Philadelphia Soul game notes
March 30, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
QUICK FACTS:
Philadelphia (4-5) vs. Columbus (1-7)
Site: Nationwide Arena (17,171 capacity)
Officials: Referee: Bill McCabe; Umpire: Doug Wilson ; Head Linesman: Royce Cooley; Line Judge: Dirk Bell; Back Judge: Jimmy Buchanan.
TV: NBC Sports (WCAU-10)
Play-by-Play: Bob Papa
Color: Ray Bentley
Sideline: Dave Maetzold
RADIO: Soul Radio Network
WNTP 990-AM (Phila.)
106.7 FM WDOX (Atlantic City)
Play-by-Play: Ari Wolfe
Color: Bill Osborne
COACHES:
Soul: James Fuller, 2-2 regular
season; 0-0 postseason; 2-2 overall
Rampage: Chris Spielman, 1-7 regular season; 0-0 postseason; 1-7 overall
THE MATCHUP:
The Philadelphia Soul (3-5) look to add to their season-high two-game winning streak vs. the Columbus Destroyers. Last Saturday the Soul, led by the three turnovers created by the defense, defeated the Grand Rapids Rampage, 64-41. Tony Graziani had another spectacular performance throwing for eight touchdowns for the second consecutive week. Marcus Knight who has been a key to the offense since Coach Fuller took over the reigns, scored five touchdowns in the game. The Columbus Destroyers are looking to stop their five-game losing streak after losing a close game to New York, 56-55. The Destroyers had the ball with 37 seconds remaining trailing by one point; however, Dorazio's first pass was picked off sealing the win for the Dragons.
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. W, 64-41/W2W
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.
COLUMBUS DESTROYERS SCHEDULE AND RESULTS
Opponent Time (ET) Result/Streak
1/28 Nashville 7:00 p.m. L, 47-38/L1
2/13 @ Dallas 3:00 p.m. L, 35-31/L2
2/19 Chicago 7:30 p.m. W, 52-39/W1
2/27 @ Grand Rapids 3:00 p.m. L, 66-57/L1
3/6 @ Georgia 12:00 p.m. L, 55-48/L2
3/12 Las Vegas 12:00 p.m. L, 63-34/L3
3/203/26 @ ColoradoNew York 10:30 p.m.3:00 p.m. L, 52-37/L4L, 56-55/L5
4/3 Philadelphia 3:00 p.m.
4/8 @ Arizona 10:00 p.m.
4/16 @ New Orleans 7:30 p.m.
4/22 Dallas 7:30 p.m.
4/30 Austin 8:00 p.m.
5/7 @ New York 7:30 p.m.
5/15 @ Philadelphia 1:00 p.m.
5/22 Tampa Bay 7:30 p.m.
If the Soul defeat the Destroyers, it would...
· Be the Soul's first divisional win of the season.
· Give the Soul a 3-0 all-time series lead.
· Mark the Soul's longest winning streak (3) in franchise history.
The Coaches Corner
James Fuller: Now in his eighth year of Arena Football, James Fuller (2-2 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.
Chris Spielman: Spielman begins his second season with the Destroyers and first as the club's Head Coach & General Manager. Spielman was named Columbus' second head coach in team history on August 4, 2004, succeeding legendary coach and current Destroyers VP of Football Operations, Earle Bruce. Spielman was the 29th overall selection (2nd round) in the 1988 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions. During the following eight seasons, he earned Pro Bowl honors four times (1989, 1990, 1991 & 1994) and was the first player to lead the Lions in tackles seven straight seasons.
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) Columbus
52.1(8th)53.8 (14th) Scoring OffenseScoring Defense 44.0 (15th)51.6 (11th)
277.4 (12th)307.9 (14th) Offense (Yards/Game)Defense (Yards/Game) 266.9 (14th)269.6 (6th)
24/31- 77.4% (3rd)35/46- 76.1% (13th) Red Zone OffenseRed Zone Defense 19/32 â 59.4% (16th)27/34 â 79.4% (16th)
265.6 (10th)265.9 (10th) Pass OffensePass Defense 241.0 (14th)240.6 (5th)
11.9 (14th)42.0 (17th) Rushing Offense (Yards/Game)Rushing Defense (Yards/Game) 25.9 (5th)29.0 (15th)
18.8 (14th) First Downs 17.6 (17th)
15.0 (4th) Average Starting Position (after kickoffs) 18.0 (2nd)
-2 (11th)3/11- 27.0% (16th) Turnover MarginField Goals -13 (17th) 6/14 - 42.8% (8th)
5 (T-11th)4 (T-3rd) Sacks BySacks Against 4 (T-13th)16 (17th)
28/54- 51.9% (4th)5/14- 35.7% (T-13th) Third Down ConversionFourth Down Conversion 21/56- 39.1% (14th)9/18- 50.0% (T-5th)
50.3 Penalty Yards per Game 68.8
27:54 Time of Possession (Avg.) 29:08
2005 Standings
Philadelphia Soul â 4-5 (3rd in Eastern Division)
Columbus Destroyers â 1-7 (4th in Eastern Division)
