Game Preview: Soul Will Cut the Power in Last Game of the Season
July 23, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA (July 22, 2014) - The Philadelphia Soul (9-8) achieved another win last week against the San Jose SaberCats. Week 20 brings great playoff potential for the Soul, as they travel to Pittsburgh for the last time this regular season. The Soul will take on the Power for the third time on Saturday, July 26 at 5 p.m. at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This game will broadcast on The Comcast Network.
In the Soul's last game, they used defense and capitalized on turnovers as they defeated the San Jose SaberCats, 42-20. This week is another must-win game for the Soul, who are hoping to keep up their winning streak and continue on the road to playoffs.
"We have been in playoff mode for the past couple of games so we just need to keep on track." said Soul head coach Clint Dolezel, "This upcoming game is a must win for us and will control our destiny this season."
The Soul plan to continue to run the ball behind their offensive line in this Week 20 matchup. Offensive Player of the Year candidate FB Derrick Ross is coming off of a great week against San Jose. Not only did he win Russell Athletic Off[X]ensive Player of the game, but also the Spalding Highlight of the Game for his 32-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter. He now stands at 141 career rushing touchdowns, which surpassed former record holder and AFL Hall of Famer, Barry Wagner's 127. On the season, he has 501 rushing yards for 35 touchdowns.
Soul quarterback and All-Arena candidate, Dan Raudabaugh, is coming off a solid game when he completed 21-of-36 passes for 240 yards for three touchdowns and one interception. For the season, he has completed 352-of-527 passes for 4,226 yards and 84 touchdowns. Pittsburgh defeated Iowa last week, 59-56, and quarterback Tommy Grady had another strong outing, completing 24-of-41 passes for 310 yards, with six touchdowns. This season Grady has completed 414-of-687 passes for 4,581 yards and 108 touchdowns.
Markee White led Philadelphia's offense, finishing the night winning not only the J Lewis Small AFL Playmaker of the game, but also Cutter's Catch of the Game. He had seven receptions for 71 yards and two touchdowns at the end of the night, making his season total 27 receptions for 283 yards and seven touchdowns. Tiger Jones, who finished the night with four receptions for 41 yards, also helped lead the Soul to victory. Jones leads the receiving corps with 106 receptions for 1,507 yards and 31 touchdowns. White and Jones will matchup with Pittsburgh's defensive leader, Al Phillips who has 85.5 total tackles, 15 pass breakups and five interceptions. Another Power defensive back, Sergio Gilliam, will again prove to be good competition with his season total of 58.5 tackles with 17 pass breakups and three interceptions.
Week 19 proved the Soul defense came to conquer and they are hoping to do it all over again this week. Leading the Soul defensively is Rayshaun Kizer who played a strong game against San Jose. He won the Riddell Defensive Player of the game, finishing the night with 9.0 total tackles, two interceptions and three pass breakups. He leads his team defensively with 98.0 tackles, 34 pass breakups and nine interceptions. James Romain will also prove to be tough competition. On the season he has 78.0 total tackles, 18 pass breakups and five interceptions.
Pittsburgh's offense will prove to be a bit of a challenge for the Soul defense. Wide receiver Shaun Kauleinamoku leads the Power's rushing offense, with 118 receptions for 1,310 yards and 17 touchdowns this season. Grady continues to connect with wide receiver Prechae Rodreguez, who has a season total of 78 receptions for 1,084 yards and 28 touchdowns. Wide receiver Hank Edwards is another strong competitor who has tallied 49 receptions for 492 yards and 19 touchdowns.
Although this is the last regular season game, the Soul have a high potential to make it into the playoffs. The Soul qualify for a playoff spot with a win or a Tampa Bay loss.
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Arena Football League Stories from July 23, 2014
- Streaking Shock Close out Regular Season against Thunder - Spokane Shock
- Game Preview: Iowa Barnstormers vs. San Jose SaberCats - Iowa Barnstormers
- Storm Versus Gladiators Game Preview - Tampa Bay Storm
- Game Preview: Soul Will Cut the Power in Last Game of the Season - Philadelphia Soul
- Reynolds Earns Offensive Player of the Week - Iowa Barnstormers
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