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Philadelphia Soul game notes

May 10, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Philadelphia Soul News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Columbus (1-13) vs. Philadelphia (6-8)
Site: Wachovia Center (17,639 capacity)
Officials: Referee: Pat Garvey; Umpire: Paul King; Head Linesman: Bill Ward; Line Judge: Bob McKelwee; Back Judge: Dino Paganelli.

RADIO: Soul Radio Network
WNTP 990-AM (Phila.)
106.7 FM WDOX (Atlantic City)
Play-by-Play: Ari Wolfe
Color: Bill Osborn

THE MATCHUP:

The Philadelphia Soul enter the match-up well rested from their bye week and ready to continue their winning ways from the previous week with their impressive win against the Predators on April 30. The team will have to do without WR/LB Sean Scott and OL/DL Donovan Arp though, both of whom were put on the injured reserve list recently. The Columbus Destroyers look to turn around a disappointing season and put their second notch in the win column this afternoon. The Columbus Destroyers lost at the New York Dragons 56-44. The Dragons did not trail at all during the game. The Destroyers have now lost 11 consecutive contests.

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. W, 62-45/W3
4/10 @ Colorado 1:00 p.m. L, 77-56/L1
4/17 Las Vegas 1:00 p.m. L, 56-44/L2
4/24 @ New York 1:00 p.m. L, 51-37/L3
4/30 Orlando 7:00 p.m. W, 64-60/W
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 7:00p.m. L, 38-47/L1
2/6 BYE -
2/13 @ Dallas 3:00 p.m. L, 31-35/L2
2/19 Chicago 7:00 p.m. W, 52-39/W1
2/27 @ Grand Rapids 3:00 p.m. L, 57-66/L1
3/6 @ Georgia 2:00 p.m. L, 48-55/L2
3/12 Las Vegas 7:00 p.m. L, 34-63/L3
3/203/26 @ ColoradoNew York 3:00 p.m.7:00 p.m. L, 37-52/L4L, 55-56/L5
4/3 Philadelphia 12:00 p.m. L 45-62/L6
4/8 @ Arizona 10:030 p.m. L, 53-70/L7
4/16 @ New Orleans 8:00 p.m. L, 28-64/L8
4/22 Dallas 7:00 p.m. L, 33-55/L9
4/30 Austin 7:00 p.m. L, 55-58/L10
5/7 @ New York 7:00 p.m. L, 44-56/L11
5/15 @ Philadelphia 1:00 p.m.
5/22 Tampa Bay 3:00 p.m.

If the Soul defeat the Destroyers, it would...

· Give the Soul their second win over Columbus this season.
· Extend the franchise mark for wins in a season with seven.
· Improve the Soul to 4-0 all-time against Columbus

The Coaches Corner

James Fuller: Now in his eighth year of Arena Football, James Fuller (4-5 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: Chris Spielman is in his second season with the Destroyers and first as the club's Head Coach and 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. Though the Destroyers have had a disappointing record this season, Spielman has been a standout on the football field his entire career. After a solid high school career, Spielman went on to Ohio State University where he became a two-time All-American and three-time All-Big Ten selection. He later joined the NFL draft and was selected in the second round by the Detroit Lions where he won Pro Bowl honors four times. After a serious neck injury and later his wife's cancer, Spielman retired from football to pursue broadcasting prior to joining the Destroyers.

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.

2005 Standings

Philadelphia Soul – 6-8 (3rd in Eastern Division)

Columbus Destroyers– 1-13 (4th in Eastern Division)

2005 Record When...

Wachovia Center 4-3
On the Road 2-5
Score First 3-2
Opp. Score First 3-6
Leading at Half 6-1
Trailing at Half 0-6
Tied at Half 0-1
Friday 0-1
Saturday 2-0
Sunday 4-7
On NBC 4-7
Hammond/Haden 0-4
Hammond/Bentley 0-2
Papa/Bentley 2-1
Papa/Pawlawski 1-0
Weber/Pawlawski 1-0
On FSN/CSN 1-1
Vs. Eastern 1-3
Vs. Central 2-2
Vs. Western 0-2
Vs. Southern 3-1
January 1-0
February 1-3
March 2-2
April 2-3

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 is third in the AFL in TD passes with 80.
· He also leads all passers on 3rd down with a rating of 114.5
· For the 2005 season, Graziani has completed 281 of 469 passes for 3,665 yards and 14 INTs.
· As 2004 All Arena First Team QB, he threw a career-best of 99 touchdowns.

Scott on IR

Soul WR/LB Sean Scott is currently on Injured Reserve with an open dislocation of his finger.

