Philadelphia Soul game notes
July 3, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
NATIONAL CONFERENCE DIVISIONAL ROUND PLAYOFF GAME - SOUL @ FORCE: THE FACTS
Date: Sunday, June 8, 2007
Kickoff: 7:00 PM ET
Site: Philips Arena
Officials: Referee: Bill McCabe, Umpire: Doug Wilson, Head Linesman: Kelly Saalfeld, Line Judge: Dave Meslow, Back Judge: Keith Washington
THE GAME CAN BE HEARD...
On in Philadelphia with Ari Wolfe handling the play-by-play and director of communications Brian Sternberg supplying color commentary.
THE GAME CAN BE SEEN...
Live on with Dave Pasch handling the play-by-play and Ray Bentley adding color commentary.
THE SERIES - SOUL VS. FORCE
This week's game between Philadelphia and Georgia will be the third meeting between the two teams. The Soul have a 1-1 regular season record against the Force. The last meeting between the two teams was earlier this season in Week 6 when Georgia gave Philadelphia its first loss of the season, 57-49. This is the second time the Soul will travel to Atlanta. Last year, the Soul defeated the Force, 57-41, at the Philips Arena in the final week of the regular season.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
If the Soul win, it would
- Advance the Soul to the National Conference Championship Round
- Give the Soul a 3-1 playoff record
- Give the Soul a 2-1 record vs. Georgia
- Give the Soul a 10-8 overall record
- Give the Soul a 5-4 road record
SCHEDULES
Philadelphia Soul (8-8)(1-0)
All Times ET
Date Opponent Time Result Score
March 3 @ Arizona 9:00 W 69-65
March 11 Austin 3:30 W 60-51
March 17 @ Tampa Bay 7:30 W 61-47
March 24 San Jose 7:00 W 64-62
March 30 @ Columbus 7:00 L 61-62
April 9 @ Philadelphia 7:30 W 57-49
April 15 Las Vegas 3:30 W 69-68
April 21 Dallas 7:00 W 78-63
April 27 @ New Orleans 7:00 W 72-57
May 4 Orlando 7:30 W 55-34
-- BYE -- -- --
May 19 Los Angeles 10:30 L 57-51
May 26 Tampa Bay 7:00 W 52-38
June 2 Columbus 7:00 W 54-33
June 9 @ Austin 8:30 W 81-64
June 15 @ Orlando 7:30 W 55-44
June 24 New Orleans 3:30 W 68-42
PLAYOFF SCHEDULE
-- BYE -- -- --
July 8 Philadelphia 7:00
Georgia Force (14-2)(0-0)
All Tines ET
Date Opponent Time Result Score
-- BYE -- -- --
March 9 @ Nashville 8:00 W 63-30
March 15 @ Grand Rapids 7:00 W 69-40
March 22 Colorado 7:00 W 71-47
April 1 @ New York 1:00 W 65-60
April 9 Georgia 7:30 L 49-57
April 16 @ Dallas 8:00 L 41-51
April 23 @ Columbus 7:30 L 21-44
April 30 @ Chicago 8:00 L 43-54
May 5 Kansas City 7:00 L 41-53
May 14 New York 7:30 L 49-69
May 21 New Orleans 7:30 W 78-34
May 27 @ Austin 4:05 W 76-66
June 1 Dallas 7:30 L 56-59
June 9 @ Tampa Bay 7:30 L 59-69
June 16 Columbus 7:00 W 56-53
June 21 Orlando 7:00 W 63-49
PLAYOFF SCHEDULE
June 29 Orlando 7:30 W 41-26
July 8 @ Georgia 7:00
THE SOUL'S GAME VS ORLANDO (Wild Card Round)
Offensive Player of the Game: PHI - Tony Graziani
ADT Defensive Player of the Game: PHI - Philadelphia Soul Defense
Ironman of the Game: PHI - Jerrian James
PHILADELPHIA - Tony Graziani threw for 198 yards and three touchdowns to lead Philadelphia to a 41-26 win over the Orlando Predators in the Soul's first Arena Football League playoff game Friday night.
Orlando's Shane Stafford threw for 227 yards and two touchdowns, but the Soul held the Predators to just two field goals in the second half. Eddie Moten picked off Stafford in the fourth quarter and the Soul held Orlando on downs two other times.
The Soul will play at Dallas or Georgia next weekend.
Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 FINAL
Orlando Predators 7 13 3 3 26
Philadelphia Soul 10 10 14 7 41
THE COACHES
Bret Munsey (2nd Season) (17-15 regular season, 2-1 postseason)
Bret Munsey became the third head coach for the Philadelphia Soul and helped led them to their first postseason last year. He compiled a 9-7 regular season record for the first winning season in the Soul's three-year history. Following the 2006 season, he received a two-year contract extension through the 2008 season.
