled the Zeta Conference without serious opposition. Yes, the Roma Gladiatori have proven themselves to be serious competitors and an extremely talented simulated football team. They continually rise to the challenge and scratch out victory after victory as the underdog. As the league championship, and final game of 19 approaches, one wonders if they have the determination, talent and mental toughness to fight for one more victory to defeat an undefeated monster. Can Cinderella slay Goliath?
