Soul To Take On Dragons In Divisional Round Playoff Game
July 2, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
The Philadelphia Soul will take on the New York Dragons in the Divisional Round of the 2008 Playoffs on July 5 at the Wachovia Center. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. (et). The game can be seen live on ESPN or heard on 950 ESPN. The game audio will also be streamed live on-line at www.950ESPN.com.
This will be the third match-up between the Soul and the Dragons this season. During their first meeting, the Soul defeated New York 63-42 and starting QB Tony Graziani threw six touchdown passes before being knocked out of the game in the third quarter by Dragons DL John Nix on a late hit. The injury forced back-up QB Matt D'Orazio into the lineup for the first time. Nix was later ejected from the game for a separate altercation.
During the regular-season finale on June 22, the Soul overpowered the Dragons 59-30 which led to their first ever division title. Quarterback Matt D'Orazio was 21-for-28 for 167 yards and three touchdowns. WR Chris Jackson had nine catches for 96 yards and a touchdown, and threw a touchdown pass to Wes Ours as well. The Soul are 5-5 all-time against the Dragons and 2-0 this season.
Jackson finished the regular season second for lifetime receiving touchdowns with 318, second for lifetime receiving yards with 13,229, and is tied with Barry Wagner for second in receptions with 991. This season, Jackson tallied 140 receptions for 1,719 yards and 50 touchdowns.
Clifton Smith was named to the AFL's 2008 All-Ironman Team last Thursday. In his rookie season, Smith recorded 45 tackles and a sack on defense while adding 50 rushing attempts for 133 yards and 10 touchdowns on offense. Smith is the ninth member of the Soul to be honored with an award this postseason. Also last week, kicker Connor Hughes was named to the All-Rookie team; and QB Matt D'Orazio, WR Chris Jackson and OL Martin Bibla and Phil Bogle were named All-AFL First-Team, while DL Gabe Nyenhuis and Bryan Save and DB Eddie Moten were named to the second team. This marks the third straight season that the Soul are represented with selections on all four award teams.
Before the game, the Bridgeton Midget Football League will be on the concourse asking for your support of their program. The players are between the ages of 8-14 are not able to play next season because their league cannot afford to buy uniforms.
Soldier's Angels will also be in attendance to collect items for care packages to send to our soldiers. They will be collecting food, hygiene supplies, sports equipment and entertainment along with other miscellaneous items. For more information about the supplies being collected go to www.philadelphiasoul.com.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from July 2, 2008
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- Arena Football League Divisional Playoffs Begin Saturday - AFL I
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- Rivalry Rekindled: Dragons Battle Soul in Divisional Round - New York Dragons
- Sabercats Begin Arenabowl Title Defense - AFL I
- Soul To Take On Dragons In Divisional Round Playoff Game - Philadelphia Soul
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