Marquee Match-Up: Morgan Vs. Windsor
Published on June 24, 2011 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA (June 24, 2011) - The Philadelphia Soul (5-9) aim to take down the National Conference leading Arizona Rattlers (12-2) on Saturday, June 25, at the Wells Fargo Center. Two of the AFL's marquee wide receivers, Donovan Morgan of the Soul, and Rod Windsor of the Rattlers, will battle to claim the position of top-Arena Football wideout. Coverage of the first-ever meeting between the two franchises begins at 7:05 p.m. (ET) on WMCN-TV with Lou Tilley, Bill Osborn, and Tom Goodhines calling the action.
It will be "Irish Night" at the Wells Fargo Center. Festivities begin with live music and $4 green beer in the AT&T Pavilion from 5-6 p.m. Pre-game performances include the Irish band O'Farrelys Whiskey at the 11th Street Atrium, and Irish dancing by Celtic Flame in the Broad Street Atrium from 6-7 p.m.
After winning three-of-four games, the Soul have lost two consecutive, with the most recent defeat coming at home against Tulsa. The Soul managed to block a late-game field goal attempt by the Talons, yet failed to capitalize on their final drive, falling 48-42.
The Rattlers are coming into Philly riding a five-game win streak, while having only lost twice this season, both by one-point margins. Arizona's 64-57 home victory last week over San Jose allowed them to clinch the Western Division title.
"You can never under or over-estimate an opponent when preparing your team for competition," said Soul head coach Mike Hohensee. "We have a great deal of respect for Arizona, but at the same time, we feel if we can eliminate the mistakes that have hurt us in the past we can beat anyone."
Morgan, an Offensive Player of the Year candidate, has been nothing short of explosive for the Soul this season. He has recorded 102 receptions for a League-leading 1,614 yards and 32 touchdowns in 13 games. His quarterback, Ryan Vena completed 11-of-14 passes for 168 yards and four touchdowns in the second half against the Talons, with Morgan sidelined due to injury. Morgan will look to find an instant connection with his quarterback as Vena hopes to build off of his strong play from last week.
Windsor has proven his dominance this year with a League leading 131 receptions and No. 2 ranked 1,544 receiving yards for 27 touchdowns. With the help of Windsor, the Rattlers' boast the No. 2 ranked scoring offense, which averages 62.0 points per game. The most efficient quarterback in the League, Nick Davila, is also a top Arena Football performer. Davila's 328 pass completions, 71.0 completion percentage, and 85 touchdowns rank No. 2 in the League, while his 3,838 passing yards ranks No. 4.
Soul All-Arena candidate Darrell Campbell and the defensive front will be eager to get Davila on the ground after going two weeks without a sack. All-Rookie Team candidate Kent Richardson has become a defensive leader from his position in the Soul secondary, now leading the team with 51.5 total tackles and six pass break ups. Richardson will have to give extra attention to Windsor in order to shut down the Rattlers' offense.
The Rattlers have a formidable defensive backfield with starters Marquis Floyd, Vince Hill and Virgil Gray combining for 212.5 total tackles, 21 interceptions, and 47 pass break ups. The trio of Marcus Pittman, Tyre Glasper and Amtajj Hawthorne on Arizona's defensive front, has consistently gotten to opposing teams' quarterbacks, recording 18.5 sacks and 66.5 total tackles. The Soul must limit the pass rush of the Rattlers to secure the pocket and keep Vena on his feet.
Arizona's success in all facets of the game remains consistent even on special teams. Gray has excelled this season as the Rattlers' kick returner, leading the League with an average of 23.8 yards per return. His five returns for a touchdown are tied for No. 1, while his 1,144 return yards ranks No. 4. Soul kick returner Keith Stokes has proven his ability to break tackles and sprint past the coverage team of opponents, yet a total team effort is needed to set up blocks and allow Stokes to reach the end zone.
An area of major concern for Philadelphia has been ball security, particularly interceptions. This season, Soul quarterbacks have thrown 27 interceptions, tied for the League-high, while the Rattlers have thrown eight, a League low. The Soul's turnover margin of -10 ranks them No. 16 in the League, while the Rattlers rank No. 1 with +25.
The team that comes out with a victory will rely heavily on which star-wideout, Morgan or Windsor, out-performs their foe. Philadelphia and Morgan will be looking to start a late-season push to remain alive in the playoff hunt.
Arena Football League Stories from June 24, 2011
- Blaze Defeat Command, 61-60, on NFL Network - Utah Blaze
- Sharks Host Youth Football Camp Saturday - Jacksonville Sharks
- Sharks Host Storm for Division Sweep - Jacksonville Sharks
- Marquee Match-Up: Morgan Vs. Windsor - Philadelphia Soul
- Coaches Credit Orlando Predators in Week 15 Poll - Orlando Predators
- Chicago Rush to Host "Teddy Bear Toss for Red Cross" - Chicago Rush
- SaberCats Add Depth on Offense in Preparation for Cleveland - San Jose SaberCats
- Veteran Stinson Signs with Mustangs - Milwaukee Mustangs
- Power Takes on Division Rival Milwaukee, Tomorrow Night at Consol - Pittsburgh Power
- Speedy Stokes' World Tour Continues in Philly - Philadelphia Soul
- Sharks Sign Dolphin Alumn - Jacksonville Sharks
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