Soul Dan Raudabaugh says his team just needs to execute to make 2013 a successful season. Photo by T.J. Engle/ Contrastphotography.com

Record-Breaking Night For Ross As Philadelphia Extends Division Lead

PITTSBURGH (June 15, 2013) – The Philadelphia Soul (7-5) jumped out to a 28-0 lead and never looked back as they rolled to a convincing 59-21 victory over the Pittsburgh Power (3-9) in front of 6,059 fans at the Consol Energy Center on Saturday night. The 21 points allowed ties a Soul franchise record for fewest points surrendered in a game (July 8, 2011 against Cleveland Gladiator, 49-21) and take a commanding four-game lead in the East Division.

“I was pleased with how we came out and played from the start,” said Soul head coach Clint Dolezel. “This is the time of year when you have to get on a roll and start stringing wins together. This is an important divisional win for us and something that we will look to continue to build on.”

Tiger Jones led Soul receivers with nine receptions for 118 yards and two touchdowns, while Andre Thurman had seven catches for 57 yards and a touchdown. Ryan McDaniel added three receptions for 60 yards and two touchdowns and Derrick Ross added two receiving touchdowns.

On a record-setting night, the Russell Athletic Offensive Player and J Lewis Small Playmaker of the Game, Derrick Ross recorded 54 rushing yards on 12 carries and one rushing touchdown. He also earned AFL Highlight of the Game with his tackle-breaking 14-yard touchdown where he also hurdled a defender on his way to the endzone. Ross is now the League’s all-time rushing yards leader with 1,618 yards.

Dan Raudabaugh had another impressive night as he connected on 18-of-27 passes for 211 yards and seven touchdowns with no interceptions.

Defensively, Riddell Defensive Player of the Game, Rayshaun Kizer recorded 5.5 total tackles and two interceptions for the Soul and led the defense. David Richardson and James Romain each added an interception. Kicker Carlos Martinez also forced two turnovers on kickoffs when he hit the

Pittsburgh was led by QB Derek Cassidy, who finished 2-of-8 for 12 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions before being replaced by Shane Austin. Austin finished the night 18-of-30 for 269 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.

The Soul defense came out in the first drive of the game and stopped the Pittsburgh offense and caused a turnover on downs. The Soul started their first drive of the game on the Pittsburgh 9-yard line and it took three plays before Ross ran the ball into the end zone to take a 7-0 lead. Both teams fumbled before Romain grabbed an interception. Raudabaugh connected with Ross for his second touchdown of the night giving the Soul a 14-0 lead.

Cassidy threw a long ball into the end zone which was picked off by David Richardson and the Soul took over at their own 19-yard line. Philadelphia and Ross hurdled into the end zone for the third time making it 21-0. Pittsburgh got the ball at the 1-yard line and carried the drive into the end of the first quarter.

Philadelphia started the second quarter with the ball and took it up the field in a drive that saw Ross break the league rushing record. The drive resulted in a touchdown by McDaniel which made the score 28-0 in favor of Philadelphia. Pittsburgh quarterback Shane Austin took the field and it didn’t take long for him to find Julian Talley for the Power’s first points of the game bringing the score to 28-7. With under a minute left in the half, the Soul regained possession. In the final seconds, Philadelphia’s Martinez took the field to punch in a 27-yard field goal making the score 31-7 at the half.

Philadelphia started the second half with the ball and Raudabaugh connected McDaniel 45-yard touchdown to improve the lead to 38-7. The Power answered with a 20-yard touchdown of their own when Austin hit Talley making the score 38-14. Jones recorded his first points of the night on a 7-yard reception and brought the score to 46-14.

Soul defensive back recorded an interception soon after. Andre Thurman scored two plays later making it 52-14. The Soul defense caused another turnover and made it count as Raudabaugh found Tiger Jones in the end zone adding to their lead 59-14. Pittsburgh came up with a touchdown of their own by Mike Washington making it 59-21, which ended up being the final score of the contest.

The Soul will return home for Military Appreciation Night when the Iowa Barnstormers come to town on Saturday, June 22 at Wells Fargo Center at 6:05 p.m.

Russell Athletic Offensive Player: Philadelphia’s Derrick Ross
Riddell Defensive Player: Philadelphia’s Rayshaun Kizer
J Lewis Small AFL Playmaker: Philadelphia’s Derrick Ross
Cutter’s Catch of the Game: Philadelphia’s Anthony Jones’ deflected reception while seated on turf in 1st Quarter
Spalding Highlight of the Game: Philadelphia’s Derrick Ross hurdles over defender during his 14-yard touchdown reception.

ABOUT PHILADELPHIA SOUL

The Philadelphia Soul are presented by Parx Casino. They capped their seventh Arena Football League season by capturing the 2012 American Conference championship. The Soul will return home for Military Appreciation Night when the Iowa Barnstormers come to town on Saturday, June 22 at Wells Fargo Center at 6:05 p.m. For tickets, contact the Soul sales department at (215) 253-4900 ext. 3, or request contact from a representative by filling out the form on www.philadelphiasoul.com. Follow the Soul on Facebook at facebook.com/soul and Twitter at twitter.com/soulfootball.