Philadelphia Soul game notes
Published on March 24, 2005 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
QUICK FACTS:
Philadelphia (3-5) vs. Grand Rapids (1-6)
Site: Wachovia Center (17,639 capacity)
Officials: Referee: Steve Pamon; Umpire: Jeff Carr; Head Linesman: Brent Durbin; Line Judge: RG Detillier; Back Judge: Tony Lombardo
TV: Comcast SportsNet
Play-by-Play: Ari Wolfe
Color: Vaughn Hebron
Sideline: Rhea Hughes
RADIO: Soul Radio Network
WNTP 990-AM (Phila.)
106.7 FM WDOX (Atlantic City)
Play-by-Play: Jacob VanRyn
Color: Bill Osbourne
COACHES:
Soul: James Fuller, 1-2 regular
season; 0-0 postseason; 1-2 overall
Rampage: Sparky McEwen, 1-6 regular season; 0-0 postseason; 1-6 overall
THE MATCHUP:
The Philadelphia Soul (3-5) look to start a winning streak vs. the Grand Rapids Rampage after a record-breaking performance last week. Last Sunday the Soul scored a franchise-high 69 points as they defeated Southern Conference powerhouse Tampa Bay. The win came one week after the Soul scored a franchise-low 26 points in San Jose. Tony Graziani led the Soul with eight TD passes and no interceptions. Steve Smith also had a notable performance with 246 all-purpose yards and sparked the team with his 57-yard kickoff return for a TD. The Grand Rapids Rampage (1-6) travel to Philadelphia after a devastating 72-48 loss to San Jose last week. The franchise hopes to improve their defensive units with the recent firing of assistant coach Robert Lyles and defensive coordinator Brian Young.
PHILADELPHIA SOUL SCHEDULE AND RESULTS
Date Opponent Time (ET) Result/Streak
1/30 @ Austin 12:00 p.m. W, 66-35/ W1
2/6 @ Chicago 1:00 p.m. L, 51-41/ L1
2/13 Nashville 3:00 p.m. W, 59-48/W1
2/20 @ New Orleans 12:00 p.m. L, 61-47/L1
2/27 Dallas 3:00 p.m. L, 72-43/L2
3/6 New York 12:00 p.m. L, 61-54/L3
3/11 @ San Jose 10:30 p.m. L, 52-26/L4
3/20 Tampa Bay 12:00 p.m. W, 69-63/W1
3/26 Grand Rapids 7:00 p.m.
4/3 @ Columbus 12:00 p.m.
4/10 @ Colorado 1:00 p.m.
4/17 Las Vegas 1:00 p.m.
4/24 @ New York 1:00 p.m.
5/1 Orlando 1:00 p.m.
BYE
5/15 Columbus 1:00 p.m.
5/22 @ Dallas 3:00 p.m.
GRAND RAPIDS SCHEDULE AND RESULTS
Opponent Time (ET) Result/Streak
1/28 Arizona 7:30 p.m. L, 38-58/L1
2/05 @ Colorado 3:00 p.m. L, 56-72/L2
BYE
2/19 Austin 7:30 p.m. L, 61-73/L3
2/27 Columbus 3:00 p.m. W, 66-57/W1
3/6 @Tampa Bay 12:00 p.m. L, 50-70/W2
3/13 Chicago 12:00 p.m. L, 45-48/L1
3/183/27 @San Jose@Philadelphia 10:30 p.m.3:00 p.m. L, 48-72/L2
4/3 Nashville 3:00 p.m.
4/8 @Las Vegas 10:00 p.m.
4/15 @Georgia 7:30 p.m.
4/23 New Orleans 7:30 p.m.
4/30 Colorado 8:00 p.m.
5/7 @Nashville 7:30 p.m.
5/15 @Chicago 1:00 p.m.
5/21 Los Angeles 7:30 p.m.
If the Soul defeat the Rampage, it would...