2005 Record When...
Wachovia Center 3-2
On the Road 1-3
Score First 2-1
Opp. Score First 2-4
Leading at Half 4-0
Trailing at Half 0-5
Friday 0-1
Saturday 1-0
Sunday 3-4
On NBC 3-4
Hammond/Haden 0-2
Hammond/Bentley 0-2
Papa/Bentley 1-0
Papa/Pawlawski 1-0
Weber/Pawlawski 1-0
On FSN/CSN 1-1
Vs. Eastern 0-2
Vs. Central 2-1
Vs. Western 0-1
Vs. Southern 2-1
January 1-0
February 1-3
March 2-2
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 now leads the AFL in TD passes with 56.
· He is currently on pace to throw a career-high 100 TDs this season.
· For the 2005 season, Graziani has completed 176 of 300 passes for 2,419 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.
Soul Players Among League Leaders
Graziani: TD passes (56-1st) attempts (300-3rd); completions (176-4th); yards (2419-2nd); third down passer rating (118.1-1st).
Scott: TDs (21-t3rd); catches (47-21st); receiving yards (546-23rd); 3rd down catches (11-2nd).
Smith: All-purpose yards (1804-1st); TDs (20-t6th); receiving yards (839-5th); catches (55-12th); kick return yards (894-1st).
Scott's the Heart of the Soul
· Philadelphia-born WR/LB Sean Scott has been the Soul's Ironman through the first nine weeks of the season, winning US Army Ironman of the Game honors four times.
· Last Saturday, Scott sparked the Soul with two TD receptions and a blocked FG return for a score.
· Scott leads the team (3rd in the AFL) with 21 TDs and is 2nd w/47 catches.
· His 31.5 tackles are fourth on the team while 546 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.
Soul Defense Forcing Turnovers
The Soul defense has picked up the pace over the last two weeks. In Saturday's win over Grand Rapids, the unit forced three turnovers, including two interceptions by Michael Bishop, who entered the game with just three all season. In Week 8's win over Tampa Bay, the Soul defense intercepted QB Shane Stafford twice.
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.
Getting the Lead is Key
The Soul are undefeated (4-0) 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 Saturday against the Rampage was the best of his young AFL career. He grabbed 11 passes for 142 yards and five TDs. Below are Knight's 2005 stats in his four games:
Receptions Yards TDs
22 334 10
Graziani Earns Second MVP
Tony Graziani earned his second straight "Offensive Player of the Game" honors for his Week 9 performance in the win over Grand Rapids. Graziani tossed eight touchdowns (with no interceptions) en route to the Soul's second consecutive win.
Coleman Provides a Boost
Soul DS Calvin Coleman â acquired in Week 6 in a trade with New Orleans â has provided an instant boost to the Soul defense. He now has interceptions in each of his last two games and his four picks on the season lead the Soul and place him in a tie for fourth in the AFL. Coleman's most recent interception came at the expense of Grand Rapids QB Michael Bishop, whose ill-advised toss into the end zone bounced off the net and into Coleman's hands.
Record Watching
After 16 TDs in his last two games, Soul QB Tony Graziani has upped his "pace" to 100. He threw a career high 99 TDs a year ago and may come within striking distance of the AFL's single season record of 104, set by Aaron Garcia in 2001.
Local Connections
The Soul obtained Donovan Arp in February of 2004, after his stint with the Destroyers
Destroyers WR/LB Cornelius White is a native of Lanhorne, PA. He attended Neshaminy High School and still resides in Philadelphia in the offseason.
Philly Football's New Ironman
Following in the footsteps of another #7, Ron Jaworski, Tony Graziani has started 58 straight games â the second longest current streak in the AFL.
Graziani vs. Columbus
Tony Graziani is 2-0 in games against the Columbus/Buffalo Destroyers franchise. In those games, he connected on 36 of 59 passes (61%), for 411 yards, 10 touchdowns and one interception.
2005 vs. 2004
Below are the numbers of Tony Graziani and his top two receivers through nine games in 2004 in L.A. vs. his 2005 numbers with Steve Smith and Sean Scott:
2004
comp-att-yards-TDs-INTs
Graziani: 192-297-2287-53-2
rec.-yards-TDs
Chris Jackson: 76-1084-26
Greg Hopkins: 45-489-9
2005
comp-att-yards-TDs-INTs
Graziani: 176-300-2419-56-9
rec.-yards-TDs
Steve Smith: 55-839-18
Sean Scott: 47-546-19
Approaching Milestones
· Soul QB Tony Graziani is 186 yards shy of 15,000 for his career.
