Soul stay alive in playoff hunt; defeat Desperados 51-48
May 6, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Soul (8-7) kept their playoff hopes alive on Saturday afternoon as they defeated the Dallas Desperados (12-3) 51-48 in front of 15,438 fans at the Wachovia Spectrum. The Soul swept the season series with the Desperados and are responsible for two of their three losses this season.
DS Eddie Moten was spectacular on defense recording three first half interceptions off Desperados' quarterback Clint Dolezel. Dolezel who came into the game with only seven interceptions on the season threw four in all in the first half. Moten ties a League-best with 11 interceptions on the season. The three interceptions was a team record.
Offensive Player of the Game Tony Graziani returned to action this week after missing the past three weeks with a torn right hamstring and threw six touchdowns and ran for another. He connected with six different receivers and spread the ball around as five receivers caught touchdowns. Ironman of the Game Mike Brown led the Soul receivers with three catches for 64 yards and two touchdowns. He also added 1.5 tackles and returned five kicks for 79 yards.
For Philadelphia, three different receivers recorded touchdown receptions in the first half including OL/DL E.J. Burt. With 2:09 remaining in the half, Burt caught a pass and rumbled 29 yards for his first career touchdown to put the Soul ahead by 14, 27-13, at the midway point. The Soul outscored Dallas 20-6 in the second quarter.
The Desperados came to within three points of the Soul on three different occasions during the second half, but Philadelphia kept the Desperados at bay by executing a solid passing attack. Despite being outscored 35-24 in the second half, the Soul scored all three of their touchdowns in the final two quarters through the air with Sean Scott, Rob Milanese and Brown catching touchdown passes.
Graziani finished with 23-of-36 passing for 317 yards and six touchdowns despite two interceptions. Dolezel completed 27-of-44 passing for 314 yards and seven touchdowns with the four interceptions in the losing effort. Dallas entered the game as the top-ranked team in the AFL while averaging a League-best 57.0 points per game.
Philadelphia remains in the playoff hunt with one regular season game remaining. The Soul travel to Georgia next Saturday, May 13 when they face the Force at Philips Arena. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. and will be broadcast live on Comcast SportsNet (Philadelphia). The game can also be heard on the New Sportstalk 950 AM and via the web at www.philadelphiasoul.com.
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 6, 2006
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