· Give the Soul their first winning streak of the season
· Give the Soul a 1-0 all-time series lead
· Move the Soul to within one win of a .500 record
The Coaches Corner
James Fuller: Now in his eighth year of Arena Football, James Fuller (1-2 reg. season) takes over as the Soul's interim Head Coach after more than a season as the team's defensive coordinator. His time with the Soul follows a two-year stint as head coach of the Bakersfield Blitz (af2). Fuller spent two seasons with the Oklahoma Wranglers and established himself as one of the top coaches in Arena Football. His team ranked number one in total defense and pass defense in 2000 while he served as assistant head coach and defensive coordinator. Previously, Fuller spent two years as an assistant defensive coach for the Portland Forest Dragons of the AFL, where he played in 1998. An 8th round draft pick of the San Diego Chargers and coach Bobby Ross in 1992, he went on to play for the New Orleans Saints under Jim Mora and the Philadelphia Eagles under Ray Rhoades. Fuller was an All NFL-Europe free safety for Scotland under Jim Criner before a knee injury ended his career.
Sparky McEwen: McEwen became the Grand Rapids Rampage's fourth head coach in team history on August 13, 2004. He was the Rampage's offensive coordinator during the team's best three years on the field (2001-03), which included winning ArenaBowl XV in his first season. During those three years, the Rampage's offense scored more points and gained more yards and points than any other team in the AFL. For 2004, McEwen was the assistant head coach/offensive coordinator for the Okalahoma City Yard Dawgz of af2. The Yard Dawgz (10-6) finished with the af2's second-best scoring team (56.8 points per game), the third-best offensive unit (276.8 yards per game) and third-ranked passing offense (260.8 yards per game) in the 25-team league.
Philly Phlavor
Two players on the Soul's active roster are Philadelphia natives: Sean Scott and Keita Crespina. Scott, last year's Soul MVP, grew up in Overbrook and attended Millersville University in Lancaster. Crespina, who grew up in North Philly and continues to reside there, graduated from Temple University and was voted the Owls' MVP in 1992.
Soul WR/DB Rob Milanese is a rookie and a graduate of Penn, where he holds the school record in receiving yards.
Tale of the Tape
Philadelphia Category (Rank) Grand Rapids
50.6 (9th)55.4 (14th) Scoring OffenseScoring Defense 52.0 (7th)64.8 (17th)
274.9 (10th)300.3 (15th) Offense (Yards/Game)Defense (Yards/Game) 283.9 (9th)300.0 (14th)
21/27- 77.8% (6th)32/40- 80.0% (14th) Red Zone OffenseRed Zone Defense 19/26- 73.1% (8th)24/29- 82.8% (16th)
261.6 (9th)265.9 (10th) Pass OffensePass Defense 233.3 (13th)282.3 (14th)
13.2 (14th)34.4 (17th) Rushing Offense (Yards/Game)Rushing Defense (Yards/Game) 50.6 (1tst)17.7 (9th)
18.5 (14th) First Downs 20.1 (9th)
15.4 (4th) Average Starting Position (after kickoffs) 14.2 (5th)
-5 (T-13th)2/9- 22.0% (17th) Turnover MarginField Goals -5 (T-13th) 7/20- 35.0% (11th)
4 (T-12th)4 (4th) Sacks BySacks Against 4 (T-12th)10 (13th)
27/50- 54.0% (3rd)4/13- 30.8% (15th) Third Down ConversionFourth Down Conversion 17/48- 35.4% (16 th)3/6- 50.0% (T-5th)
53-43.4 Penalties (# - Avg. Yards/Game) 49-41.0
28:07 Time of Possession (Avg.) 32:37
2005 Standings
Philadelphia Soul â 3-5 (3rd in Eastern Division)
Grand Rapids Rampage â 1-6 (T-3rd in Central Division)
2005 Record When...
Wachovia Center 2-2
On the Road 1-3
Score First 2-1
Opp. Score First 1-4
Leading at Half 3-0
Trailing at Half 0-5
Friday 0-1
Saturday 0-0
Sunday 3-4
On NBC 3-4
Hammond/Haden 0-2
Hammond/Bentley 0-2
Papa/Bentley 2-0
Weber/Pawlawski 1-0
On FSN/CSN 0-1
Vs. Eastern 0-2
Vs. Central 1-1
Vs. Western 0-1
Vs. Southern 2-1
January 1-0
February 1-3
March 1-2
April 0-0
May 0-0
Tracking the Soul's New Superstar
· In October, Tony Graziani signed the wealthiest contract in AFL history. As the most coveted free agent on the market, Graziani's addition sent waves through the National Conference.
