Gladiators beat Venom, close in on top seed for playoffs

The Duke City Gladiators (8-2) took a giant step toward winning the South Conference in Champions Indoor Football with a 79-63 victory over the Amarillo Venom (7-3) at Tingley Coliseum on Saturday night.

With two weeks left in the season, the Gladiators’ magic number is one over Amarillo to claim the first conference title in the four-year history of the franchise.

One more Duke City victory or Amarillo loss clinches the South for the Gladiators, who own the tiebreaker by virtue of winning the season series 2-1.

Quarterback Caleb Holbrook led Duke City’s offensive charge with six touchdown passes with no interceptions. Four of the scoring throws were caught by Dello Davis, who has 17 this season. Also, Jestin Kelly had four rushing TDs, giving him 10 in three games against the Venom.

On defense, defensive back Jayson Serda had four quarterback hurries and Donnie Duncan had an interception.

Amarillo QB Nate Davis also excelled, throwing eight TD passes.

UP NEXT: The Gladiators will play host to the Texas Revolution (4-6) next Saturday at 6:05 p.m. In the regular-season finale, Duke City plays June 9 at Wichita.

The postseason would begin the next week, with the Gladiators guaranteed a home game versus a team yet to be determined.

And if the Gladiators finish the season 10-2, they would clinch the overall top seed in the eight-team postseason tournament. In the North Conference, there’s a three-way tie at 7-3 between Sioux City, Quad Cities and Salina.