Munsey, 38, came to the Soul after serving on Orlando's staff for three seasons under Jay Gruden. After joining the Predators in 2003 and serving as the team's offensive coordinator and wide receivers/defensive backs coach, he was promoted to assistant head coach in August of 2003. This role also included his director of player personnel and defensive coordinator roles throughout his final two seasons there.
In 2005, the Predators finished with a 10-6 regular season record and lost in the conference finals to the Georgia Force. The team ranked third in the League in scoring defense (47.2 ppg), fifth in total defense (269.2 ypg) and second in pass rating defense (98.9).
In his role as defensive coordinator, Munsey organized Orlando's defensive game plans and served as defensive backs coach. His 2004 defense ranked first in the league in scoring defense (43.1), total defense (236.8 ypg) and pass rating defense (95.7).
The Soul look to capitalize on Munsey's defensive knowledge. Philadelphia was the worst in the League against the run last season, allowing 576 yards. They also allowed the second most touchdowns in the League and made the least amount of tackles. Cutting down on stats like these are Munsey's top priority.
Doug Plank (3rd Season) (33-15 regular season, 3-2 postseason)
Doug Plank enters his third season as head coach of the Georgia Force in 2007. In his first two seasons as Georgia's head coach, he has led the Force to a 22-15 overall record and a trip to ArenaBowl XIX in 2005. Under Plank's tutelage, Georgia has made consecutive playoff appearances for the first time in franchise history. In 2005, Plank was voted AFL Coach of the Year after leading the Force to a league best 11-5 regular season record and a 13-6 record overall.
In his second season as the Force's head coach, Plank drove the team to an 8-8 record and their second consecutive playoff berth. Plank secured his third playoff win in two seasons when the Force defeated New York in their Wild Card Game. His opportunistic defense returned seven interceptions for touchdowns during the regular season in 2006. The seven returns are a franchise-high and tied an AFL record.
In 2005, in his first season has a head coach, Plank led the Force to an 11-5 record. The 11-5 mark was the best record in franchise history and secured the Force's first Southern Division Championship and the number one seed in the playoffs. The Force went on to win the inaugural National Conference Championship game by defeating the Orlando Predators. The victory secured Georgia's place in ArenaBowl XIX.
Plank has coached in four of the last five ArenaBowls. He helped lead the Arizona Rattlers to three ArenaBowls as their defensive coordinator. In his final season with the Rattlers, the team finished with an 11-5 record and earned the top seed in the AFL playoffs.
A former member of The Ohio State University football team, Plank played in three consecutive Rose Bowls (1973-75). While at Ohio State, he played for legendary coach Woody Hayes.
Plank brings with him a wealth of football experience that includes an impressive career in the NFL. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the 12th round of the 1975 NFL Entry Draft and started at safety for eight seasons. The "46 Defense" created by Buddy Ryan was named for Plank's jersey number and aggressive style of play. Plank was also the first Bears rookie to ever lead the team in tackles.
PLAYERS OF THE GAME
Offensive Player of the Game
Week Opp. Player
1 BYE ---
2 @ NAS PHI - Tony Graziani
3 @ GRR PHI - Tony Graziani
4 COL PHI - Tony Graziani
5 @ NYD PHI - Tony Graziani
6 GEO GEO - Troy Bergeron
7 @ DAL DAL - Clint Dolezel
8 @ CMB CMB - Damien Groce
9 @ CHI CHI - Bobby Sippio
10 KCB KCB - Raymond Philyaw
11 NYD NYD - Aaron Garcia
12 NOV PHI - Tony Graziani
13 @ AUS AUS - Derrick Lewis
14 DAL DAL - Clint Dolezel
15 @ TBS PHI - Larry Brackins
16 CMB PHI - Larry Brackins
17 ORL PHI - J.J. McKelvey
PLAYOFF SCHEDULE
WC ORL PHI - Tony Graziani
NCD GEO
ADT Defensive Player of the Game
Week Opp. Player
1 BYE ---
2 @ NAS PHI - Eddie Moten
3 @ GRR PHI - Eddie Moten
4 COL PHI - Eddie Moten