· Graziani ranks second in the AFL in TD passes with 48.
· He is currently on pace to throw 96 TDs this season.
· For the 2005 season, Graziani has completed 155 of 266 passes for 2,122 yards and nine INTs.
· As 2004 All Arena First Team QB, he threw a career-best of 99 touchdowns and added four rushing scores.
· Graziani is one of just four players in League history to account for more than 100 touchdowns in a single season.
· His 99 TDs were third-most by a QB in League history.
Day of Rest?
The Soul play a league-high 14 of their 16 games on Sundays this season. Philadelphia will also be featured 14 times on NBC, also most among all AFL teams.
Soul Players Among League Leaders
Graziani: TD passes (48-2nd) attempts (266-3rd); completions (155-5th); yards (2127-3rd); third down passing (119.3-1st).
Scott: TDs (18-7th); catches (43-19th); receiving yards (492-19th); 3rd down catches (11-2nd).
Smith: All-purpose yards (1665-1st); TDs (19-t4th); receiving yards (744-5th); catches (50-12th); kick return
Scott's the Heart of the Soul
· Philadelphia-born WR/LB Sean Scott has been the Soul's Ironman through the first seven weeks of the season, winning US Army Ironman of the Game honors four times.
· Two weeks ago (3/6) vs. NY he scored five touchdowns for the second time this season, tying a franchise record he shares with Steve Smith.
· Scott leads the team (3rd in the AFL) with 18 TD and 43 catches.
· His 25.0 tackles are third on the team while 492 receiving yards are second.
· For his performance in Chicago in Week 2, Scott was named the AFL's US Army Ironman of the Week for the second consecutive week.
· With the award, Scott became the first AFLer to win back-to-back US Army Ironman of the Week honors since Chicago's Dameon Porter in Weeks 7 and 8 of 2001.
· Scott was named Team MVP by his peers for the Soul's Inaugural Season and appears to have picked up where he left off.
Saturday Night Live
The Soul's tilt with the Rampage tonight marks the first and only Saturday game of the season for Philadelphia. The Soul played eight Saturday games in their Inaugural Season, going 3-5 in those games.
Philly Football's New Ironman
Following in the footsteps of another #7, Ron Jaworski, Tony Graziani has started 57 straight games â the second longest current streak in the AFL.
Getting the Lead is Key
The Soul are undefeated (3-0) so far this season when leading at halftime. On the other hand, Philadelphia has yet to come from behind to win a game it is losing at halftime (0-5).
Marcus Knight Impresses Early
Despite not making his Soul debut until Week 6 of this season, Knight has been a solid addition to the team's receiving corps. An ex-NFLer who played with the Oakland Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, his performance on Sunday against the Storm was the best of his young AFL career. He caught four passes for 87 yards and three TDs. Below are Knight's 2005 stats in his three games:
Receptions Yards TDs
11 192 5
Graziani Earns First MVP
Tony Graziani earned his first "Offensive Player of the Game" honors for his Week 8 performance in the win over Tampa. Graziani tossed eight touchdowns en route to a franchise-record 69 points.
Familiar Faces Turned Foes
Soul QB Tony Graziani and Grand Rapids OS Chris Jackson find themselves on opposite sides of the field for the first time in their careers. Graziani and Jackson teamed up as one of the AFL's most successful QB-WR combos from 2001-2004. Here are the duo's numbers during their time together:
2001-2004
Graziani: 942-for-1509; 12,385 yards;
269 TDs, 30 INTs.
Jackson: 389 catches; 5,470 yards; 131
touchdowns.
Don't I Know You?
A number of ex-Soul players are currently on Grand Rapids' roster:
QB Nick Browder
OL/DL Lance Clelland
WR/DB Derin Graham
OL/DL Madison Johnson
OL/DL Rod Manuel
FB/LB Travis McDonald
A number of current members of the Soul at one time were with the Grand Rapids organization:
FB/LB Chris Ryan
OL/DL Eric Gohlstin
OS Terrill Shaw
Asst. Head Coach Robert Smith
OS Steve Smith
DS Joe Todd
Offensive Coordinator John Zinser
Graziani vs. Grand Rapids
Tony Graziani is 3-0 in games against the Grand Rapids Rampage. In those games, he connected on 58 of 83 passes (69%), for 776 yards, 19 touchdowns and no interceptions.
