Game Preview: Soul Will Attempt to Hunt Down Predators
July 4, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA (July 3, 2014) - The Philadelphia Soul (7-8) got back on track last week against the Iowa Barnstormers after a huge win and a new season point high. Week 17 looks promising for the Soul who are back at home in the Wells Fargo Center taking on the Orlando Predators (8-6) Monday, July 7. The game kicks off at 8 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN2.
In Week 16 the Soul got back to their winning ways by defeating the Barnstormers, 84-48. This week is promising for the Soul, coming off a big win and still pushing for the playoffs. "We are in playoff football mode now. Our win Saturday gave us the confidence we need to make a push for the playoffs, but we're always working harder. Orlando hasn't clinched anything yet, and this time of the year, it'll be a battle of a game," said Soul head coach Clint Dolezel.
Putting up a new season point high, Philadelphia's offense was strong all night. Soul quarterback, Dan Raudabaugh, finished the night by completing 25-of-32 passes for 247 yards and six touchdowns and no interceptions. For this season, he has completed 317-of-466 passes for 3,793 yards and 77 touchdowns. Orlando is well rested after last week, coming off a bye week, but quarterback Jason Boltus, has put up numbers this season. Boltus has completed 176-of-297 passes for 2,403 yards and 51 touchdowns.
The Soul's rushing attack was led by none other than Derrick Ross, who had 26 rushing yards for three touchdowns. This season, the Offensive Player of the Year Candidate Derrick Ross has 399 yards for 31 touchdowns. Leading the receiving corps was Tiger Jones with eight receptions for 99 yards and two touchdowns, making his season total 1,358 yards and 30 touchdowns. Markee White finished with eight receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown. White now has 148 yards for two touchdowns this season. Jones and White will matchup with Predator's defensive leader, Anthony Shutt, who has 58.5 total tackles and five pass breakups. Another Orlando defensive back, Tanner Varner, will also prove to be a good competitor, adding a season total of 58.0 tackles with three pass breakups and four interceptions.
The Soul defense is looking to put pressure on the Orlando offense. Against the Barnstormers, DL Teddy Jennings led the defense, finishing with 3.5 sacks and 4.5 total tackles. The Rookie of the Year Candidate now has 22.0 tackles and 9.0 sacks on the season. James Romain added 7.0 total tackles, a 56-yard interception return for a touchdown and a fumble return for a touchdown. This season Romain is one of the top defensive leaders with 67.5 tackles and five interceptions. Rayshaun Kizer is leading the Soul's defense with 78.5 tackles and seven interceptions. Also for Philadelphia in Week 16, Kent Richardson had 1.5 total tackles and an interception in his first game back in the Soul lineup.
The Predators's offense will prove to be a bit of a challenge for the Soul defense. Back-up quarterback Bernard Morris leads Orlando's rushing offense, with 146 yards for seven touchdowns this season after playing in only six of the team's past games. Wide receiver Greg Carr is one of Boltus' main targets, with 96 receptions for 1,279 yards and 30 touchdowns. Wide receiver Khalil Paden also leads Orlando with 62 receptions for 1,014 yards and 18 touchdowns.
In Week 17, the Soul return home to play the Orlando Predators as they battle for a playoff spot. The "Tribute To Heroes" Flag Football Challenge presented by Military Benefit Association and Zimmer Tri-State, a charity game with the Wounded Warrior Amputee Football Team playing against Eagles and other NFL Alumni. The game will take place at the Wells Fargo Center before the game as part of Military Appreciation Night. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with the "Tribute To Heroes" game set to begin at 6 p.m. The Soul game will kick off at 8 p.m. and will be televised live on ESPN2.
Arena Football League Stories from July 4, 2014
- Predators Assigned Former Dolphins, Cardinals WR Michael Rios - Orlando Predators
- SaberCats Activate David Hyland, Add OL Elliot Mealer - San Jose SaberCats
- Sharks Add Defensive Back Keiron Jones - Jacksonville Sharks
- Game Preview: Soul Will Attempt to Hunt Down Predators - Philadelphia Soul
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