Quarterback Shane Austin left off where he ended last year and threw for 221 yards and seven touchdowns as the Cleveland Gladiators defeated the Tampa Bay Storm, 60-44,Friday night in the season-opening Arena Football League game for both teams on the Amalie Motor Oil Field at Amalie Arena.
Cleveland, who had a league-best 17-1 record last season built a 39-26 halftime lead on Austin TDs to Dominic Goodman, Collin Taylor, Andrae Thurman and former Storm standout Amarri Jackson.
The Storm, behind newly-acquired quarterback, Jason Boltus battled back with 21 first half points. Boltus was 30 of 54 for 383 yards and six touchdowns.
Turnovers hurt the Storm as the Glads scored after two fumbles and an interception.
Information written and provided by Tampa Bay Storm Communications