Soul shut down Avengers, 47-33
February 5, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA - Despite Philadelphia Soul quarterback Tony Graziani going down with an injury on the team's first drive of the game, the Soul (2-0) dominated on defense against the Los Angeles Avengers (1-1) and went on to their second victory of the season, 47-33, in front of 15,732 fans at the Wachovia Center.
This is the first time in franchise history the Soul have been two games above .500.
Graziani dislocated his left index finger (throwing hand) after being hit by Avengers lineman Silas Demary. Graziani injured his finger trying to brace his fall after the hit.
Backup quarterback Matt Sauk filled in admirably completing 17-of-29 for 147 yards and three touchdown passes. Sauk made his presence felt quickly by throwing an 18-yard touchdown strike to WR/DB Mike Brown on his first-ever play as a member of the Soul. His play earned him Offensive Player of the Game accolades.
The defensive focus of head coach Bret Munsey proved again to be rewarding. An interception by DS Eddie Moten in the last minute of play secured the victory for Philadelphia. The third quarter was highlighted with a fumble recovery for a touchdown by FB/LB Wes Ours following an OL/DL Ernest Allen hit on Los Angeles quarterback Brian Mann. On the afternoon, the Soul sacked Mann four times and put constant pressure on him the entire game.
The Soul scored their first special teams touchdown of the season on a spectacular play by Mike Brown. Brown broke numerous tackles and as he was about to go down, he pitched the ball to his right side to DS Kevin Gaines who raced into the endzone for the score. The play gave the Soul a 14-0 advantage midway through the first quarter.
FB/LB Chad Dukes caught his first touchdown since the 1998 season early in the second quarter when Sauk found him from three-yards out. During the second quarter kicker Todd France connected on two field goals including a season-high 51-yard field goal.
After yielding a mere 13 points to the visiting Avengers in the first half, the stingy Soul defense led the team into the locker room at the break with a 17 point advantage, 27-10.
The Avengers cut the Soul's lead to seven points midway through the fourth quarter when Mann connected with Ironman of the Game Kevin Ingram on a 29-yard strike, making the score 40-33. The Soul responded with 2:21 left in the game when WR/LB Sean Scott rumbled in from 2-yards out, sealing the victory.
The Soul hit the road to take on Munsey's former team, the Orlando Predators, this Saturday, February 11 at 7:30 p.m. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm and will be broadcasted on tape delay on Comcast SportsNet (Philadelphia). The game will also be broadcast live on INHD and on the radio on the News Sportstalk 950 AM. The Soul return to the Wachovia Center two weeks from today (February 19) when the host New York Dragons. Kickoff is set for 3pm. Tickets are still available by calling 1-888-PHIL-AFL or by visiting www.philadelphiasoul.com.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 5, 2006
- Soul shut down Avengers, 47-33 - Philadelphia Soul
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