ESPN Is 'Soul'd' on Philadelphia for AFL Return
April 20, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA (April 20, 2014) - The Back-to-Back American Conference Champion Philadelphia Soul, who are on a two-game winning streak, make their ESPN return as the "Game of the Week" to a national viewing audience against the Iowa Barnstormers (3-2) at the Wells Fargo Center on Sunday, April 27 at 4 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2.
This will mark the first Arena Football League game on the "ESPN Family of Networks" since ArenaBowl XXII when the Soul defeated the San Jose SaberCats, 59-56, to win its first championship on July 27, 2008.
"Reuniting with a great partner like ESPN is a clear sign of the positive progress we have made over the past couple of seasons," said Soul Co-Majority Owner and ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski. "They are the 'Worldwide Leader in Sports' for a reason and this renewed relationship validates our credibility, brings us more exposure and confirms what others outside of the AFL have seen with the recent efforts we have made to grow our game in a positive direction. We are excited with this partnership and happy to be teamed with an organization that shares our vision for the bright future of our sport."
In this week's match-up, Soul head coach Clint Dolezel has the luxury of a potent receiving corps to dial up some play calling for his No. 7 ranked offense (52.0 points per game). Wide receiver Ryan McDaniel has made a strong play for All-Arena consideration in his second season by hauling in a team-leading 41 receptions for 525 yards and 10 receiving touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. Tiger Jones is coming off a huge game in the victory over Jacksonville. His six receptions for 93 yards and three touchdowns earned him the J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Game. Jones now has 35 catches for 442 yards and 11 touchdowns on the season.
On the defensive side, Rayshaun Kizer has returned to his All-Arena form. He leads the team defensively with 27.0 total tackles. He also was recognized during the Week 6 game as Riddell Defensive Player of the Game, which was highlighted by his game-clinching 4th down tackle to seal the victory in the closing seconds. Early-season Rookie of the Year candidate Teddy Jennings has 10.5 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in just five games for the Soul.
The Barnstormers have been winning on their home turf as well. QB Carson Coffman leads his team in rushing with 54 yards. He is just coming off of a big win against Los Angeles KISS where he won the Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game. Also, WR Marco Thomas is a Barnstormer to watch out for as he leads his team in receiving with 43 receptions, 542 yards and 13 touchdowns. Marco also leads his team in kick returns with 10 for 157 yards. He was also recognized during the KISS game for the Cutter's Catch of the Game.
One of the key battles to watch will be whether the Barnstormer defensive front can slow down the AFL's all-time leading rusher - Derrick Ross. "The Boss" leads the AFL in rushing yards (160) and rushing touchdowns (12). Ross is also approaching the all-time rushing touchdown mark as he currently stands at 118. The all-time record is held by AFL Hall of Famer Barry Wagner with 127. Iowa's defense is led by All-Arena defensive lineman Mike Lewis. The Barnstormers have the No. 3 rushing defense and have allowed only 61 rushing yards, while Lewis has recorded 10.5 total tackles and 5.5 sacks and a forced fumble in 2014.
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