Soul clich playoff berth, defeat Force 57-41
May 13, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
GEORGIA - The motto going into tonight's game was "Win and Get In," well the Philadelphia Soul (9-7) did exactly that defeating the Georgia Force (8-8), 57-41 in front of the 13,766 fans at Philips Arena. The victory puts the Soul in the playoffs for the first time in the franchise's three-year history.
The Soul scored 29 unanswered points in the final minute of the first half and first seven minutes of the second. Philadelphia rushed for a franchise best six rushing touchdowns including four by FB/LB Wes Ours en route to the victory. The four rushing touchdowns by Ours was also a team record.
The Force raced out to an early 13-0 lead after one quarter with a Kevin Aldridge three yard touchdown run and a Matt Nagy to Chris Jackson touchdown pass. It was the second time this season the Soul were shut out in the first quarter. The Soul put their first points on the board early in the second quarter when Ours rushed one in from two yards out.
The two teams traded touchdowns until 52 seconds were left in the first half. That changed when DS Eddie Moten picked off his AFL leading 12th interception of the season and returned it for a touchdown. On Georgia's next possession, Moten again intercepted a Nagy pass which resulted in a Todd France 43-yard field goal as the first half expired. The Soul led 30-27 at the half.
The Soul's momentum would continue in the second half as they used a strong dose of WR/LB Sean Scott on their first possession of the half. Scott caught two passes for 28 yards and ran for a 14 yard score for his second touchdown of the game. Scott led the Soul with six catches for 80 yards. He finished the season one yard short of reaching 1,000 receiving yards.
The Soul capped off the run midway through the third quarter when Ours scored his third touchdown of the game, this time from two yards out. That touchdown was set up by another Nagy interception, this time from WR/DB Reggie Doster. The Soul picked off three Nagy passes in all, and finished with an AFL best 28 interceptions for the season
The Force could not cut the lead to fewer than two possessions as both teams would score two touchdowns each in the final 18 minutes as the Soul won their ninth game of the season.
The Soul will wait and see who their first round opponent will be. The deciding game takes place tonight with the Columbus Destroyers taking on the San Jose SaberCats. If the Destroyers win, the Soul will take on the New York Dragons. If Columbus loses the Soul will head to Austin to battle the Wranglers. Kickoff for either game is set for 3 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on NBC. The game can be heard on the New SportsTalk 950 AM and via the web at www.philadelphiasoul.com. Tickets for the game are still on sale by calling 888-PHIL-AFL or by visiting www.philadelphiasoul.com.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 13, 2006
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