CLEVELAND – Gladiators defensive back Joe Phinisee has been named Co-AFL Playmaker of the Week for his performance in the Gladiators’ 69-32 win over the Milwaukee Mustangs in Week 17. Phinisee becomes the fifth Gladiators player to be recognized for on-field performance in 2012. He shares this week’s honor with WR Tiger Jones of the Philadelphia Soul.

Phinisee, in his third season with the Gladiators, contributed all over the defensive side of the ball in the win. In the second quarter, Phinisee broke up a pass on fourth down, leading to a Gladiators score. On the ensuing Milwaukee possession, he recovered a fumble and returned it 22 yards for a touchdown. Just before the half, the Warren Harding product also intercepted Mustangs QB Gino Guidugli.

“Joe is one of those players who just continues to make plays,” Gladiators head coach Steve Thonn said. “He’s been solid all year and is well deserving of this honor. He had a great game last week.”

Phinisee finished the game with 6.0 total tackles, one fumble recovery for a touchdown, one interception and three pass breakups.

The Gladiators travel to Orlando for a matchup with the Predators this Friday night. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm from Amway Center in downtown Orlando.

The Cleveland Gladiators are part of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Quicken Loans Arena organization and also owned by a group led by Cavaliers Majority Owner and Quicken Loans Founder and Chairman Dan Gilbert. The group also owns and operates the Lake Erie Monsters of the American Hockey League playing at Quicken Loans Arena and the Canton Charge of the NBA Development League playing in nearby Canton, Ohio at the Canton Civic Center.

Tickets are on sale now and start as low as just $13 per seat! For tickets, call 216.420.2222, visit www.clevelandgladiators.com or any Northeast Ohio Discount Drug Mart location.
 

 - ClevelandGladiators.com -