Soul Hunting for a Win Against Predators
Published on April 8, 2011 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA (April 8, 2011) - The Philadelphia Soul (1-2) will be on the hunt for their second win of the season when they travel to the Amway Center in Orlando, FL to battle the Predators (2-1) on Saturday, April 9, at 7:30 p.m. (EST). This will be the final game of the Soul's four-game, season opening, road trip.
After beginning the season with a thrilling 58-52 overtime victory over the Pittsburgh Power (2-2), the Soul have lost two consecutive games to the Chicago Rush (3-1) in Week 2, and Milwaukee Mustangs (1-3) in Week 4. The Soul are hoping to rebound after Monday night's 51-49 defeat in Milwaukee, which ended on a last second, two-yard, touchdown pass by Mustangs' quarterback R.J. Archer.
"Decision making was the biggest disappointment," said Soul Head Coach, Mike Hohensee. "Playing four games on the road isn't necessarily as difficult as are the days between games to prepare and rehab injuries."
The Predators will also be looking to rebound after a 48-47 loss in Arizona to the Rattlers (4-0) last week. Prior to their first loss, the Predators opened their season with two consecutive, double-digit, victories versus the New Orleans Voodoo (0-4) in Week 2 and Utah Blaze (2-1) in Week 3.
The Soul have gotten the best of the Predators, leading the overall series 3-1, with all games having been won by the home team. However, the Predators are 10-5 against Hohensee led teams, and are 7-1 when those games are played in Orlando.
"We expect a crazy atmosphere and their best effort, after losing a game to Arizona," said Hohensee.
After leading by as much as 23 and scoring 40 points all before halftime in Milwaukee, the Soul only managed to find the end zone once more, scoring just nine points in the second half. While currently ranked fourteenth in the AFL in scoring offense at 45.0 points per game, the Soul will need consistency from their offense. Wide receiver Donovan Morgan has shined when given the opportunity, catching 28 passes, while also recording 405 yards for five touchdown receptions.
The Predators passing and rushing offense has proven to be lethal, both ranking fifth in the AFL, as they have scored 54.0 points per game. Predators' quarterback Nick Hill, who has completed 73-of-106 passes for 933 yards and 17 touchdowns, is spreading the ball evenly to three of his wide receivers, T.T. Toliver, Robert Quiroga, and Bobby Sippio. Toliver is leading the group with 25 catches for 311 yards and seven touchdowns, while Quiroga has caught 23 passes and Sippio has caught 19.
Defensive back Tanner Varner leads the Soul defense with 17.0 total tackles, and has added two interceptions, two pass break ups, and one blocked kick. The most feared Predator is defensive back Rayshaun Kizer, who has been on constant attack in the secondary with his league leading four interceptions. Kizer has also added 23.0 total tackles, two pass break ups, and one forced fumble.
There are multiple areas of concern for both teams. The Soul's third down conversion rate is 31.2%, ranking seventeenth in the league, while their turnover margin is -6, ranked last. The Predators will look to strengthen their pass defense, which gives up 289.3 yards per game and ranks fifteenth. They will also want to commit less penalties, sacrificing 82.3 penalty yards per game, which ranks seventeenth.
Both the Soul and Predators will be looking to return to the win column in this important Week 5, American Conference, match-up.
ABOUT PHILADELPHIA SOUL
We're back! The Philadelphia Soul begin their home schedule against the Tampa Bay Storm on Friday, April 15 at the Wells Fargo Center. Season tickets start as low as $59. The Soul capped their previous five seasons with an ArenaBowl title in 2008. Season ticket plans are now on sale, fans may order by calling the Soul sales department at (215) 253-4900 ext. 3, or request contact from a representative by filling out the form on www.philadelphiasoul.com. The Philadelphia Soul are presented by Frederick's Chevrolet on the Blvd.
Arena Football League Stories from April 8, 2011
- Utah Falls to 2-2 with Second-Consecutive Road Loss - Utah Blaze
- Shock Stay Busy During Bye Week with Roster Moves - Spokane Shock
- NG Tim McGill Returns to Tampa Bay Storm - Tampa Bay Storm
- Soul Hunting for a Win Against Predators - Philadelphia Soul
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.
