Soul up for Numerous Year-End League Awards
July 18, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA (July 18, 2012) - As the 2012 Eastern Division Champion Philadelphia Soul prepare for the postseason, the Arena Football League Office released the list of the year-end awards. With this year's success on-and-off the field, the Soul have shattered many League and franchise records, which has positioned the organization to be considered for numerous awards. Below is a list of candidates for those awards:
Commissioner's Award (Organization of the Year) candidate: PHILADELPHIA SOUL
The Philadelphia Soul have had a lot of success on and off the field in 2012. On the field, the team possesses the best record in the Arena Football League (14-3) and have already clinched the franchise's second Eastern Division title and home-field advantage throughout the American Conference playoffs. Off the field, starting with the ownership of Craig Spencer, Ron Jaworski, Pete Ciarrocchi, Cosmo DeNicola and Marty Judge, the Soul have stepped to the front as an example for the entire league.
VP/COO John Adams, GM Tom Goodhines and the front office staff have gone the extra mile to get involved in communities throughout Philadelphia and South Jersey. Before every home game this season, the Soul hosted "Town Takeovers" where the organization and players hold a public walkthrough session in Philadelphia, surrounding towns and South Jersey. They are free and open to the public and include a slew of fan interaction.
The Soul also partnered up with Rebuilding Together and the JBJ Soul Foundation on the Building a Healthy Neighborhood project to help low-income families in the Overbrook section of Philadelphia have healthier, safer homes. Being involved in the community has garnered the support of the fans as the Soul have the second-best average attendance and No. 3 in corporate sponsorships in the League.
The team had nine of their games locally broadcast, a weekly Coaches' television show seen on The Comcast Network, held training camp at the Philadelphia Eagles' NovaCare Complex and for a second straight year, the team held a "job fair" for its players. The team also held a postgame concert featuring "Fat Joe" that received high praise locally for generating interest and increasing ticket sales.
Other community efforts included: "Scout Night at the Linc" where scout groups had a sleepover on Lincoln Financial Field after a Soul game; supporting efforts to "Save St. Hubert's" school from closing by donating proceeds from a Soul home game; first time held a job fair for military veterans at one of the home games and partnered with Children's Alliance (joined by Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, Philadelphia Eagles' head coach Andy Reid, ESPN's Chris Mortensen and many others) to help put an end to child sexual abuse.
Source One Support Staff of the Year candidate: PHILADELPHIA SOUL
The Support Staff of the Philadelphia Soul consists of experienced and dedicated members of the front office, including: Communications; Community Relations; Football Operations (Equipment, Training, Medical, Player Personnel and Video); Game Operations; Sponsorship Sales; and Ticket Sales departments. The staff is under the direction of VP/COO John Adams and General Manager Tom Goodhines. The staff of: Jordan Cannon, Melissa Demyan, Brian Evans, Mike Ford, Mike Fox, Sara Kalman, Jack Klebe, Joe Krause, Ryan McGorry, Lemar Mosley, Lou Russo, John Strayhorn, John Tabourn and Nick Valentino - has over 40 seasons of experience in the AFL.
Gridiron Executive of the Year and Founder's Award candidate: TOM GOODHINES
Tom Goodhines, who is in his second season as General Manager with Philadelphia, has been in the Arena Football League for 10 seasons. Under Goodhines' watch, the Soul turned around from a 6-12 season in 2011 (an eight-game improvement) and became the first team in 2012 to reach 14 wins, clinch a playoff spot, claim their division title, and lock up home-field advantage for their Conference playoffs. The Soul offense ranks No. 1 in the AFL for scoring (68.2) and rushing (42.0), while they are No. 4 in total offense (326.6). On defense, the Soul lead the AFL in turnover margin (+20), red-zone defense (72.6 percent), while forcing the most turnovers (61) and having the best onside-kick recovery percentage (35.7 percent). He is credited with getting the pieces in place for this year's on-field successes (hiring head coach Doug Plank and offensive coordinator Clint Dolezel, landing key free agents Dan Raudabaugh, Derrick Ross, Tiger Jones, Bryan Robinson and Brennen Carvalho, while retaining Donovan Morgan, Kent Richardson, Brandon Perkins and Dustin Barno). On the League level, Goodhines serves as an AFL Hall of Fame committee member and a Silver Anniversary Committee member. Prior to his time in Philly, he played a key role in Utah winning the prestigious Commissioner's Award in 2006 and oversaw the staff that won Support Staff of the Year (Utah, 2006-07). Goodhines oversees all elements of Football Operations and Player Personnel, while directing all Communications and PR efforts and serving as the team's color commentator on TV, radio broadcasts and co-hosts the Soul Coaches' weekly television show. He also serves as an alternate on the AFL's Board of Directors representing the Soul at League meetings. Goodhines covered the League as a member of the media starting in 1995 before joining the League Office as Director of Media Services in 2001 and has worked with Utah, Cleveland and Philadelphia in his 10 years with the AFL.
