Sunday, April 29, 2012

Soul roars back to top Orlando

ORLANDO  – The Philadelphia Soul (6-1) used a 28-0 run, powered by the defensive front, to start the second half as they defeated the Orlando Predators (1-6), 69-53, in front of 12,385 fans at the Amway Center on Saturday night.

“It wasn’t a pretty start to the game, but we overcame the adversity,” said Soul head coach Doug Plank.  “Defensively, we made the adjustments needed and the offense got into a groove in the second half.  We finished as a complete team and this proved to be a great character-building victory for us.”

Philadelphia’s QB Dan Raudabaugh finished by connecting on 26-of-38 passes for 291 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions.  AFL Playermaker of the Game, Tiger Jones had 11 receptions for 156 yards and three touchdowns, while Jeff Hughley had eight receptions for 56 yards and two touchdowns.  Emery Sammons added six receptions for 64 receiving yards and Melik Brown, who filled in for the injured Derrick Ross, added two rushing touchdowns.  

Leading the way defensive were Rayshaun Kizer with 3.0 total tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery that was returned 45 yards for a touchdown.  Micheaux Robinson finished with 9.0 total tackles and a fumble recovery, while Joe Goosby had 6.5 total tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery.  Bryan Robinson added two sacks.

The Predators jumped out to an early lead when Justin Roper connected on three touchdown passes – two to Bobby Sippio and one to T.T. Toliver to take a 21-7 advantage after the first quarter.

The Soul outscored the Predators 21-20 in the second, but still trailed 41-28 at the half.

Philadelphia opened the second half with 28 unanswered points, as the defense made two stops on downs and a fumble recovery to swing the momentum to the Soul and held the Predators scoreless in the third quarter.  Philadelphia capped the game by outscoring Orlando, 34-12, in the final quarter.

The Soul will open up a two-game home stand next weekend when they face the Milwaukee Mustangs next Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Center. 

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