Soul Start Two-Game Road Trip In Spokane
May 17, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA (May 17, 2012) -The Philadelphia Soul (7-2) begin a two-game road trip, with their first stop in Spokane to take on the Shock (4-4), live on TCN on Friday, May 18 at 11 p.m. ET. The Shock are Philadelphia's second challenger to come from the Western Division, but this game marks the first time the Soul travel out west this season. Spokane owns a 1-0 lead in the series after defeating the Soul 75-54 on June 10, 2011.
The Soul currently sit comfortably atop the American Conference, leading each team in the conference by at least two wins. Philadelphia also leads the conference with 633 total points scored this season, more than 100 points ahead of Tampa Bay's second place 492 points. In addition to being in control of the American Conference, the Soul are tied with the San Jose SaberCats for the League's best record this season at 7-2.
In their previous game, Philadelphia overcame a slow start and pulled away in the second half to defeat Jacksonville 56-38. Jeff Hughley led the way for Philadelphia, compiling 121 yards on seven receptions for three touchdowns. Hughley added five kick returns for 102 yards.
The Soul shift their focus to the Spokane Shock this week, in the first game of a two-week road trip. The Soul and Shock face off in the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena in Spokane, WA., Friday at 11 p.m. ET.
Philadelphia faces a favorable match up as they travel West. Spokane ranks No. 17 in the AFL in total defense and against the pass, while Philadelphia ranks No. 1 in scoring offense and No. 6 in passing offense. The Soul's No. 1 rushing offense will square off against the Shock's No. 12 rushing defense.
Heading into Week 11, Soul fullback Derrick Ross has set Philadelphia's single-season record for rushing attempts (67) and rushing yards (248). Ross now sits one touchdown shy of moving into the No. 2 spot in Soul single-season history. He is five touchdowns removed from No. 1, a record of 20 touchdowns set by Ryan Vena in 2011.
Soul quarterback Dan Raudabaugh had his first rough outing as a member of the Soul last week. Despite completing 20-of-26 passes for 308 yards and 7 touchdowns, Raudabaugh threw three interceptions. One of the League's best quarterbacks through the first 11 weeks of the 2012 season, Raudabaugh looks to bounce back against the Shock.
"I know last week wasn't my best performance. I'm not happy with how I did as an individual," said Soul quarterback Dan Raudabaugh. "Luckily for me, I have really talented teammates that helped me out. I have to play better moving forward."
WR Tiger Jones has been Raudabaugh's most reliable weapon on offense. Jones ranks No. 1 in the AFL for yards per catch (15.7), No. 2 for receiving yards (1,149) with an average of 127.7 yards a game, No. 3 for receiving touchdowns (26), and No. 5 in receptions (73).
In addition, the Soul offensive line, led by Christian Johnson, Brennen Carvalho and Zipp Duncan, have only allowed Raudabaugh to be sacked three times (tied No. 1 in the AFL).
Another advantage in Philadelphia's favor is the turnover battle. The Soul rank No. 3 in the League with a +11 rating, while the Shock are tied for No. 12 in with a -6 rating. Philadelphia's defense has become a huge asset after getting off to a slow start.
"As the season progresses, as a team you need to become more physical. You have to win the battle of the wills more often," said Soul head coach Doug Plank. "I think we've made some moves over the last few weeks to make sure that happens for us down the stretch. The defensive unit has been improving each week and that only helps our offense get more chances to get points."
The Soul's defense showcases some of the League's top players. Soul defensive lineman Bryan Robinson ranks No. 2 in the AFL with tackles for loss (9.0) and No. 4 in forced fumbles (4) and sacks (6.0). Defensive back Kent Richardson ranks No. 2 in interceptions with eights interceptions returned for 93 yards and a touchdown. Richardson now ranks No. 3 in Soul history for interceptions in a single season. Linebacker Joe Goosby leads the League with three interceptions returned for touchdowns.
Philadelphia knows how much each week means for their ultimate goal. No opponent in the Arena Football League can be taken lightly in the second half of the season, regardless of how things match up on paper. The Soul look to get their two-game road trip started off on the right foot with a win in Spokane this Friday.
The game will be broadcast on The Comcast Network with Lou Tilley and Tom Goodhines calling the action. A live stream of the game featuring Matt Martucci on the play-by-play call can be found on www.philadelphiasoul.com or www.ustream.com.
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