Soul light up scoreboard in 69-63 win over Storm

Published on March 20, 2005 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Philadelphia Soul News Release


PHILADELPHIA – An offensive explosion produced a franchise-record number of points for the Philadelphia Soul, as they defeated the Tampa Bay Storm 69-63 in front of 16,542 at the Wachovia Center. The win gave interim Head Coach James Fuller his first as an AFL head coach and increased the Soul's season record to 3-5.

Looking to put the game out of reach with ten seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Philadelphia kicker Tim Seder attempted a 39-yard field goal only to have it blocked and recovered by the Storm at the Soul's 14 yard line. However, Tampa Bay quarterback Shane Stafford's throw into the end zone was broken up by Soul defensive specialist Joe Todd as time expired.

Tony Graziani and Sinking Springs, PA-native Stafford took turns tossing touchdowns, as Graziani tied a season high with eight while Stafford finished with seven. For the game Graziani was 18-for-33 for 320 yards and no interceptions, while Stafford finished 31-for-45 for 348 yards and two interceptions.

Graziani, whose performance earned him Offensive Player of the Game honors, said the win was a much needed one for the Soul's morale and noted he was happy to be a part of Fuller's first victory.

"Anytime you have such high expectations at the beginning of the season and come out 2-5, a win like this is huge," Graziani said. "Coach Fuller brings that fire that was very evident today."

Just a week after netting a franchise-low 26 points, the Soul put up a record 48 points through the first two quarters, as the team found the end zone seven times en route to a 48-42 lead. Graziani threw five touchdowns, Chris Ryan ran for one, and Steve Smith returned a 57-yard kickoff for another score.

"I think our team showed a lot of character in such an up and down game," Fuller said. "To come down to the last four seconds, and then to win, I think that's amazing."

Smith led all players with 246 all purpose yards and sparked the team with his kickoff return for a touchdown. Marcus Knight caught four balls for 87 yards and scored three times. Keita Crespina, the US Army Ironman of the Game, scored once on three receptions for 66 yards and had 4.5 tackles and one pass breakup.

The Soul return to the Wachovia Center this Saturday when they host the Grand Rapids Rampage in their only Saturday night game of the season. Kickoff is set for 7pm and will be live on Comcast SportsNet (Philadelphia). The game can also be heard live on Philadelphia's NewsTalk 990 AM and on www.philadelphiasoul.com. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets or online at www.philadelphiasoul.com.

NOTES: Sean Scott was held without a catch for the first time in his career...The Soul recorded their first block kick of the season when Chris "Soul Train" Ryan blocked Matt George's kick at the end of the first half...The Soul recorded a season high two sacks (Winfield Garnett and Dwayne Missouri)...The Soul secured their first double digit lead since week three versus the Nashville Kats...The Soul scored a touchdown on every possession in the first half.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 20, 2005


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