Soul Eye First-Seed in Playoffs; Host Utah Blaze
July 10, 2013 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA (July 10, 2013) - The Philadelphia Soul (10-5) return to action this week in their final regular season home game when host the Utah Blaze (5-10) at 7:35 on Friday, July 12. The Soul, currently on a five-game win streak, will look to keep their streak alive as they are tied for first place in the American Conference.
"We need to play our style of football," explained Soul head coach Clint Dolezel. "We need to force the turnovers and take care of the ball. We're on a five-game winning streak, so we can't get complacent. If we go out there, put pressure on their quarterback and force turnovers, our offense should be put in a good situation to score. If we are efficient in all phases of the game, we should be able to extend our streak."
For the fourth-straight game, Dan Raudabaugh completed at least 72 percent of his passes. The Miami (OH) alum ranks in the league's top five in passing efficiency (No.1), passing yards per attempt (No. 2), completion percentage (No. 2), passing yards (No.3) and passing touchdowns (No. 3). His spectacular play this season is one of the reasons the team scored at least 50 points in all of their games except for one, and ranks No. 3 in scoring offense (59.3).
Having made the All-Arena Team for the last three seasons, Tiger Jones has continued his stellar play this year, leading the AFL in receiving yards (1,942), 244 more than the next closest receiver. The 2011 Cutters Wide Receiver of the Year is also No. 2 in the AFL in receptions (131), No. 4 in yards per catch (14.8) and No. 6 in receiving touchdowns (33).
On defense, Philadelphia has allowed 47.7 points per game (T-No. 1). One reasons for their success has been their rush defense which has allowed only 17 rushing touchdowns (T-No. 2) and 14.8 yards per game (No. 3).
While they rank No. 7 in total defense (281.1), Clint Dolezel's squad has created 17 turnovers in their last four games and has at least one sack in their last seven outings. Bryan Robinson leads the team with 15 tackles-for-loss and ten sacks. Rayshaun Kizer has led the secondary, ranking in the league's top five in interceptions (T-No. 4) and passes defended (No. 2).
Four of Utah's ten losses have been by single digits. Despite their poor record, the Blaze are No. 2 in total offense (306.6) predicated by their passing game (No. 3) led by Jason Boltus. The mobile quarterback is among the league leaders in rushing (No. 9) and averages 6.1 yards per rush. The Blaze also struggled in the red zone, converting at just 74.0 percent (No. 11). Mario Urrutia has 129 catches (No. 4) and 1,535 yards (No. 5) despite the inconsistent quarterback play.
Defensively, the Soul's West Division opponent is No. 3 against the pass. David Hyland has been one of the team's best playmakers ranking the AFL's top ten in missed field goal returns (No. 7), kick return yards (No. 7), interceptions (T-No. 9), and is No. 13 in tackles per game (5.3).
The key to this game will be the play of the quarterbacks. Utah has thrown 33 interceptions this season (No. 13), while Raudabaugh hasn't thrown an interception in his last five games. Philadelphia has done a great job creating turnovers in the last few games so unless the Blaze can stop turning the ball over, the Soul will be in great shape to win their sixth consecutive game.
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