2005 vs. 2004
Below are the numbers of Tony Graziani and his top two receivers through eight games in 2004 in L.A. vs. his 2005 numbers with Steve Smith and Sean Scott:
2004
comp-att-yards-TDs-INTs
Graziani: 166-263-2002-48-2
rec.-yards-TDs
Chris Jackson: 66-892-23
Greg Hopkins: 36-407-9
2005
comp-att-yards-TDs-INTs
Graziani: 155-266-2132-48-9
rec.-yards-TDs
Steve Smith: 50-744-18
Sean Scott: 43-492-17
Approaching Milestones
· Soul WR/LB Sean Scott is one reception shy of the 100th for his career.
· Soul QB Tony Graziani is 483 yards shy of 15,000 for his career.
· Soul OS Steve Smith is 22 catches shy of 300 for his career and 18 receiving TDs away from 100.
· Soul FB/LB Chris "Soul Train" Ryan is one carry away from the 200th of his career.
Good Things Come in Small Packages
· At just 5-foot-9, Steve Smith is not one of the biggest offensive specialists in the League, but he is one of the most explosive.
· His 1665 total yards place him first in all-purpose yardage.
· His 19 TDs are also tied for fourth best in the League
· Smith's 246 all-purpose yards last week were a game high.
· His 744 receiving yards rank fifth in the AFL and his 50 catches are tied for 12th.
· He ranks first in both kick off returns (39) and kick off return yards (840).
· Smith's five TDs in Week 1 set a career and franchise record, which was then tied by Sean Scott's 5-TD performance in Weeks 2 and 6.
QB Stats 2004 vs. 2005
The Soul's top offseason priority was an upgrade at the QB position. Here's a breakdown of the position's play in 2004 vs. 2005:
Through Week 8
2004:
Nick Browder and Todd Hammel â 155 of 267 (58 %); 1,829 yards; 33 TDs; 9 INT; 45.4 pts/game; 3 wins.
2005:
Tony Graziani â 155 of 266 (58 %); 2,132 yards; 48 TDs (2nd in League); 9 INT; 50.6 pts/game; 3 wins.
Players to Watch
Philadelphia
#7 â QB Tony Graziani
Armed with a wealth of talented receivers, led by Sean Scott and Steve Smith, Graziani continues to put up big numbers. #7 has thrown 48 TDs (2nd in the AFL) through eight games, amassing 2,132 passing yards and a QB rating of 109.5.
#84 â OS Steve Smith
Smith continues to show fans why the Soul brought him to Philadelphia, as his electrifying play keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. He leads the League in all-purpose yards with 1,665 and his 19 touchdowns are fourth-best.
#24 â DS Calvin Coleman
A second year player out of Montana, Coleman made his Soul debut two weeks ago against the SaberCats. This past Sunday he recorded his first interception in a Soul uniform. In just five games this season, he has racked up 22.5 tackles, three interceptions and three pass breakups. Acquired via a trade with New Orleans, Coleman was brought in to help bolster the struggling Soul secondary.
#88 â WR/LB Sean Scott
Last week against the Storm, Scott failed to catch a pass for the first time this season. However, his 18 touchdowns rank seventh in the AFL. His spectacular two-way play has earned him Ironman of the Game honors four times this season.
Grand Rapids
# 7 â QB Michael Bishop
Despite 2005 being just his second year in AFL, Bishop is fast-becoming one of the League's most exciting and dangerous players. Combining a rare ability to both run and throw, his athleticism strikes fear in to opposing defenses. Bishop's 100 rushing yards in Week 2 were an AFL all-time game high. His 250 rushing yards are easily tops among all players in the League and Bishop's 111.7 QB rating is 11th.
81 â OS Chris Jackson
At 6'2", 215 pounds, Jackson gives Bishop a sizeable target on the outside. Playing for the L.A. Avengers from 2000-2004, he racked up 480 catches for 6,795 yards and 157 TDs. This season, in just six games, he has 41 catches for 534 yards and 11 TDs.