NET10 Head Coach of the Year candidate: DOUG PLANK
Under head coach Doug Plank, the Soul offense ranks No. 1 in the AFL for scoring (68.2) and rushing (42.0), and No. 4 in total offense (326.6). On defense, the Soul lead the AFL in turnover margin (+20), red-zone defense (72.6 perccent), while forcing the most turnovers (61) and having the best onside-kick recovery percentage (35.7 percent). Philadelphia is the first team in 2012 to: reach 14 wins, clinch a playoff spot, claim their division title, and lock up home field advantage for their Conference playoffs. Under Plank and his staff, quarterback Dan Raudabaugh, fullback Derrick Ross, and wide receiver Tiger Jones are all on pace to break franchise single-season records. After winning more games in his first four seasons than any previous AFL head coach, Plank has an overall record of 61-28 (57-24 regular season and a 4-4 postseason) from 2005-08. Plank was named the AFL's Coach of the Year in 2005 and 2007 as he led Georgia to the playoffs each year and ArenaBowl XIX in his first year at the helm in 2005. He spent his entire eight-year NFL playing career with the Chicago Bears. Plank was the first Bears' rookie to lead the team in tackles, after being drafted out of Ohio State University. Plank was a favorite of Bears defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan for his hard hitting and aggressive style, so he named his defense the "46 defense" after Plank's jersey number. During his first three years in the AFL as an assistant coach with the Arizona Rattlers (2002-04), he made three straight ArenaBowl appearances as the defensive coordinator.
NET10 Assistant Coach of the Year candidate: CLINT DOLEZEL
In Dolezel's first season with Philadelphia, the Soul offense ranks No. 1 in the AFL for scoring (68.2) and rushing (42.0), and No. 4 in total offense (326.6). Philadelphia is the first team in 2012 to reach 14 wins, clinch a playoff spot, claim their division title, and lock up home field advantage for their Conference playoffs. Under Dolezel, quarterback Dan Raudabaugh is on pace to break Philadelphia's major single-season passing records while fullback Derrick Ross is in positions to break his own single-season records set a year ago in Dallas. During his playing days, Dolezel became the third quarterback in AFL history to throw for 700 touchdown passes in 2006. He then surpassed the 800-touchdown mark in 2007, and once again broke another barrier when he reached 900-touchdown plateau in 2008. After his professional playing career, Dolezel was announced as the offensive coordinator for Florida Firecats of the af2 in 2009. The 2012 AFL Hall of Fame nominee was named head coach for the Dallas Vigilantes during the 2011 season and led them to an 11-7 regular-season mark and a playoff appearance in his AFL rookie head coaching debut.
Assurance Agency Athletic Trainer Excellence Award candidate: LEMAR MOSLEY
Philadelphia, as shown in the weekly injury reports, has been consistently among the League's least injured-teams thanks to the efforts of Lemar Mosley and the medical staff of the Soul. Mosley was a member of Philadelphia's ArenaBowl XXII championship run and is in his second season with the Soul as the head athletic trainer. Lemar was previously with the team for two seasons (2007-08) as a certified athletic training intern. In 2010, Mosley was the head athletic trainer for the Chicago Rush. Prior to becoming involved in the AFL, Lemar spent time in the NFL as an athletic training fellow for the Cincinnati Bengals (2009-10) and as an athletic training intern throughout training camp and pre-season for the Indianapolis Colts (2007). Mosley earned a bachelor's degree in athletic training from Rowan University and a Master of Science degree in health and exercise science with a specialization in performance enhancement and injury prevention at California University of Pennsylvania.
Equipment Manager of the Year candidate: RYAN MC GORRY
Ryan McGorry is in his third season with the Soul, after having spent the 2008 and 2011-12 seasons with the team. McGorry was a member of Philadelphia's ArenaBowl XXII championship run. In 2010, McGorry was with the Dallas Vigilantes for the return of the Arena Football League. The Soul are continually amongst the best at preparing the players and taking care of the visiting team needs thanks to the efforts and dedication of McGorry. His efforts have not gone unnoticed as he will be heading to the University of Connecticut to help lead their equipment staff following the 2012 season. He previously worked at his alma mater, Clarion University, as the head equipment manager for the football team from 2002-06 and the assistant equipment manager for the football team from 2001-02. McGorry graduated from Clarion in 2005 with a degree in Liberal Studies. He is a native of Shaler, PA, and attended Shaler Area High School in Pittsburgh.
