Philadelphia: Last nights Soul Predators game was one both teams had circled on the calendar. They have a bit of a history and are not fans of each to say the least. Philadelphia Soul’s head coach Clint Dolezel told Philadelphia’s KYW Newsradio, “We don’t like each other”, two days prior to the big match-up. “He later mentioned how similar both teams are and that it would come down to who better protects their quarterback. That’s why he’s an Arena League hall of famer, he certainly knows his stuff, as the game did come down to the wire due to great defense and o-line coverage by both teams. The Soul were slightly better and pulled away with a 62-54 victory, handing the Orlando Predators (last standing undefeated team in the AFL) their first loss of the season and extended their winning streak to six games, in front of 12,127 loud fans. The Soul have not lost since their home opener on April 11th, when they fell victim to the Jacksonville Sharks.
Game Breakdown:
As expected, reigning Arena League MVP quarterback, Dan Raudabaugh had another quality performance as he went 20-27-180 yards, and had four touchdown passes on the night, as he spread the ball to just about all of his wide receivers. He extended his TD total to 46 on the season and is third in the league in TD passes, yards, and completion percentage.
The Predators won the coin-toss, differed to kick first, and the Soul took full advantage as they scored three and a half minutes into the game. After three straight completed passes, Raudabuagh handed the ball off to full back, Jeramie Richardson, who punched the ball in from the one yard line. The Predators would quickly respond as quarterback Randy Hippeard connected with WR Greg Carr, in the back of the end-zone, tying the game at seven, just six minutes after the Soul’s initial touchdown.
Both teams would go on a scoring spree in the 2nd quarter, as they combined for a total of seven touchdowns (four for the Soul, three by the Predators). Darius Reynolds would find the back of the end-zone twice, one via air, the other by land. Ryan McDaniel and Jeramie Richardson would go on to score two more touchdowns for the Soul prior to the end of the first half.
It was all Soul in the 3rd quarter as the team’s defense made it really difficult for the Predators to get much going. The team blocked a slew of passes, recorded two sacks, and really tightened up their secondary, which led to multiple Orlando three and outs. Philadelphia would take a demanding 55-27 lead into the fourth quarter.
Ironically enough, it would be the Predators turn to light up the score-board as they made quite a come-back, scoring twenty-seven points, which cut the Soul’s lead to eight, with only 1:38 left in regulation (score was 55-47 at this point). However, Orlando’s hard work would go in vain, as the Soul scored a much-needed touch-down to extend their lead. It took all but three plays for “Money” Reynolds to score what would be the team’s game-winning touch-down, increasing their lead to a more comfortable 62-47, with just 56 seconds to play in regulation. The Predators would answer back on the ensuing drive but it would not be enough, as the Soul would run out the final twenty-four seconds, leaving the field victorious. The win put Philadelphia in “Soul” possession of 1st place, as they took the head-to-head match-up from their 7-1 record sharing, division foes.
Stats:
Soul- Raudabaugh: 20-27-180 yds, 4 TD’s
D. Reynolds: Receiving – 8 rec-66 yds-3 TD’s. Rushing – 4 att-5 yds-1 TD
J. Richardson: Rushing – 10 att-12 yds-3 TD’s
Predators- R. Hippeard: 26-42-276 yds
B Thompkins: 13 rec-144 yds-5 TD’s
ICYMI: In just his second game since signing with the Soul two weeks ago, Temple Owls own Sean Daniels has been quite impressive, as he recovered two more on-side kicks, after scooping one up and running it back for a 13-yard TD in his first game last Saturday vs. Arizona.
Post-Game Interviews:
Head Coach Dolezel
QB Dan Raudabaugh
WR Darius “Money” Reynolds
The Soul return to action next Saturday, May 28th, as they look to hand the Gladiators their second loss in Cleveland this season. The game will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network and 97.5 The Fanatic. Kick-off’s slotted for 7 pm.
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