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AFL Philadelphia Soul

Philadelphia Ready for Keystone Rematch

June 22, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Philadelphia Soul News Release


PHILADELPHIA (June 22, 2012) - The Philadelphia Soul (11-3) host the Pittsburgh Power (3-10) in the fourth meeting of the in-state rivalry. The Soul pulled the plug on Pittsburgh in Week 3 of the 2012 season, defeating the Power, 84-59, on the road. The final game of the season series will be held at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA this Sunday, June 24 with kickoff set for 6:05 p.m. ET.

With last week's 62-27 victory of the Jacksonville Sharks and Cleveland's 54-42 defeat at the hands of the New Orleans VooDoo, the Philadelphia Soul have clinched the 2012 East Division title and home field advantage throughout the American Conference playoffs. It marks the first time the Soul have made it to the Arena Football League postseason since winning it all in 2008.

One may assume the Soul can now relax as they head into the last weeks of the regular season. However, Philadelphia remains focused and continues to grind heading into the final stretch. San Antonio and Arizona sit just one game behind at 10-3 in the National Conference, chasing the Soul for the AFL's best record.

"It's a good feeling to have won the division and claimed home field for the playoffs. Despite that, we still have work to do," said Soul head coach Doug Plank. "Making the playoffs was the first step in accomplishing our season-long goals. Now that we've done that, we can shift our focus to preparing for the postseason while improving each week."

The Soul head into their fifth straight rematch game in Week 16. Since Week 12, Philadelphia has swept season series against the Orlando Predators and the Jacksonville Sharks, while they avenged previous losses to the Cleveland Gladiators and Milwaukee Mustangs, splitting the season series with both division rivals. Philadelphia has a chance at another season series sweep this week against the Pittsburgh Power. A win would also improve their division record to 4-2 and 12-3 overall.

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh entered their Week 3 matchup with identical 1-0 records, but have gone in opposite directions ever since. The Soul have only lost three games following their victory of their in-state rivals. The Power have only earned two more wins since then and have made a change at the head coach position.

The Soul's season-long success is due in large part to their quarterback and All-Arena candidate, Dan Raudabaugh. Raudabaugh has completed 290-of-435 passes for 3,816 yards and 87 touchdowns for a 66.7 completion percentage and 119.41 rating. He has led the Soul offense to the No. 1 spot in the AFL in scoring and rushing. Dan looks to keep the team focused as they complete the regular season.

Cutter's Receiver of the Year candidate WR Tiger Jones has been Raudabaugh's most reliable target all year. Jones has caught 114 passes for 1,688 yards and 38 touchdowns. Tiger is on pace to finish as No. 1 in each category in Soul single-season history and currently sits at No. 2 in the AFL for receiving yards (1,688), No. 3 in receiving yards per game (120.6), and No. 4 in receiving touchdowns (38). He is No. 5 in scoring (16.3), receptions (114), and yards per catch (14.8), and No. 6 in receptions per game (8.14).

Since returning from a wrist injury a few weeks ago, WR Donovan Morgan picked up right where he left off. Against Jacksonville, Morgan dominated as he hauled in eight receptions for 114 yards and three touchdowns. On the season, Morgan has 53 receptions for 625 yards and 18 touchdowns for an average of 89.3 yards per game and 11.8 yards per catch.

Soul fullback Derrick Ross has been a force throughout the entire season. The MVP candidate is now No. 10 in League history for rushing touchdowns with 65. The Boss needs 51 more carries to break the single-season mark in League history (167), 164 yards to break his own single-season record for yards in a season (622), and 16 more rushing touchdowns to break the League single-season mark (41).

Ross has carried the ball 117 times for 459 yards and 26 touchdowns, putting him on pace to finish with 162 carries for 636 yards and 36 rushing touchdowns. He is No. 1 in Soul single-season history for each category. His 84 yards against the Orlando Predators in Week 13 was a franchise single-game record, as were his 21 carries. Ross has also added seven receptions for 131 yards and three touchdowns in the air. His week 13 performance earned him both AFL Playmaker of the Week and National Guard MVP honors.

Philadelphia's defense has improved as the season has worn on, ranking No. 2 in the league for interceptions (27) and turnover margin (+16). They rank No. 3 in passing defense (250.6). The Soul defense is No. 4 with 25 sacks.

Riddell Defensive Player of the Year candidate DL Bryan Robinson has been a force in the backfield, ranking No. 2 in the League for tackles for loss (11.0) and No. 3 for sacks (8.0) and forced fumbles (5). Two more sacks gives Robinson the Soul single-season record. LB Joe Goosby is tied for No. 2 in the AFL for interceptions returned for touchdowns (3).

All-Arena candidate Kent Richardson is No. 1 in the AFL with 12 interception returns and No. 3 in passes defended with 24 total. DB Rayshaun Kizer ranks No. 1 in passes defended (28) and is tied for No. 4 in interception returns with eight, No. 3 in interception return yards with 154 and tied for No. 4 with two touchdowns off of picks.

Philadelphia looks to stay sharp as the AFL's 25 season begins to wind down. They'll continue to go full throttle despite all they have already accomplished. The Soul have kept it all in perspective and know there is a lot more work to do to accomplish their ultimate goal for the 2012 season - winning the franchise's second ArenaBowl championship.

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