Given the way the Gladiators' past two games against the Chicago Rush ended, coach Ron James wouldn't be out of line hoping for a blowout today.

Instead, James insists he wants another down-to-the-wire finish when the Gladiators visit the Rush. In his confident view, such an ending would mean Las Vegas (5-7) has a great chance to beat the Rush (4-8).

"We're of the mind-set that if it does come down to the last play, we're going to make the play," James said. "You can't expect anything more than (being close at the end). We haven't been in that situation for a few weeks, and that's disappointing."

For the third straight season, this game could have plenty to do with Las Vegas' postseason hopes. Chicago helped keep the Gladiators out of the Arena League playoffs the past two seasons.

The Gladiators carried a 7-5 record into Chicago last season, but their 63-62 loss began a skid in which they lost three of their final four games to end the season 8-8.

In 2004, the Rush prevailed 57-55, dropping the Gladiators to 3-6. Las Vegas made a late push for a playoff spot, but just missed out while settling for another 8-8 finish.

Both losses were painful.

In last season's game, the Gladiators scored with 17 seconds left and went for two points to try to take the lead, the accepted practice for a road team in the AFL. However, quarterback Clint Dolezel's pass never got to offensive specialist Marcus Nash, who was hit early by Chicago's Russell Shaw. But the officials missed it, and the play stood.

The league later indicated the officials blew the noncall.

"It was (pass interference)," said Gladiators defensive specialist Tony Lukins, who played for Chicago that day.

Nash knew immediately it was interference, and assumed a flag would be thrown.

"It was unbelievable," he said. "It went by so fast and so quick, and there wasn't a flag. That's over. It's a totally different team and circumstances."

There was no controversy with the officials in the 2004 game, only with the Las Vegas clock operator. Lineman Steve Konopka still fumes that the clock was stopped with one second remaining, giving the Rush time for one more play.

"The game should've been over, but our timekeeper stopped the clock for some reason," Konopka said.

The play was a desperation pass by Rush quarterback Raymond Philyaw, who threw the ball into the net, a typical call on a final play. Once the ball hits the net, though, a defensive back can legally knock down a receiver.

Somehow, Etu Molden remained upright. Though Las Vegas' Cornelius Bonner was closest to Molden, guarding Molen was Marvin Taylor's responsibility. The defensive lapse resulted in a 24-yard touchdown catch and a crushing loss for the Gladiators.

Konopka figures Las Vegas might be overdue for a break against the Rush.

"It's just frustrating when you're pretty evenly matched," Konopka said. "It's tough. You try not to think about it."