5 @ NYD PHI - Eddie Moten
6 GEO GEO - Hamin Milligan
7 @ DAL DAL - Duke Pettijohn
8 @ CMB CMB - Leroy Thompson
9 @ CHI CHI - John Mayer
10 KCB KCB - Nick Ward
11 NYD NYD - Kevin Carberry
12 NOV PHI - Eddie Moten & Dwayne Missouri
13 @ AUS PHI - Dwayne Missouri
14 DAL DAL-Duke Pettijohn
15 @ TBS TAM - Traco Rachal
16 CMB PHI - Mike Brown
17 ORL PHI - Gabe Nyenhuis
PLAYOFF SCHEDULE
WC ORL PHI - Soul Defense
NCD GEO
Ironman of the Game
Week Opp. Player
1 BYE ---
2 @ NAS PHI - Sean Scott
3 @ GRR PHI - Mike Brown
4 COL PHI - Mike Brown
5 @ NYD PHI - Charles Pauley
6 GEO GEO - Chris Jackson
7 @ DAL DAL - Will Pettis
8 @ CMB ---
9 @ CHI CHI - DeJuan Alfonso
10 KCB PHI - Charles Pauley
11 NYD NYD - Deshane Dennis
12 NOV PHI - Mike Brown
13 @ AUS AUS - Sedrick Robinson
14 DAL DAL-Will Pettis
15 @ TBS TAM - Lincoln Kennedy
16 CMB CMB - B.J. Barre
17 ORL PHI -Sean Scott
PLAYOFF SCHEDULE
WC ORL PHI - Jerrian James
NCD GEO
SOUL vs. FORCE
REGULAR SEASON BY THE NUMBERS
Statistical SOUL FORCE
Category Rank Stat Rank Stat
Offense/Total Yards/Game 15 279.1 (4,465) 2 315.6 (5,050)
Offense/Yards/Play 8 6.5 1 8.1
Offense/Rushing Yards/Game 7 21.4 (343) 10 19.8 (317)
Offense/Passing Yards/Game 15 257.6 2 303.7
Offense/Passing Yards/Play 10 7.2 1 9.0
Offense/Intercepted 16 20 7 12
Offense/Sacks Allowed 7 9 4 6
First Downs 15 19.9 (318) 3 22.1 (354)
Offense/3rd Down Pct. 1 54-of-96 (56.3) 4 34-of-63 (54.0)
Offense/4th Down Pct. 16 11-of-23 (47.8) 5 14-of-23 (60.9)
Kickoff Return Average 10 18.6 (99-1843) 16 16.8 (83-1393)
Offense/Points/Game 5 56.3 (900) 3 62.9 (1007)
Field Goal Pct. 6 56.3% (9-of-16) 1 71.4% (5-of-7)
Penalties/Game 16 8.9 19 10.4
Penalties Yards/Game 16 52.1 (834) 18 56.8 (908)
Defense/Total Yards/Game 16 303.6 15 302.8
Defense/Yards/Play 10 6.4 4 6.0
Defense/Rushing Yards/Game 7 16.0 (256) 2 11.7 (187)
Defense/Passing Yards/Game 15 287.6 16 291.4
Defense/Interceptions 10 19 15 13
Defense/Sacks/Attempts 5 20 (622) 1 29 (665)
Defense/First Downs/Game 10 20.5 19 23.7
Defense/3rd Down Pct. 5 44.7% (51-of-114) 8 46.4% (51-of-110)
Defense/4th Down Pct. 13 59.4% (19-of-32) 5 47.2% (17-of-36)
Defense/Kickoff Return Average 4 17.5 (91-1593) 12 18.3 (107-1956)
Defense/Points/Game 8 52.2 (835) 9 52.3 (836)
Defense/Penalties/Game 5 8.7 8 8.1
Defense/Penalty Yards/Game 4 52.1 10 47.0
Points/Game Differential 5 +4.06 3 +10.69
Give-Aways/Take-Aways 8 35/37 (+2) 6 21/27 (+6)
SOUL vs. FORCE
POSTSEASON BY THE NUMBERS
Statistical SOUL FORCE
Category Rank Stat Rank Stat
Offense/Total Yards/Game 7 221.0 (221) 0 0.0 (0)
Offense/Yards/Play 7 5.0 0 0.0
Offense/Rushing Yards/Game 1 23.0 (23) 0 0.0 (0)
Offense/Passing Yards/Game 8 198.0 0 0.0
Offense/Passing Yards/Play 7 5.7 0 0.0
Offense/Intercepted 1 0.0 0 0
Offense/Sacks Allowed 1 0 0 0
First Downs 5 18.0 (18) 0 0.0 (0)
Offense/3rd Down Pct. 5 3-of-7 (42.9) 0 0-of-0 (0.0)
Offense/4th Down Pct. 6 0-of-2 (0.0) 0 0-of-0 (0.0)
Kickoff Return Average 6 15.2 (6-91) 0 0.0 (0-0)
Offense/Points/Game 7 41.0 (41) 0 0.0 (0)
Field Goal Pct. 1 100.0% (2-of-2) 0 0.0% (0-of-0)
Penalties/Game 1 3.0 0 0.0
Penalties Yards/Game 1 21.0 (21) 0 0.0 (0)
Defense/Total Yards/Game 1 217.0 0 0.0
Defense/Yards/Play 1 4.9 0 0.0
Defense/Rushing Yards/Game 1 -2.0 (-2) 0 0.0 (0)
Defense/Passing Yards/Game 2 219.0 0 0.0
Defense/Interceptions 3 1 0 0
Defense/Sacks/Attempts 2 2 (38) 0 0 (0)
Defense/First Downs/Game 1 11.0 0 0.0
Defense/3rd Down Pct. 1 11.1% (1-of-9) 0 0.0% (0-of-0)
Defense/4th Down Pct. 3 25.0% (1-of-4) 0 0.0% (0-of-0)
Defense/Kickoff Return Average 2 13.4 (5-67) 0 0.0 (0-0)
Defense/Points/Game 1 26.0 (26) 0 0.0 (0)
Defense/Penalties/Game 1 12.0 0 0.0
Defense/Penalty Yards/Game 1 78.0 0 0.0
Points/Game Differential 2 +15.00 0 0.0
Give-Aways/Take-Aways 2 1/2 (+1) 0 0/0 (0)
SOUL'S NOTES AND TRENDS
DIVISIONAL ROUND
With their 41-26 victory last week over the Orlando Predators, the Philadelphia Soul have advanced to the Divisional Round of the playoffs for the second time in two years. The Soul were knocked out of the divisional round by the Predators last year. Philadelphia has never made it past this stage of the playoffs in their four years in the League.
