Soul stopped short by Cobras, 63-59
April 17, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
CHARLOTTE, NC â The Philadelphia Soul (4-6) had the ball on the one-yard line with three second remaining in the game and an opportunity to win their second road game of the season. Unfortunately, Soul wide receiver/linebacker Ricky Ross was stopped short of the goal line as the Carolina Cobras (4-7) defeated the Soul, 63-59, at the Charlotte Coliseum.
Ross, the Ironman of the Game, had five receptions for 82 yards and two touchdowns. He also returned three kicks for 114 yards and had three rushing yards and a touchdown. Offensive specialist Tyronne Jones finished the game with four touchdowns: two receiving, one from the ground and an exciting 55-yard kick return.
The Soul continued to get off to a slow start, going three and out on their first possession. The Cobras struck first on a one-yard run by fullback/linebacker Travis Reece. On the ensuing kickoff, Jones returned a 55-yard kick return for a touchdown and the Soul took a 7-6 lead.
The Cobras regained the lead 13-7 late in the first quarter when Reece rushed for his second one-yard rushing touchdown of the game.
On the Soul's second offensive possession of the half, Todd Hammel connected with Jones on a 40-yard touchdown bomb. The touchdown was Hammel's 400th of his 13-year career and it also put him over 25,000 passing yards for his career.
The two teams continued to trade scores throughout the first half including two scores by Ross (35-yard touchdown receptions and a fumble recovery in the endzone). Jones also contributed with a four yard touchdown run. On the final play of the first half Cobras' kicker Rob Bironas connected on a 33-yard field goal, giving Carolina a 36-34 lead.
The Cobras struck first to start the second half when Co-Offensive of the Game quarterback Rickey Foggie hooked up with Jarrick Hillary on a eight-yard strike. The score gave the Cobras a commanding 43-34 lead.
Jones and Ross continued to provide the offense firepower for the Soul during the second half. On the Soul's first possession in the half, Jones and Hammel connected again, this time on a five-yard reception. After a Cobras' score, Ross rushed from three-yards out, closing the gap to 50-47.
With 2:05 remaining in the game, the Soul took the lead for the first time since the 2:31 mark in the first quarter when Derin Graham rushed from two yards out, giving the Soul a 59-56 advantage.
After a drive the lasted 1:33, the Cobras scored on Reece's third rushing touchdown of the game, this time from two yards out. Jones returned the kickoff to the Soul's 16-yard line. On the first play from scrimmage, Hammel found Sean Scott for an 18-yard play. After a Carolina personal foul, the Soul had the ball at the Cobras' eight-yard line. Hammel found Ross for a seven yard gain before the final play of the game.
The Cobras offensive attack was led by Foggie and offensive special Damian Groce. Foggie, making his first start of the season, complete 21-of-21 for 338 yards and five touchdowns. Groce led all receivers with eight receptions for 173 yards and three touchdowns. He also returned five kicks for 102 yards.
The Soul return to Philadelphia this Saturday, April 24th when they host division rival New York Dragons at the Wachovia Center. Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m. The game will be televised live in UPN 57 (Philadelphia).
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