Philly Unable to Slow Offensive Attack of Sharks
May 6, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Soul (2-6) were unable to slow the attacking offense of the Jacksonville Sharks (7-1) or overcome double-digit deficits throughout the second half as the Soul were defeated 58-42 in front of 8,429 fans on Friday night at the Wells Fargo Center.
"When you play the toughest quarterbacks in the league [Aaron Garcia] you have to play better than we did," said Soul Head Coach Mike Hohensee. "We can't have untimely turnovers like we did against one of the top teams in league. We have to improve in that area and others if we want to win."
Philadelphia Soul quarterback Ryan Vena completed 11-of-23 passes for 123 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions before being replaced by Justin Allgood in the third quarter. Allgood finished the game by completing 8-of-15 passes for 127 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception.
The Soul struck first with a 28-yard touchdown pass from Vena to wide receiver Keith Stokes with 7:47 remaining, but the Sharks bit right back with a 20-yard strike from quarterback Aaron Garcia, to wide receiver Jeron Harvey. The following Soul series began and ended with a Vena interception, which the Sharks immediately capitalized on with a 29-yard touchdown reception by wide receiver Jomo Wilson.
Both teams got into the end zone at the start of the second quarter to give the Sharks a 21-14 lead. After another Sharks touchdown, the Soul were given a short field with a failed on-sides kick and penalty by the Sharks, which set up a seven-yard touchdown reception by wide receiver Donovan Morgan. The half ended with a Sharks field goal and lead of 30-21.
Allgood took over at quarterback with 5:24 remaining in the third quarter. Three plays later, Sharks defensive back Terrance Smith hauled in an interception and returned it 41 yards for a touchdown, giving the Sharks a 37-21 lead at the end of the third and earning him the Spalding Play of the Game.
The teams traded three touchdowns each throughout the final frame, but the Sharks offensive attack proved to be too lethal as they maintained their 17-point lead to finish off the Soul by a score of 58-42.
Garcia displayed his play calling prowess throughout the contest, completing 21-of-31 passes for 271 yards and five touchdowns. Wilson caught 11 of those passes for 148 yards and three touchdowns.
The Soul fall to 2-6 on the season while the Sharks win their seventh straight and improve to 7-1. The Soul remain at home next week when they welcome the Georgia Force to the Wells Fargo Center on Friday, May 13 at 7:05 p.m. (EST), with coverage on AFL Live and NiftyTV.
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