#34 â FB/LB Chris Avery
Avery combines with Bishop to give the Rampage the AFL's most dominant run game. Grand Rapids averages 50.6 yards per game on the ground and Avery's 86 yards are sixth-best in the League. He averages 3.7 yards per carry and has run for six scores. He also leads the Rampage on the defensive side of the ball with 30.0 tackles.
#4 â WR/DB Josh Bush
Bush is one of Grand Rapids' top two-way players, as he his among team leaders in catches (28), receiving yards (401), touchdowns (8), and tackles (14.5).
Turnovers are Telling
The Soul are 7-5 all-time when the team ties or wins the game's turnover battle and 1-11 when they don't. They are 2-2 when winning the battle and 1-3 when losing it this season.
NFL Experience
Several Soul players boast NFL experience:
Donovan Arp - Wash, Car, Tenn
Cyron Brown - Den
Marvin Brown - KC, Bal, Cle
Keita Crespina - Phi, Ari
Winfield Garnett - Minn, NO, Sea
Tony Graziani - Atl, Cle
Marlion Jackson - NYJ, Den
Marcus Knight - TB, Oak
Tim Levcik - Mia, Pit
Arnold Miller - Cle
Dwayne Missouri â Bal
Wes Ours â Ind, Tenn, Pit
Dwayne Sabb - S.D., Buf, NE
Derek Schorejs - Cin, Cle, NYJ, Jax
Sean Scott - Phi
Terrill Shaw - KC
Charles Stackhouse - NYG, Min
Recent Milestones
· Graziani threw his 300th career TD in the Soul's loss on 3/6 to NY.
· Tyronne Jones caught his 500th career reception in the Soul's 3/6 loss to NY.
· Marcus Knight played in his first game, caught his first career pass and scored his first touchdown in the Soul's 3/6.
2005 Award Winners
Offensive Player of the Game:
Week 1: Steve Smith (PHI)
Week 2: Raymond Philyaw (CHI)
Week 3: Steve Smith (PHI)
Week 4: Andy Kelly (NOV)
Week 5: Clint Stoerner (DAL)
Week 6: Mike Horacek (NY)
Week 7: James Roe (SJS)
Week 8: Tony Graziani (PHI)
US Army Ironman of the Game:
Week 1: Sean Scott (PHI)
Week 2: Sean Scott/John Moyer (PHI/CHI)
Week 3: Sean Scott (PHI)
Week 4: Lamont Moore (NOV)
Week 5: Duke Pettijohn (DAL)
Week 6: Sean Scott (PHI)
Week 7: Matt Kinsinger (SJS)
Week 8: Keita Crespina (PHI)
Defensive Player of the Game:
Week 1: Arkee Thompson (PHI)
Week 2: Russell Shaw (CHI)
Week 3: Arkee Thompson (PHI)
Week 4: Monty Montgomery (NO)
Week 5: Jermaine Jones (DAL)
Week 6: Chris Angel (NY)
Week 7: Tremain Mack (SJS)
Week 8: Eddie Moten (PHI)
Results in the Red Zone
Phi offense TD%: 78% (6th)
GR offense: TD%: 73% (8th)
Phi defense TD%: 80% (14th)
GR defense: TD%: 83% (16th)
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 24, 2005
- SaberCats on TV Monday - San Jose SaberCats
- Fox focus: week nine - AFL I
- Quick hitters: week nine - AFL I
- Monday night in Vegas when Gladiators face San Jose - Las Vegas Gladiators
- VooDoo plans fun-filled experience for Saturday's game against Georgia Force - New Orleans VooDoo
- Kelly and Cohen receive AFLWA mid-year honors - New Orleans VooDoo
- Tickets still available for Destroyers vs. Dragons game Saturday - Columbus Destroyers
- Venture To Vegas: Predators Texas Hold'Em Tournament slates for May 14 - Orlando Predators
- Crush activate Walker, place Reese on IR - Colorado Crush
- Plank, Crow, Davis and McMenamin on "Under the Roof" tonight - OSC Original by OurSports Central press release
- Philadelphia Soul game notes - Philadelphia Soul
- Rampage sign Mason to bolster secondary - Grand Rapids Rampage
- Samuels Named Ironman of the Mid-Year - Tampa Bay Storm
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.
