Soul shut down by Destroyers, 53-20
March 19, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
COLUMBUS, OH - The Philadelphia Soul (4-4) suffered their worst defeat in franchise history, 53-20 tonight against the Columbus Destroyers (4-4) in front of 12,807 fans at Nationwide Arena. The 20 points scored was the lowest in franchise history.
The two teams battled for the first three quarters before Columbus pulled away in the final quarter. Trailing by only three points with 4:39 seconds left in the third quarter, the Destroyers scored the game's final 30 points to secure the victory.
The Destroyers scored the game's first points when quarterback John Kaleo hit wide receiver/linebacker David Saunders on an 18-yard scoring strike. On the ensuing possession, the Soul tied the game when quarterback Tony Graziani found wide receiver/defensive Mike Brown from 27-yards out.
The Soul's defense made the first defensive stop on Columbus' next possession. After marching down the field to the Destroyers one-yard line, Brown fumbled going in for the score and the Soul turned the ball over.
After the turnover, the Destroyers took the lead for good when Kaleo found offensive specialist Carl Bond on a 26-yard score. On the Soul's next possession, Columbus' defense forced the Soul to a field goal where kicker Todd France hit his first of two field goals of the evening.
Columbus scored once more in the first half when defensive specialist Jerald Brown picked off Graziani for a touchdown. Graziani threw the pass low and wide receiver Sean Scott bobbled the ball which landed in the hands of Brown who ran in uncontested.
With Columbus leading 23-13 midway through the third quarter, the Soul cut the lead to three points when offensive specialist J.J, McKelvey caught a quick screen from Graziani and raced in for a 33-yard score.
Columbus would score three straight touchdowns, a safety and a late rushing touchdown by fullback/linebacker Harold Wells in the final quarter.
Graziani finished the night completing 16-of-31 passes for 225 yards and two touchdowns. His main target was Brown who finished with a game high nine catches for 117 yards and a touchdown. Only three Soul receivers recorded receptions in the game. McKelvey totaled five grabs for 97 yards and a touchdown while Scott had two catches for 11 yards. Defensive specialist Eddie Moten picked off his fourth of the season in the second quarter.
The Soul face another division rival this Saturday, March 25 when they travel to Dallas to face the Desperados. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on Comcast SportsNet (Tape Delayed at 10:30 p.m.). The game can also be heard on the New Sports Talk 950 AM and via the web at www.philadelphiasoul.com. The Soul return to the Wachovia Center on Friday, March 31 when they host the Austin Wranglers.
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 19, 2006
- Desperados Roll Past Predators, 87-62 - Dallas Desperados
- Defense Is Key In Storm Victory Over Dragons - Tampa Bay Storm
- Soul shut down by Destroyers, 53-20 - Philadelphia Soul
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