Philadelphia Continues to Pick up Record Pace
May 1, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA (May 1, 2012) - They say that records are meant to be broken, and it appears that the 2012 Philadelphia Soul have taken this adage to heart. The team, currently 6-1, has shattered their own franchise records multiple times this year, most notably by scoring 93 points in a single game. The Soul are now turning their attention to larger goals, breaking all-time AFL records.
Scoring 514 points in just seven games, the Soul have sat atop the League's charts for weeks. If they maintain their 73.4 average points per game for the duration of the season, they will accumulate 1,321 points, easily beating the League's all-time record of points scored in a season, which was set last year by Jacksonville with 1,158 points. With 74 touchdowns, they are on track to have 190 touchdowns by the end of the season, also beating Jacksonville's 2011 record of 166 touchdowns.
"We've had some success early in the season. We don't really look at it too much; we look toward what we have to accomplish this week," said Soul head coach Doug Plank. "The numbers don't matter if you don't achieve your ultimate goals. I give the credit to the players. They work hard each week and it shows."
Quarterback Dan Raudabaugh, has been among the League's best this season, completing 138-of-208 passes for 46 touchdowns with only five interceptions. He currently holds the No. 2 position in pass efficiency in the League, sitting behind the Milwaukee's Gino Guidugli, who has half as many passing yards and nearly half as many touchdown passes. If Raudabaugh continues to average his seven touchdown passes each game, he will have completed 118 touchdown passes by the end of the season, setting a new League all-time record.
"You always want to get better regardless of how good things may seem on paper. There's always room for improvement," said Soul quarterback Dan Raudabaugh. "I don't let our success get to my head. We still have a long way to go and I wouldn't be able to accomplish what I have so far without great players like Ross or Tiger around me on offense."
The Soul's Derrick Ross is No. 1 in the AFL in rushing attempts, rushing yards and yards per rush. He currently has 50 attempts for 181 yards and 12 touchdowns. If he continues with this performance, he will have 465 rushing yards by the end of the season, placing him at No. 2 all-time for rushing yards in a single AFL season, falling only behind a 622 yard record that he himself set last year.
WR Tiger Jones has been exciting to watch this season, and is another Soul player that continues to sit comfortably among the League's elite. With 55 receptions for 877 yards and 20 touchdowns, Jones is No. 1 in the League for yards per catch and he has potential to break League records in receiving yards.
Not only has Jeff Hughley been a force as a receiver, with 28 receptions for 372 yards and eight touchdowns, but he also continues to be offensive weapon in the kick return game. His 19.6 yards per return average and 165.9 total yard average places him among the League leaders.
The Soul are also a threat defensively with players like Bryan Robinson, Micheaux Robinson, Rayshaun Kizer and Jerome Hayes. Bryan Robinson has the most forced fumbles in the League (4) with Jerome Hayes at No. 2 (2), while Micheaux Robinson is tied for the most fumble recoveries (3). Rayshaun Kizer has 10 pass breakups and four interceptions, placing him tied at No. 2 in the League in passes defended, and contributing to the Soul's No. 1 position in interception return touchdowns (6).
In keeping with the theme of broken records, the Soul have managed to repeat their impressive play over and over. By scoring more than 60 points in seven consecutive games, the team has set a new League record. There is no doubt that the 2012 Philadelphia Soul are one of the best teams in franchise history, and if they keep up their high level of play, they are likely to be one of the best teams in League history.
• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League message board...
Arena Football League Stories from May 1, 2012
- 05.01.12 Blaze Assigned Former Shock WR Kauleinamoku - Utah Blaze
- Blaze Face Heated Division-Rival at Home - Utah Blaze
- Philadelphia Continues to Pick up Record Pace - Philadelphia Soul
- Predators' Bobby Sippio Named AFL Russell Athletic Offensive Player - Orlando Predators
- SaberCats Defensive Lineman Joe Sykes Named Riddell Defensive Player of the Week - San Jose SaberCats
- VooDoo Dolls Ayesha, Brittney L., Daina, and Keina Visit Tulane Hospital for Children - New Orleans VooDoo
- Sharks' Holman Named JLS Ironman of the Week - Jacksonville Sharks
- SaberCats Weekly Update - San Jose SaberCats
- Sippio, Sykes and Holman Earn Week 8 Honors - AFL
- AFL Week 9 Power Rankings Announced - AFL
- Earnest Graham and Tampa Bay Storm Assistant Coach Dave Wilson to Coach Badge Bowl - Tampa Bay Storm
- Command Fail to Weather Storm, Fall to Tampa Bay 63-46 - Kansas City Command
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
