Stevens Throws for 6 Touchdowns, but Pittsburgh Beats Cobras, 61-43

The Cobras are still seeking their first Arena Football League victory after losing, 61-43, to the Pittsburgh Gladiators Saturday night before 10,137 fans at the Pittsburgh Civic Arena.

The Gladiators were led by backup quarterback Brendan Folmar, who threw for 4 touchdowns while completing 14 of 23 passes for 159 yards. Folmar entered the game early in the second quarter after Mike Hohensee, a former Rowland High School star, went down with a bruised shoulder.

The Cobra offense also had a productive night. Quarterback Matt Stevens had his best game of the season, passing for 300 yards and 6 touchdowns, while receiver Gary Mullen caught 10 passes for 178 yards and 4 touchdowns.

The Cobras gave up five sacks and turned the ball over four times. They led, 7-0, early in the first quarter before yielding 20 straight points and were never in the game after that.

The Cobra pass defense again was lacking, allowing six touchdown passes. The Gladiators used the big play, with Folmar throwing scoring passes of 33, 33 and 24 yards to receiver Julius Dawkins and 37 yards to Brian Moran.

Cobra Coach Ray Willsey said, “We have to go back to work and remedy our own deficiencies. We just have to capitalize on our opportunities.”

The first place Gladiators improved to 3-0 while the Cobras fell to 0-3. The teams will meet again Saturday night at the Sports Arena.