Soul drop second straight, fall to Las Vegas 67-49
March 6, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
LAS VEGAS - The Philadelphia Soul (3-3) dropped their second straight contest this afternoon falling to the Las Vegas Gladiators (2-4) 67-49 at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas. The Soul fall to 0-2 on the road this season.
The Soul's troubles started on the game's first play when offensive specialist Marcus Knight caught a screen pass from quarterback Tony Graziani but fumbled trying to make a move at the Gladiators' four yard line. The replay showed the Knight never had possession of the ball. The Gladiators capitalized on the turnover when wide receiver/linebacker Joe Douglass barreled in from 2-yards out. Kicker Eric Houle missed the extra point attempt.
The Soul took their only lead of the contest on their next possession when Graziani found Knight from 8-yards out. Knight caught all three passes for 33 yards in the series.
The Gladiators would score the next 21-points and led 26-7 late in the second half. Philadelphia got back on the scoring column with 2:12 left in the second quarter when Graziani hit wide receiver/linebacker J.J. McKelvey for a 35-yard score, closing the gap to 26-14. Las Vegas would score once more in the final seconds to take a commanding 33-14 lead into the locker room. The Gladiators' defense played exceptional in the half stopping the Soul's offense on three of their four three possessions. They also recovered an onside kick.
The Soul's struggles continued in the second half. After forcing a turnover on the Gladiators first possession, Philadelphia was able to cut the lead to 12-points, 33-21. Unfortunately, the Las Vegas would score 14 unanswered points to close the quarter including a 47-yard interception return by Douglass.
Philadelphia fought back in the fourth quarter but the deficit was too large to overcome. The quarter consisted of four Graziani touchdown passes. After each score, the Soul attempted an onside kick, all recovered by the Gladiators. Trailing by 11 points with a minute left in the game, the Soul had a chance to cut the lead to one score but turned the ball over on downs on four straight incomplete passes. In the quarter, Philadelphia scored 28 points compared to only 21 scored thru the first three quarters combined.
The Soul were led by Graziani who finished the game completing 22-of-46 passes for 346 yards and six touchdowns. Knight let all receivers with nine catches for 131 yards and a touchdown. Five Soul receivers found the endzone including two by McKelvey.
Gladiators' rookie quarterback Jason Fife finished the afternoon completing 18-of-28 passes for 174 yards and five touchdowns. Offensive specialist Marcus Nash totaled six receptions for 65 yards and three first half touchdowns. Douglass had a solid all-around performance including three receptions for 18 yards, a rushing touchdown and an interception returned for a touchdown.
The Soul's road trip continues next Monday, March 13 when the travel to Kansas City to face the expansion Brigade. Kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast live on Comcast SportsNet (Philadelphia) and can also be heard on the New Sports Talk 950 AM. The Soul return to the Wachovia Center on Friday, March 31 when they host the Austin Wranglers.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 6, 2006
- Kats Cut Kicker Dodson - Nashville Kats
- Winners of two straight, Destroyers look to make it three in a row on Friday against Georgia - Columbus Destroyers
- Soul drop second straight, fall to Las Vegas 67-49 - Philadelphia Soul
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