National Guard MVP of the Year; Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Year and All-Arena candidate: QB DAN RAUDABAUGH
The Soul's season-long success is due in large part to their quarterback and all-arena candidate, Dan Raudabaugh. He holds sole possession of the No. 1 spot in Soul single-season history with 110 touchdowns and 4,678 yards passing. Raudabaugh is on pace to finish the 2012 season with 5,062 passing yards and 119 touchdown passes. Dan ranks No. 2 in yards per attempt (8.9) and total offense average yards per play (8.7). Raudabaugh ranks No. 3 in passing touchdowns (110) and yards per completion (13.3) and No. 4 in total offensive touchdowns (112) and passing efficiency (120.4). Raudabaugh won National Guard MVP of the Game three times and Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game twice, while being awarded the League's MVP of the Week and Offensive Player of the Week once each in 2012.
National Guard MVP of the Year; Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Year and All-Arena candidate: FB DERRICK ROSS
Soul fullback Derrick Ross has been a force throughout the entire season by recording 133 carries for 564 yards and 30 touchdowns - all of which are Soul single-season records. Ross needs 34 more carries to break the single-season mark in League history (167) and 58 yards to break his own single-season record for yards in a season (622). His 30 rushing touchdowns make him the first player in League history to rush for over 30 touchdowns in a single-season twice (39 with Dallas in 2011). His 84 yards against the Orlando Predators in Week 13 was a franchise single-game record, as were his 21 carries. Ross has also added 13 receptions for 187 yards and five touchdowns in the air. Ross earned National Guard MVP of the Game honors four times, Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game twice, AFL Playmaker of the Game once, while being named the League's MVP of the Week twice.
National Guard MVP of the Year; Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Year; Cutter's Receiver of the Year and All-Arena candidate: WR TIGER JONES
Soul WR Tiger Jones has been Raudabaugh's most reliable target all year. Jones has caught 133 passes for 2,010 yards and 47 touchdowns. Tiger is on pace to finish as No. 1 in each category in Soul single-season history and currently sits at No. 2 in the AFL for receiving yards (2,010) and receiving yards per game (125.6) and No. 3 in receiving touchdowns (47). He is No. 4 in yards per catch (14.8), No. 6 in receptions (133) and in scoring (17.6), and No. 8 in receptions per game (8.31). The 2011 Cutter's Receiver of the Year earned Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game four times and AFL Playmaker of the Game six times in 2012.
Game Tape Exchange Defensive Lineman of the Year; Riddell Defensive Player of the Year and All-Arena candidate: DL BRYAN ROBINSON
DL Bryan Robinson has had a record-setting season and been a force in opposing backfields. Robinson set the AFL record for blocked kicks in a single season (7) and is tied for second in the League for tackles for loss (13.0). He is tied for No. 3 in forced fumbles (5) and No. 4 for sacks (10.0). Robinson's 10 sacks set the franchise single-season record. Robinson earned Riddell Defensive Player of the Game once and National Guard MVP of the Game once in 2012.
Riddell Defensive Player of the Year; RevHoney Defensive Back of the Year and All-Arena candidate: DB KENT RICHARDSON
Richardson has had a breakout season by setting the Soul record for interceptions in a single season with 14 (Eddie Moten had 13 in 2005). In just his second AFL season, Kent has tallied 73.5 total tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, 14 interceptions returned for 178 yards and two touchdowns, broken up 13 passes, and recovered two fumbles while forcing three. Richardson is tied for No. 1 in the AFL in interceptions (14), No. 4 in interception return yards (178), No. 5 in passes defended (27) and tied for No. 5 in interception return touchdowns (2). The second-year starter earned Riddell Defensive Player of the Game four times, AFL Playmaker of the Game once and the League's Defensive Player of the Week once in 2012.
Spalding Offensive Lineman of the Year and All-Arena candidates: C BRENNEN CARVALHO & OL CHRISTIAN JOHNSON
Through the first 17 games of their 2012 season, the Soul offensive line - anchored by Carvalho and Johnson - has done their job protecting their signal caller. Heading into Week 17, the offensive line has only allowed Soul quarterbacks to be sacked four times, Raudabaugh only three, ranking the Soul at No. 1 in the AFL. Carvalho, who was Second Team All-Arena in 2011, has only missed one game at center, while Johnson, who is considered one of the top "lockdown" guards in that League, has returned from a four-week stint on the injured reserve list.
