Soul down Destroyers, 51-43
May 17, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
Philadelphia, PA -- Quarterback Matt D'Orazio tossed seven touchdowns, including four in a decisive second half surge, as the Philadelphia Soul topped the Columbus Destroyers, 51-43, Saturday night before a capacity crowd of 18,741 at the Wachovia Center.
The victory was the first in three weeks for the Soul, who are working to overcome the loss of six injured starters. Now 10-2, the Soul moved into a sole possession of first place in the Eastern Division as the Dallas Desperados fell to 9-2 after losing to the Arizona Rattlers on Saturday night. The loss dropped Columbus to 2-9.
Soul receiver Chris Jackson moved into second place all time in the AFL for career touchdown receptions, but fellow wideout Larry Brackins had the biggest play of the night. With the Soul down 21-14 and less than 30 seconds remaining in the first half, Brackins took a D'Orazio flip on the right side and skirted two tackles on the way to a 43-yard touchdown. Connor Hughes' extra point enabled the Soul to forge a 21-21 halftime tie.
The Destroyers dominated the first half in both time of possession (21:05 to 8:55) and in offensive plays (29-12), but the Soul had quick strike touchdowns to Jackson for 33 yards and to Brackins for 43 to keep pace. On the first possession of the third quarter, wide receiver Brent Holmes made a circus catch of a D'Orazio pass for an 18-yard score as the Soul took a 28-21 lead.
Later in the third period, defensive lineman Gabe Nyenhuis' safety was sandwiched by Jackson and Brackins TD receptions as the Soul scored 16 unanswered points to take control of the contest.
D'Orazio finished the game19 of 23 for 284 yards. Jackson had three touchdowns to bring his career total to 304 and his league-leading 2008 mark to 36. Brackins finished with eight catches for 127 yards and two touchdowns.
Destroyers quarterback Matt Nagy competed 23 of 35 for 308 yards, hitting Calvin Russell six times for 125 yards. Columbus receiver C.J. Johnson had two touchdowns and fellow wideout Derek Lee had nine catches for 98 yards and one touchdown.
• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League (1987-2008) message board...
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 17, 2008
- Soul down Destroyers, 51-43 - Philadelphia Soul
- Rattlers lasso Desperados on final play of game - Arizona Rattlers
- Destroyers' comeback falls short as Soul run the clock out in the fourth quarter - Columbus Destroyers
- Kosar's Gladiators Defeat Elway's Crush, 50-46 - Cleveland Gladiators
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
