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Last updated on: July 11th, 2009
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Predators Remain Undefeated, Top Gladiators 26-7
The Chippewa Valley Predators came into Green Bay undefeated, and left that way Saturday night as they topped the Green Bay Gladiators 26-7 in the final NEFL regular season game. Having playoff seeds already wrapped up, backups from both teams played a large amount of time in the game. Gladiators backup quarterback Justin Skiba threw for 167 yards and a touchdown in the game. Defensively, the Gladiators were led by linebacker Greg Johnson with eight tackles, and Brandon Vigne with seven. Linebacker Josh Payne added a blocked field goal into the defensive effort.
The NEFL playoffs open next weekend, and the Gladiators are the number three seed representing the Eastern Conference. The Gladiators will be traveling to Schofield, WI this Saturday to take on the Central Wisconsin Spartans.
Inside the NEFL Week 8
Part 1
Ten Gladiators Selected as NEFL All-Stars
The Green Bay Gladiators have ten players that have been selected for the 2009 NEFL Eastern Conference All-Stars. Among the ten selected is annual all-star Sean Tackett at offensive tackle. Last year, Tackett was named the NEFL Offensive Lineman of the Year. Former Bay Port quarterback Nathan Smithson was also selected to the team as he ranks third in passing yards in the NEFL. Cornerback Aaron Zivkovich, leading the NEFL in interceptions, was also selected. Other All-Stars include FB Eric Felton, WR Max Seroogy, TE Ricky Brice, OT Juan Heredia, DT Shane Hills, DE Buddy Lisowe, and LB Chris LeCloux, a Sturgeon Bay native. The All-Star game will be played on August 8th in Eau Claire, WI.
The Gladiators finish out the regular season Saturday at Bay View Middle School in Howard at 4:00pm. They take on the undefeated Chippewa Valley Predators.
Seroogy Plays Semi-Pro Football For Gladiators
Written By: Andrew Pekarek
Few people get to play football after college.
Max Seroogy has been doing it for five years. The Algoma native (Class of 2000) is a receiver for the Green Bay Gladiators, a semi-pro team that plays in the Northern Elite Football League.
It's his first season with the squad, but he brings four years of experience from playing professionally overseas with the Schwaebisch Hall Unicorns of the German Football League. Seroogy didn't know the Unicorns existed until he played against them with the University of Wisconsin-Platteville football team during the spring of his junior season in 2003. After his collegiate career was over, he decided to take an offer to play in Germany for the team.
"It was great in Germany because they accepted me right away," Seroogy said.
"It was a great opportunity. I got to travel Europe. I met my wife (Melanie) in Germany, so that kept me coming back."
The GFL season runs from the end of April to early September, and teams are allowed to dress six American players, but can only have two on the field at the same time. In addition to providing housing, a daily meal and a vehicle, the Unicorns pay their players "enough to get by each month," Seroogy said.
Seroogy, 27, thought his days on the gridiron were over when he decided not to go back for a fifth season. But his father, Jim, told him he could still play for the Gladiators. The Gladiators were founded by Nathan Smithson and began play in 2007. The team features a lot of players like Seroogy, who played at the Division III level in college.
"Softball and volleyball leagues and things like that will never fulfill the passion these guys have for football," said Smithson, who is also the team's quarterback and a six-year veteran of semi-pro football." As long as the body is still willing, they're going to be out there."
Seroogy said playing for the Gladiators, unlike the Unicorns, allows him to work at Seroogy's Chocolates, which has been the family business since 1899 and is located in De Pere, where he now lives. The Gladiators practice about three times a week and play an eight-game regular season schedule from May to July, with playoffs in August.
"Max's size definitely puts him above others," Smithson said. "There is only one other receiver that I've played with that is at the talent level he's at."
The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder leads the Gladiators with 329-receiving yards and three touchdown receptions.
Although Seroogy doesn't have to travel to a different country to play for the Gladiators, it still requires a lot of time and dedication, with road games to Burnsville, Minn. and Menominee, Mich. Players also have to purchase their own equipment and help find sponsors to fund travel, referees and a field to play on. But Seroogy said it's all worth it for a chance to continue playing.
"It's a real family atmosphere, and I love that."
Article Courtesy of the Green Bay Press Gazette:
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009907010727
Spartans Roll Over Gladiators 42-21
LEFT: RB Paul Kiss cuts off a nice block by RB Matt Veum
RIGHT: The defensive line goes toe-to-toe with the big Spartans O-line
The Green Bay Gladiators traveled to Schofield, WI late Saturday, and were defeated by the Central Wisconsin Spartans 42-21. The Gladiators could not overcome a 21-point deficit at the end of the 1st quarter. Defensively, Green Bay was lead by linebackers Greg Johnson and Chris LeCloux totaling 12 tackles. Defensive end Buddy Lisowe added a sack. Quarterback Nathan Smithson completed 13 of 24 passes for 259 yards and a touchdown. Wide reveiver Max Seroogy caught 6 passes for 106 yards, his second straight 100-yard game. Even with the loss, the Gladiators have secured the number three seed in the NEFL Eastern Conference playoffs. There is one game remaining before the playoffs begin on July 18th.
The Gladiators have a bye during the holiday weekend, but return to Green Bay on July 11th to take on the undefeated Chippewa Valley Predators.
QB Nathan Smithson scopes the defense
Photos courtesy of: www.mjkphoto.us
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