PHILADELPHIA (July 8, 2011) – The defense of the Philadelphia Soul (6-11) dominated the Cleveland Gladiators (9-7) by forcing seven sacks, two interceptions, and a safety en route to a 49-21 victory in front of 9,761 at the Wells Fargo Center on Friday night.
The Gladiators’ 21 points are the fewest allowed by the Soul in a game in franchise history, beating the previous record of 24 set on March 13, 2006 against Kansas City. Linebacker Brandon Perkins earned Defensive Player of the Game honors with five tackles and three sacks, the most ever by a Soul player in a game. Defensive lineman Dustin Barno and Darrell Campbell collectively added two sacks and a safety while splitting Playmaker of the Game honors.
“I think we always played with a purpose, but sometimes we just have lapses in some of these games,” said Soul head coach Mike Hohensee. “I thought upfront, our guys were ready to play and offensively, our receivers stepped up without Donovan [Morgan]. I thought we did a good job with [Larry] Brackins. He’s a kid I really wanted to feature a little more and he did not disappoint.”
Soul quarterback Ryan Vena completed 21-of-31 passes for 245 yards and three touchdowns, adding 30 yards and two scores on the ground. Wide receiver Larry Brackins stepped up in a big way with nine receptions for 133 yards and three touchdowns, earning him the MVP and Offensive Player of the Game awards. Receiver Keith Stokes contributed by catching 10 passes for 92 yards while Syvelle Newton caught two for 20 yards, adding a rushing touchdown.
Vena and Brackins connected twice on passing plays of 15 and four yards respectively to give the Soul an early 14-0 lead in the first quarter. Gladiators quarterback Kurt Rocco’s 32-yard heave was caught by receiver Troy Bergeron to cut the Soul’s edge to 14-7 entering the second quarter.
The Soul defense took command in the second quarter, holding the Gladiators to just 14 yards of total offense while forcing a 62-yard field goal attempt, an interception, caught by Mike Brown, and a turnover on downs. The Soul offense contributed with a three-yard touchdown run by Newton and two Jon Striefsky field goals, of 20 and 19 yards, his first, and second, in the AFL.
The Soul entered the half leading the Gladiators 27-7. Cleveland’s seven points were the fewest allowed by the Soul in a first half in franchise history.
Philadelphia’s defensive pressure continued into the third quarter, forcing the Gladiators to a turnover on downs and a shuffle-pass miscue, resulting in a 28-yard loss and safety for the Soul. The Gladiators did score on a one-yard touchdown run by Rocco while Brackins added a 17-yard reception and Vena a four-yard run, both for touchdowns. A 42-14 Soul lead all but put the game away for Philadelphia.
Both teams added a touchdown in the fourth quarter to end the Soul’s record-setting night. Philadelphia also held the Gladiators to a total of 180 net yards while the seven team sacks was a franchise best, beating the previous record of five set on April 3, 2005 versus Columbus.
Next week, the Soul have their second bye of the season before finishing their 2011 schedule against the Pittsburgh Power (8-7) on Friday, July 22 at the Wells Fargo Center. Coverage of the game will be available on NiftyTV and AFL Live beginning at 7:05 p.m. (ET).
National Guard Most Value Player: Philadelphia’s Larry Brackin
Russell Offensive Player: Philadelphia’s Larry Brackins
Riddell Defensive Player: Philadelphia’s Brandon Perkins
JLS Ironman: Philadelphia’s Keith Stokes
NiftyTV Playmaker: Philadelphia’s Dustin Barno/Darrell Campbell
Cutter’s Catch of the Game: Philadelphia’s Mike Brown’s interception off of the iron.
Spalding Highlight of the Game: Philadelphia’s Larry Brackins’ 17-yard touchdown catch to open the Soul scoring.
-courtesy of the Philadelphia Soul
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