Philadelphia Soul Ready to Face Predators
Published on April 27, 2012 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA (April 27, 2012) - The Philadelphia Soul (5-1) head south this week to take on the Orlando Predators (1-5). Philadelphia currently holds a 4-3 all-time series lead against Orlando, with the home team always coming up victorious.
"This is an important part of the season for our team, and we can't overlook any opponent," said Soul head coach Doug Plank. "Our goal is to continue to play as a complete team each week. We need solid offense, defense, and special teams each time we step on the field."
The Soul lead the Coaches' Poll voting for the second week in a row, with 14 first-place votes and a total score of 157 points. The votes are no doubt in response to the Soul's recent impressive home stand, which saw the team hold off the determined San Jose SaberCats' late game rally and down the Tampa Bay Storm 83-48.
Philadelphia will make the trip to Orlando's Amway Center with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 28. The game can be heard on 950 ESPN Radio with play-by-play announcer Matt Martucci. Fans can also catch the game on Comcast SportsNet, with play-by-play by Lou Tilley and color commentary by Tom Goodhines. The broadcast will be tape delayed, and is scheduled to start at approximately 10:30 p.m. As always, a live stream of the game with be available on the Soul's Ustream site, www.ustream.com/philadelphiasoul.
The Soul will look to continue their three-game win streak. With perfect records on the road (3-0) and against the Southern Division (3-0) this season, there is good reason to believe that their streak will continue.
Orlando looks to start a winning streak of their own. After going winless in the first five games this season, the Predators finally got the "W" beating the Georgia Force at home last Friday. Although the Predators have had a slow start to the season, the Soul know not to take the team lightly, especially with the Predators' quarterbacks Justin Roper, and newly acquired Chris Leak.
"Orlando is currently an improving team," said Soul head coach Doug Plank. "They were unfortunately scheduled as the first game of the season, and it's hard to not be affected by a game like that. The Predators have always had a great home-field advantage. We won't let their record fool us, we know that it will be tough to play in Orlando."
Soul quarterback Dan Raudabaugh has played consistently well throughout the first six weeks of the season, which has made him one of the League's best in multiple categories. Raudabaugh's is ranked No. 1 in the AFL in both efficiency rating (127.5) and passing yards per completion average (14.0). He comes in at No. 2 in passing yards per attempt with 9.2 yards and passing touchdowns, with 41 through six games, while his completion percentage of 65.9 ranks No. 5.
WR Tiger Jones has continued to step up as the Soul's No. 1 receiver, and one of the League's best. Jones currently sits at No. 2 in the AFL for yards per catch with 16.4, No. 3 in reception yards with 721, and No. 4 for receiving yards per game with an average of 120.2 yards and receiving touchdowns with 17. His 102 points tie him for No. 6 in the League.
Orlando has a few standout players Philadelphia will have to keep an eye on during the game. One of those players is Predator WR Nate Forse. Forse is the leading receiver on the Predators, compiling 41 receptions for 417 yards and four touchdowns for an average of 83.4 yards per game, putting him at No. 1 on the team in all of those categories. The Soul will also have to watch out for DB Travis Coleman. Coleman ranks No. 1 on Orlando in interceptions with four, returned for a total of 91 yards for one touchdown and No. 3 on the defense in tackles with 22.0 total. His two forced fumbles tie him for No. 4 in the AFL while his interceptions rank him tied for No. 5.
Currently, the Soul are tied with the Chicago Rush for the League's best record, 5-1. A Soul win on Saturday, paired with a Rush loss, would give the team sole ownership of the top spot.
Arena Football League Stories from April 27, 2012
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- Tampa Bay Storm to host ââ¬ËMilitary Night' Saturday, May 26th - Tampa Bay Storm
- Utah's Hyland Named Week 8 National Guard Community MVP - AFL
- Philadelphia Soul Ready to Face Predators - Philadelphia Soul
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