BACK AGAIN
Former Soul players Reggie Doster and Ernest Allen will play their former team when the Georgia Force hosts Philadelphia in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. This will be the third time this season Doster will go up against the Soul. The first time he faced his former team was in Week 3 for Grand Rapids, then in Week 5 with the Force. As for Allen, he earned All-Arena second team honors while with the Soul in 2006. Accompanying Doster and Allen will be director of football operation Jim Kubiak who is the Soul's former offensive coordinator from last season.
WAY BACK WHEN
Former teammates Tony Graziani and Chris Jackson will meet again when the Soul take on the Force this week. Graziani and Jackson played together for the Los Angeles Avengers from 2001-04. They became very familiar with each other and Graziani helped lead Jackson in being named Offensive Player of the Year in 2003.
WILD CARD MAN
Soul head coach Bret Munsey is 2-0 as a head coach in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs. His first win came last season against the Austin Wranglers.
SECOND TIME AROUND
Philadelphia will take on Georgia this week in the Divisional Round of the playoffs and it will be the second time this season after the Force took the first contest 57-49.
FORCED INTO MISERY
Georgia handed the Soul their first loss of the season after starting the season 4-0. Philadelphia then went on a six game losing streak.
TRAVELIN' MEN
This is only the second time in franchise history the Soul will travel to Georgia to take on the Force. The first road match up came last year in the final game of the regular season when Philadelphia beat Georgia by a score of 57-41.
FIVE GUYS
For the first time in franchise history, the Soul had five players elected to All-Arena teams. Phil Bogle, Martin Bibla and Bryan Save were placed on the All-Rookie team. Phil Bogle also received All-Arena first team honors along with Eddie Moten, this is the first time the Soul have had two players make All-Arena first team, while Mike Mabry was named to All-Arena second team. In addition, FB Idris Price was named to the All-Ironman team.
SECOND HALF
Philadelphia held Orlando to only six points in the second half in last weeks game, defeating them 41-26 giving the Predators their lowest scoring game of the season.
IRONMEN
The Soul are the only team in the League who have played 18 consecutive games this season, Philadelphia received their bye week during Week 1.
IT'S GOOD
Orlando and Philadelphia had six total converted field goals in last week's game, this is the second most field goals in the League history during the Wild Card Round of the playoffs. The record was set on 7/29/2001 when the Indiana Firebirds hosted the Carolina Cobras and put up a combined seven converted field goals.
ARENABOWL CHAMPS
Three of the eight remaining playoff teams are the most recent ArenaBowl champions. The Chicago Rush are the defending League champions with their win of ArenaBowl XX. The Colorado Crush came out victorious in ArenaBowl XIX and the San Jose SaberCats won ArenaBowl XVIII.
SECOND PLACE
Philadelphia defeated last season's defeated ArenaBowl team, the Predators last week and will continue the trend this week when they travel to Atlanta to take on the Force. Georgia went to the ArenaBowl in 2005, but were defeated by the Colorado Crush.
REGULAR SEASON ROUNDUP
The Soul were 2-5 in the regular season against the remaining playoff teams with the two wins coming against the Columbus Destroyers in Week 8 and the Crush in Week 4.
HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE
Georgia is currently 8-0 when playing on their home turf. They finished the regular season with a 14-2 record and their only loses coming on the road against the Destroyers in Week 5 and the Los Angeles Avengers in Week 12.
ON THE ROAD AGAIN
This will be the first road game of the playoff series for the Soul, they finished the regular season 4-4 on the road.
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