Keystone Collision: Soul Vs. Power - Part II
July 21, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA (July 21, 2011) - The Philadelphia Soul (6-11) will collide with the cross-state rival Pittsburgh Power (8-9) on Friday, July 22 at the Wells Fargo Center. The Soul look to go 2-0 this season against their Eastern Division foe with kickoff set at 7:05 p.m. (ET) on NiftyTV.
It will be 'Youth Football Night' presented by White Eagle Printing, as well as 'Fan Appreciation Night' at the Wells Fargo Center. Team and Soulmate posters will be given out to the first 5,000 fans while Soul merchandise will be raffled off to kids throughout the game. Festivities include a halftime performance by the NFL Alumni Philadelphia Chapter Cheerleaders, a TV giveaway by Aaron's, special fan recognition by the Soul Ownership Group, and a post-game dodgeball tournament.
The first ever meeting between the cross-state rivals took place in Week 1 of the 2011 season. The Soul fell behind 21-7 early, yet fought back to grab a 52-49 lead with 0:12 remaining. The NFL Network broadcast received a treat with Power kicker Paul Edinger's game-tying field goal at the end of regulation to force overtime. Four plays into the extra frame, Soul defensive back Mike Brown came up with an interception, which he returned for a touchdown to give the Soul a 58-52 victory.
"This is an opportunity to sweep the head-to-head against them and finish with a good division record," said Soul head coach Mike Hohensee. "We've had another productive week of practice and are looking for some momentum to build on next season."
Philadelphia's last game took place two weeks ago, where the Soul set multiple defensive records in a 49-21 victory over the Eastern Division rival Gladiators. Cleveland's seven points in the first half and 21 points total were the fewest allowed ever by the Soul in their respective categories. The Soul will look to match that performance coming off of their second Bye Week of the season.
The Power are on a three-game losing streak and have lost five of their last six. Pittsburgh has been outscored 378-277 in those six games, while they have been beaten by an average score of 63-46. Six of the Power's wins this season have been by seven points or less, while five of their losses have been by 15 points or more.
The Soul offense will get a boost from wide receiver Donovan Morgan, who will be playing his first game since choosing to return to the Soul and to play in the AFL over the United Football League (UFL). This season, Morgan has caught 115 receptions for 1,847 yards and 36 touchdowns in 15 games. The Soul's ability to put points on the board also falls on the shoulders of quarterback Ryan Vena, who has proven to be a double threat, recording 3,722 yards of total offense while throwing and running for a combined 87 touchdowns.
The Power have had trouble finding consistency at the quarterback position all season. After giving four other play-callers an opportunity under center throughout the year, the Power have returned to their opening night starter, Bernard Morris. A positive for Pittsburgh has been the one-two punch of Mike Washington and Jason Willis at the wideout position. The tandem has combined for 204 receptions for 2,356 yards and 44 touchdowns in the passing game.
The defense of the Soul has had success, ranking in the top-four of rushing, passing, and total defense, yet has been burdened when having to defend a short field after turnovers. The defensive front showed its full potential against Cleveland, where they registered seven sacks and a safety. The secondary continues to look toward Mike Brown's leadership and playmaking ability, which he has proven over recent weeks by coming away with four interceptions in the last three games.
The Power have also had trouble on the defensive side of the ball, ranking No. 15 in rushing, passing, and total defense, while recording 13 interceptions, tied for No. 14, and 19 sacks, ranked No. 16. A positive all season has been the play of four-year veteran defensive lineman Terrance Carter, who leads the team with seven-and-a-half tackles for a loss and seven quarterback hurries.
On kick returns, the Soul rely on All-Rookie Team candidate Keith Stokes, who now leads the team with 1,976 all-purpose yards, with 1,102 of those coming in the return game. The Power have allowed five players to attempt ten returns or more, yet have found success by averaging 18.5 yards per return, ranked No. 4 in the League.
The battle of Pennsylvania could come down to ball security. Philadelphia has a minus-10 turnover margin, ranked No. 12, while Pittsburgh is minus-15, ranked No. 16. With both teams out of the playoffs, the cross-state rivals will be playing for bragging rights and momentum into the 2012 season.
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