Scott's the Heart of the Soul

· Philadelphia-born WR/LB Sean Scott has been the Soul's Ironman through the first 13 weeks of the season, winning US Army Ironman of the Game honors five times.
· Scott is tied for second in the AFL with 13.5 special teams tackles.
· Scott is second on the team in both total TDs with 25 (13th in the AFL) and in receptions with 66.
· His 750 receiving yards are second on the team while his 42.5 tackles are fourth.
· 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.

Soul Defense Comes Up Big

On the final drive of the game with the Soul leading the Predators, Orlando took possession of the ball with just 35 seconds remaining. On third down and one Orlando converted a first down to the Soul 19. However, on the next four plays, all the Predators could amount to was just seven yards. On fourth and goal, a Sanders pass fell incomplete intended for Corey Fleming. The Soul defense came up with one fumble recovery, two sacks, and six passes broken up in the game.

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, performance over the last several weeks has been particularly impressive. Knight has caught 20 touchdown passes from Graziani in that time. Below are his numbers in the nine games he has played this season.

Receptions Yards TDs
51 722 20

Local Connections

The Soul obtained Donovan Arp in February of 2004, after his stint with the Destroyers.

Both Eric Gohlstin and Winfield Garnett played at The Ohio State University. Garnett, who was the team's captain in 1997, still resides in Columbus.

Destroyers WR/LB Cornelius White is a native of Lanhorne, PA. He attended Neshaminy High School and still resides in Philadelphia in the offseason.

Coleman Provides a Boost

Soul DS Calvin Coleman continued his solid play since being acquired in week 6 trade from New Orleans. Coleman once again helped lead the Soul defense as he recorded five solo tackles and one pass breakup in the win over Orlando.

Knight's TD Streak Stopped

Soul rookie WR/LB Marcus Knight was once again a huge presence for the Soul on the offensive side of the ball. He tied Steve Smith with ten receptions in the game, of which he recorded 4 scores. His perfomance was good enough to for his second US Army Ironman of the Game award this season.

Not Out of It Yet

Despite a Week 13 loss that dropped the Soul's record to 5-8, the team remains in the National Conference playoff hunt. However, the Soul must win out and receive some help from other teams to qualify for the AFL playoffs.

Soul's Playoff Picture

For Philadelphia to reach playoffs, ALL of the following must occur:
* PHI wins twice (Clb, Dal)
* TB loses twice (NY, Clb)
* NO loses twice (Aus, Orl)
* DAL TIES (Geo, Phi)
That would set up a four way tie for the last playoff spot between PHI (8-8), TB (8-8), NO (8-8) and DAL (7-7-2).

Since Dallas did not play TB, you would have to apply step two of the three-or-more team tiebreaker: Best won-lost percentage in common games.

PHI would win based on 5-1 record (TB 4-3; NO 3-4; DAL 4-1-1)

Graziani vs. Columbus

Tony Graziani is 3-0 in games against the Columbus/Buffalo Destroyers. In those games, he has connected on 56 of 88 passes (64%), for 672 yards, 17 touchdowns and one interception.

2005 vs. 2004

Below are the numbers of Tony Graziani and his top two receivers through 14 games in 2004 in L.A. vs. his 2005 numbers with Steve Smith and Sean Scott:

2004
comp-att-yards-TDs-INTs
Graziani: 294-458-3,813-88-4
rec.-yards-TDs
Chris Jackson: 111-1,657-40
Greg Hopkins: 58-647-12

2005
comp-att-yards-TDs-INTs
Graziani: 281-469-3,665-80-14
rec.-yards-TDs
Steve Smith: 87-1,190-23
Sean Scott: 66-750-21

Philly Football's New Ironman

Following in the footsteps of another #7, Ron Jaworski, Tony Graziani has started 62 straight games – the second longest current streak in the AFL.

Results in the Red Zone

Phi offense TD%: 74.1% (8th)
Clb offense: TD%: 60.0% (17th)

Phi defense TD%: 79.1% (14th)
Clb defense: TD%: 79.4% (15th)

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 2,551 total yards place him first in all-purpose yardage.
· His 26 TDs are also 12th-best in the League
· His 1,190 receiving yards rank 10th in the AFL and his 87 catches are tied for 14th.
· He ranks second in kick off return yards (1,361) and sixth in kick returns (61).
· Smith's five TDs in Week 1 set a career and franchise record, which was then tied by Sean Scott's 5-TD

Approaching Milestones

· Tony Graziani is 679 yards away from throwing for 17,000 yards in his career.