Riddell Defensive Player of the Year; RevHoney Defensive Back of the Year and All-Arena candidate: DB RAYSHAUN KIZER
DB Rayshaun Kizer is following a record-breaking season in 2011 with another impressive one in 2012. Kizer leads the AFL in passes defended (37) and pass breakups (27). Rayshaun is No. 2 in the AFL for interception return yards (195) and tied with teammate Kent Richardson for No. 5 with two interceptions returned for touchdowns. He is second on the Soul in total tackles (75.0) and is second in interceptions (10). The 2011 All-Arena performer earned Riddell Defensive Player of the Game honors twice in 2012.
J. Lewis Small Ironman of the Year and All-Ironman Team candidate: MELIK BROWN (has played OL, DL, LB, FB, Long Snapper and Special Teams)
Melik Brown has truly been a jack of all trades for the Soul so far in 2012. Brown, who has played more positions than any other player in the AFL, has started on offense and defense while playing multiple games where has played offense, defense and special teams. On offense, he has served as a backup for MVP and Offensive Player of the Year candidate Derrick Ross at fullback and has contributed 11 carries for 54 yards and four touchdowns. He's also filled in on the offensive line. On defense, he has recorded 15.0 tackles, forced a fumble, recovered a fumble, broken up a pass and blocked a kick. The second-year veteran earned JLS Ironman of the Game honors twice in 2012.
J. Lewis Small Ironman of the Year and All-Ironman Team candidate: WR/KR JEFF HUGHLEY
Jeff Hughley, a 2011 All-Ironman team member, has heavily contributed to Philadelphia's success on offense and special teams. Hughley has hauled in 73 receptions for 953 yards and 18 touchdowns for an average of 13.1 yards per catch and 56.1 per game. He has returned 89 kicks for 1,820 yards and five touchdowns. His longest return was for 58 yards and he averages 20.4 per return. Hughley is the team's leader in all-purpose yardage with 2,775 total yards on the season and has added 23.0 total tackles. In the AFL, Hughley ranks No. 1 in kick return touchdowns (5), No. 2 in kick returns (89), No. 3 in kick return yards (1,820), No. 5 in kick return average (20.4), and No. 6 in all purpose yards per game (163.2). The 2011 All-Ironman Team member earned JLS Ironman of the Game honors seven times, Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game twice, AFL Playmaker of the Game once, National Guard MVP of the Game once and the League's Offensive Player of the Week honors once in 2012.
All-Arena candidate: WR DONOVAN MORGAN
The 2008 Rookie of the Year and 2011 Second Team All-Arena performer still put up impressive numbers despite missing seven games due to injury. When healthy, "Captain" Morgan has proven himself to be among the League's elite receivers. Morgan has managed to tally 73 receptions for 928 yards and 24 touchdowns. He earned AFL Playmaker of the Week honors in Week 3 after hauling in 12 passes for 112 yards and four touchdowns in the "Keystone Collision". Another four-touchdown performance in Week 14 enabled Morgan to be voted National Guard MVP of the Week. He earned Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game three times and National Guard MVP of the Game three times in 2012.
All-Arena candidate: MLB BRANDON PERKINS
MLB Brandon Perkins has spent his second season in Philadelphia leading the defense from the middle with another solid year. Perkins has been a force in opposing backfields recording seven tackles for loss and four sacks. On the season, Perkins has tallied 17.0 total tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss for 25 yards, and 4.0 sacks for 16 yards. The veteran linebacker earned National Guard MVP of the Game honors once in 2012.
All-Arena candidate: JLB JOE GOOSBY
JLB linebacker has been a model of consistency all season long for the Soul. Goosby is one of only two players on the defensive side of the ball to start all 17 games in 2012. He leads the team with 89.5 tackles, has grabbed four interceptions, returning three for touchdowns. Goosby has also forced and recovered two fumbles and broken up two passes. Joe is tied for No. 2 in the AFL for interception return touchdowns (3) and No. 11 in the league for total tackles (89.5) which is the most by any player at his position. The second-year linebacker earned National Guard MVP of the Game honors once, Riddell Defensive Player of the Game once and the League's MVP of the Week honors once in 2012.
All-Arena candidate: DL DUSTIN BARNO
Veteran DL Dustin Barno has proven to everyone that he has not lost a step during the 2012 season. Barno has recorded seven tackles for loss for 32 yards and five sacks for 25 yards in 15 games for the Soul this season. Barno has compiled 16.5 total tackles, recovered and forced a fumble, and scored two safeties for the Soul. The eighth-year veteran earned Riddell Defensive Player of the Game honors twice and National Guard MVP of the Game honors once in 2012.
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