CLEVELAND, Ohio -- What a difference a year makes. The Cleveland Gladiators have gone from the hunters to the hunted in the Arena Football League.

"We obviously have a bull's-eye on our backs, and that's a good thing,'' coach Steve Thonn said.

With quarterback Shane Austin and several other key regulars returning, Cleveland opens its 18-game schedule Friday at Tampa Bay.

The Gladiators set a regular-season record for victories last season (17-1) and were ArenaBowl runners-up, one year after winning just four games in 2013.

"Last year, we were kind of picked to finish about last,'' said, Thonn, the 2014 AFL Coach of the Year. "There were no expectations, although we thought we were going to be pretty good. Expectations will be a little different this year. It means we were successful, and we were able to pick up some good arena guys who wanted to be here.''

Following a second road game at New Orleans, the Gladiators open at home April 11 against three-time defending ArenaBowl champion Arizona. The Rattlers torched Cleveland, 72-32, the largest margin of victory in ArenaBowl history.

AFL teams play 18 games over a 20-week season.

There are 12 teams in the league this year. Pittsburgh and San Antonio folded, and Iowa moved to the smaller Indoor Football League. A new team was added in Las Vegas. The Outlaws are owned by Motley Crue lead singer Vince Neil, and the AFL hopes to create a rivalry with the Los Angeles Kiss, owned by fellow rock star Gene Simmons.

The Gladiators play their 50-yard, indoor home games at Quicken Loans Arena.

Austin (6-0, 200), a career backup in college and the pros, had a breakout year after taking over as the starter early in the season. Five of Cleveland's six last-minute comebacks were led by Austin. He threw 99 touchdowns and 15 interceptions and his 65-percent completion rate, 117.9 QB rating and 12 rushing TDs all ranked third in the AFL among quarterbacks.

It was his first season in Cleveland.

"He's healthy and ready to go,'' Thonn said. "The good thing is he knows me and I know him and it's not a learning curve any more. He's had a good camp.''

Cleveland lost free agent receiver Thyron "T-Lew" Lewis to the Kiss. His 37 TD catches led the team, but possession receiver Dominick "Goody" Goodman returns after an All-AFL season. The Glads added AFL veteran receiver Amarri Jackson.

Ohio State and Benedictine grad Tim Cheatwood came out of retirement and is back as a blitzing linebacker. He was an assistant coach last year, but learned he still has the itch to play.

"He's in great shape,'' Thonn said.

Other key returners include defensive back Dominic Jones, nose tackle Willie McGinnis and DB/LB Joe Phinisee, however DB LaRoche Jackson is not back.

The Gladiators acquired defensive linemen Jeremy Richardson from San Antonio and Jesse Peterson, who was with New Orleans for part of last season.

C.J. Cobb, Kitt O'Brien and Strongsville native Chad Schofield anchor the offensive line. They initiated the "Yes" chant that became popular at home games last year.

Lineman Marcus Hall, from Glenville and Ohio State, signed in the off-season, but told Thonn he is pursuing a Canadian Football League deal.