· Steve Smith needs 147 receiving yards to reach 4,000 for his career

Recent Milestones

· Steve Smith caught his 300th career reception in Week 12's loss.
· Tony Graziani surpassed the 15,000 career passing yards mark in Week 10 with a fourth quarter pass.
· Newly acquired kicker Tim Seder converted his first AFL field goal – a 25-yarder – in the Week 9 win over Grand Rapids.
· Scott caught the 100th pass of his career in the Soul's Week 9 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.

Players to Watch

Philadelphia

#7 – QB Tony Graziani
Armed with a wealth of talented receivers, led by Sean Scott and Marcus Knight, Graziani continues to put up big numbers. For the season, #7 has thrown 80 TDs (3rd in the AFL), amassing 3,665 passing yards (4th) and a QB rating of 111.7 (11th).

#21 – DS Eddie Moten
An AFL rookie, Eddie Moten is having an impressive first year for the Soul. His 58 solo tackles place 10th in the League and he leads the team with 65.5 total tackles. Moten's four interceptions are second on the team and tied for 15th in the AFL.

#84 – OS Steve Smith
Another notable offseason acquisition by the Soul, Smith is a dynamic playmaker who can score from anywhere on the field. His 2,551 all-purpose yards give him a comfortable lead on the rest of the League and he leads the Soul in receptions (87), receiving yards (1190) and TDs (26).

#12 – WR/LB Marcus Knight
After being inactive through the season's first five games, Knight has caught fire since entering the lineup. In eight games of play, he has tallied 51 catches for 722 yards and a very impressive 20 touchdowns. Knight's play five weeks ago earned him his first ever US Army Ironman of the Week award. He also scored the game-tying touchdown with just: 13 in Week 12's loss to Las Vegas.

Columbus

#5 – QB Ryan Vena
Ryan Vena enters his second season of Arena Football and his second with the Destroyers. Last season, Vena concluded his rookie campaign in record fashion setting the Destroyer's team record for All-time leading rusher with 229. His 63.5 completion percentage was tops in team history. He finished with 3,076 passing yards, which is third-best in league history for a rookie. This season, Vena has completed 75 of 124 attempts for 959 yards and 14 TDs for a QB rating of 92.8.

#3 – OS Damien Groce
Groce, a fifth-year AFL player from Iowa State, leads the team in rushing with 1123 yards, touchdowns with 20, and kicking with 122 points. He spent last season with the Carolina Cobras setting career-highs in receptions (73), receiving yards (881), touchdowns (21), and points scored (126). He was the Cobras MVP in 2004.

#4 – WR/DB Cornelius White
A seven-year veteran with the AFL, White completed his second season with the Destroyers as their top receiver averaging over 80 yards per game in 2004. White is second only to Groce in receiving with 854 yards and 16 touchdowns so far this season.

#13 – K Steve Videtich
Videtich joined the Destroyers last season as one of the top kickers in the AFL. Last season, the former AFL kicker of the year converted on 14-of-29 field goal attempts and 89-of-102 PATS. Videtich continues to impress connecting on 66-of-72 extra points, and 11 field goals for 100 points.

Turnovers are Telling

The Soul are 9-8 all-time when the team ties or wins the game's turnover battle and 1-12 when they don't. They are 3-4 when winning the battle this season but just 1-4 when losing it.

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 – Bal
Wes Ours – Ind, Tenn, Pit
Sean Scott - Phi
Tim Seder -- Dal
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 13 Games
2004:
Nick Browder and Todd Hammel – 250 of 420 (59%); 3,168 yards; 57 TDs; 16 INT; 46.2 pts/game; 5 wins.

2005:
Tony Graziani – 281 of 469 (60%); 3,665 yards; 80 TDs (3rd in League); 14 INT; 52.6 pts/game; 6 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)
Week 10: Tony Graziani (PHI)
Week 11: John Dutton (COL)
Week 12: Clint Dolezel (LVG)
Week 13: Aaron Garcia (NYD)
Week 14: Tony Graziani (PHI)
Week 15: BYE

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)
Week 10: Sean Scott (PHI)
Week 11: Kevin McKenzie (COL)
Week 12: Cornelius Bonner (LVG)
Week 13: Billy Parker (NYD)
Week 14: Marcus Knight (PHI)
Week 15: BYE

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)
Week 10: Eddie Moten (PHI)
Week 11: Rashad Floyd (COL)
Week 12: Steve Konopka (LVG)
Week 13: Chris Anthony (NYD)
Week 14: Mario Branch (PHI)
Week 15: BYE



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 10, 2005


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