Soul's new additions pave way to win
February 13, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA â Philadelphia Soul quarterback Tony Graziani and offensive specialist Steve Smith made lasting first impressions on Philadelphia Soul fans, as the Soul's new duo made a dashing debut en route to a 59-48 win over the Nashville Kats in Philadelphia's home opener in front of 16,632 fans.
Graziani completed 18-of-27 passes for 270 yards and six more touchdown passes while Smith dazzled Wachovia Center fans with an electrifying 49-yard kick return and 236 total yards. The pair hooked up on the AFL's play of the year so far this season, when Graziani connected with Smith on a 45-yard scoring strike despite throwing from the seat of his pants in his own end zone.
Graziani, who completed his 1,000th career pass in the third quarter, said playing in front of Philadelphia fans for the first time was exhilarating.
"It was unreal playing in front of these fans," he said. "This is the most people I've ever played in front of [in the AFL]. I actually had to calm myself down at the beginning of the game because there was so much energy."
Nashville narrowed the gap to 52-48 with just over two minutes to play in the game on a Fred Coleman touchdown catch from quarterback Leon Murray. The Kats recovered the ensuing onside kick and drove to the Philadelphia 15-yard line, but a fumbled pitch was recovered by Soul fullback/linebacker Marlion Jackson. Two plays later Graziani hit University of Pennsylvania grad Rob Milanese for a 22-yard touchdown strike to clinch the win.
Philadelphia head coach Michael Trigg said the game's final few moments were typical of the AFL.
"This is a crazy game," he said. "You can work really hard throughout the game and then at the end almost lose it all.
The Soul defense made two key defensive stops in the first half to set the tone early and defensive specialist Arkee Thompson recorded his second interception of the year in his own end zone in the third quarter.
Philadelphia native Sean Scott caught a touchdown and added 2.5 tackles and a pass breakup en route to his third straight US Army Ironman of the Game honors. Smith's three touchdowns helped earn him Offensive Player of the Game while Thompson's 6.0 tackles and one interception warranted the ADT Defensive Player of the Game award.
Murray finished 27-for-41 for 261 and six passing touchdowns and one rushing score. Wide receiver/defensive back Jarrick Hillery snagged two touchdowns and fullback/linebacker Dan Alexander picked up 29 yards on seven carries.
The Soul will hit the road again next Sunday, February 20, when they travel to New Orleans to take on the VooDoo. Kickoff is set for 12 pm (ET) and can be seen live on NBC Sports (NBC-10 WCAU-Philadelphia). The game can also be heard live on News Talk 990 am WNTP-Philadelphia and online at www.philadelphiasoul.com.
Notes: Graziani has thrown 20 touchdowns and four interceptions in three games this season...The Soul finally allowed their first sack of the season...The meeting marked the teams' first-ever clash... Attendance: 16,632.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 13, 2005
- Soul's new additions pave way to win - Philadelphia Soul
- Kats Comeback Falls Short in Philly - Nashville Kats
- VooDoo win home opener over SaberCats, 62-61 - New Orleans VooDoo
- Desperados Outlast Columbus, 35-31 - Dallas Desperados
- Crush Falls to Rush, 49-48 - Colorado Crush
- Turnovers prove costly as Destroyers fall to Desperados, 35-31 - Columbus Destroyers
- New Orleans Edges SaberCats In Home Opener - San Jose SaberCats
- Rush, Gispert boot Crush, 51-48 - Chicago Rush
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