Talons Upset Soul in Season Finale 42-28
July 27, 2013 - Arena Football League (AFL)
San Antonio Talons News Release
SAN ANTONIO - The 2012 Central Division Champion San Antonio Talons (10-8) upset the Philadelphia Soul (12-6) on Saturday night at the Alamodome with a score of 42-28 in front of a crowd of 9,112. The Talons debuted Robert Kent Jr. and Marcus Jackson in Saturday's contest, bringing the grand total to nine quarterbacks in 18 games for the 2013 regular season. Offensive Player of the Game, Marcus Jackson was 9-15 with 117 yards and one touchdown, adding three on the ground after coming in for Robert Kent Jr. Soul counterpart Dan Raudabaugh was 22-37 for 281 yards and four touchdowns.
The first quarter would prove to be a defensive battle, with each team reaching the end zone only once. Kick Returner Kelvin Rodgers got things started for the Talons offense, returning the opening kick off for 12 yards. On the first play of the Talons opening drive, Robert Kent connected with Dallas Baker on a deep 38 yard pass to put the Talons within five yards of the end zone. Kent finished the job with a 5 yard quarterback rushing touchdown to put the Talons on top 6-0 after a blocked Demos extra point. Philadelphia answered back on the ensuing drive when Radabaugh found Sammons for a 31 yard connection, putting the Soul on top 7-6.
The concept of letting the players settle the game appeared to be lost in Saturday night's officiating crew. San Antonio created favorable opportunities in the second quarter starting with a forced fumble recovery by McGill, but the offense was unable to capitalize eventually turning over on downs. A clutch interception by Sykes was immediately fumbled and recovered by Philadelphia, crushing the hopes of taking the lead resulting in a touchdown increasing Soul's lead 14-6. The bad misfortune continued for San Antonio as Kent was intercepted by Stevenson on the ensuing drive. Raudabaugh connected with wide receiver Brackins proving Philadelphia's ability to capitalize on home team mistakes. With 2:30 left in the first half, Marcus Jackson took the field under center for the Talons. Creating a spark for the offense, Jackson found a hole up the middle wide enough for a 28 yard rush to put the Talons within one yard of the end zone. Chad "Tank" Cook pushed his way into the end zone for the last score of the first half, cutting Soul's lead 21-13 as the defense held Raudabaugh and the Philadelphia offense.
The Talons came out strong after the half, beginning with a touchdown rushed in by Marcus Jackson to bring the Talons within 2 points after another blocked Demos extra point 19-21. The Talons defense would hold Philadelphia scoreless in the third quarter, adding one more score for themselves when Jackson hit Jomo Wilson taking the lead back 27-21 with 3:50 left in the third quarter.
The fourth quarter was off to a rocky start after Jackson's pass intended for Jomo Wilson was intercepted in the end zone. Raudabaugh takes advantage of the opportunity, hitting Anthony Jones with a slant pass to find the end zone and regain the lead 28-27. Jackson was pressured in the pocket, sailing a 43 yard pass off of the fingers of a philadelphia defender, but finding the hands of Brent Holmes who would find the end zone to capture the lead once again 35-28. San Antonio was far from satisfied with a one possession lead. The offense fought for six plays, allowing quarterback Marcus Jackson to rush into the end zone for the final score of the night, giving the Talons a 14 point lead 42-28.
The San Antonio Talons are poised to finish out the regular season with a win at the Alamodome against the Philadelphia Soul, and are celebrating their dedicated fans with discounted season tickets for the 2014 season on sale now, with significant price reductions in certain sections.
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Arena Football League Stories from July 27, 2013
- Soul Fall to San Antonio in Season Finale, 42-28 - Philadelphia Soul
- Talons Upset Soul in Season Finale 42-28 - San Antonio Talons
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