· Soul OS Steve Smith is 17 catches shy of 300 for his career and 17 receiving TDs away from 100.
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 1804 total yards place him first in all-purpose yardage.
· His 20 TDs are also tied for sixth-best in the League
· His 839 receiving yards rank fifth in the AFL and his 55 catches are 12th.
· He ranks first in both kickoff returns (41) and kick off return yards (894).
· 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.
Recent Milestones
· Newly acquired kicker Tim Seder converted his first AFL field goal â a 25-yarder â in last Saturday's win over Grand Rapids.
· Scott caught the 100th pass of his career in the Soul's 3/26 win over Grand Rapids.
· Ryan picked up his 200th career carry in the first quarter of the Soul's 3/26 win over Grand Rapids.
· Graziani threw his 300th career TD in the Soul's loss on 3/6 to NY.
· Tyronne Jones caught his 500th career pass 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.
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. He has thrown 16 TDs and zero INTs in the past two games (both Soul wins). For the season, #7 has thrown 56 TDs (1st in the AFL), amassing 2,419 passing yards (2nd) and a QB rating of 111.7.
#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 1,804 and his 20 touchdowns are tied for sixth best.
#24 â DS Calvin Coleman
A second-year player out of Montana, Coleman came over in a trade with the New Orleans VooDoo three weeks ago. This past Saturday he recorded an interception for the second consecutive game. In just six games this season, he has racked up 20.0 tackles, four interceptions and four pass breakups. His pick this week came via Michael Bishop on a throw off the net in the back of the end zone.
#12 â WR/LB Marcus Knight
After being inactive through the season's first five games, Knight has caught fire since entering the lineup. He grabbed 11 passes for 192 yards and five scores this past Saturday en route to Ironman honors. For the season he has reeled in 10 TDs.
Columbus
# 2 â QB Matt D'Orazio
D'Orazio has been and on-and-off starter for the Destroyers through the season's first nine weeks. The 6-foot-4, 230-pounder entered last week's game late and threw an interception with 37 seconds remaining â ending Columbus' comeback bid. For the season, D'Orazio has completed 86 of his 128 throws for 877 yards, 14 touchdowns and three interceptions.
#5 â QB Ryan Vena
Vena has seen significant time under center as well this season and may be called upon this week again. A week ago, he hit on 23 of 37 passes for 305 yards and five TDs. He did throw two interceptions. For the season he has completed 55 of 89 throws for 729 yards, 11 touchdowns and six interceptions.
#4â WR/LB Cornelius White
White, a Virginia Tech graduate, is Columbus' leading scorer with 12 touchdowns so far this season. His 51 catches lead the team and his 620 receiving yards are second best.
Turnovers are Telling
The Soul are 8-5 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
Soul players boasting NFL exp:
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
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
Sean Scott - Phi
Tim Seder -- Dal
Terrill Shaw - KC
Charles Stackhouse - NYG, Min
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 9
2004:
Nick Browder and Todd Hammel â 167 of 290 (58%); 2,023 yards; 36 TDs; 9 INT; 45.5 pts/game; 4 wins.
2005:
Tony Graziani â 176 of 300 (59%); 2,419 yards; 56 TDs (1st in League); 9 INT; 52.1 pts/game; 4 wins.
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)
Week 9: 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)
Week 9: Marcus Knight (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)
Week 9: Calvin Coleman (PHI)
Results in the Red Zone
Phi offense TD%: 77% (3rd)
Clb offense: TD%: 59% (15th)
Phi defense TD%: 76% (13th)
Clb defense: TD%: 79% (16th)
• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League (1987-2008) message board...
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 30, 2005
- San Jose SaberCats game notes - San Jose SaberCats
- Gladiators to hold dodgeball championship sponsored by Club Sport after game on Friday, April 8 - Las Vegas Gladiators
- The OSC interview: Austin Wranglers GM Glyn Milburn - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- Drive to ArenaBowl XIX Las Vegas kicks into high gear - AFL I
- San Jose hopes to continue championship trend - AFL I
- Georgia Force trade for AFL top offensive weapon Chris Jackson - Georgia Force
- Storm make deadline deals - Tampa Bay Storm
- Kats Acquire All-Ironman Toliver In Trade With Storm - Nashville Kats
- Philadelphia Soul game notes - Philadelphia Soul
- Arizona Rattlers game notes - Arizona Rattlers
- Chicago Rush game notes - Chicago Rush
- Las Vegas Gladiators game notes - Las Vegas Gladiators
- Gladiators comeback effort falls short to San Jose, 81-75 - Las Vegas Gladiators
- Rampage trade Carr for Caldwell and future considerations - Grand Rapids Rampage
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.
