Derrick Ross offensive player of the game in a big win for the Soul. Photo by Andy Lewis/ contrastphotography.com

Big Defensive Effort in Second Half Leads Philadelphia Over Orlando

The Philadelphia Soul used a strong defensive third quarter led by Teddy Jennings and Rayshaun Kizer which proved to be the difference as they went on to get the crucial American Conference victory, 42-35, in front of 7,069 fans at the Wells Fargo Center on Monday night.

 “It wasn’t a pretty game, but sometimes you have to win them like that,” said Soul head coach, Clint Dolezel.  “This upcoming bye-week is good for us to rest physically and mentally.  We are happy to get this win out of the way and focus on the future games.”

Philadelphia’s (8-8) quarterback Dan Raudabaugh played a strong game completing 14-of-25 passes for 193 yards and four touchdowns.  Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game went to Markee White, who finished the night with five receptions for 64 yards and three touchdowns.  Also leading the receivers was Tiger Jones who finished the night with seven receptions for 108 yards and one touchdown.  Adam Smith also helped by recording one reception for eight yards, while Derrick Ross’ rushing attack was in full force for 18 rushing yards and one touchdown.

Riddell Defensive Player of the Game was presented to Teddy Jennings who finished the night with 2.0 sacks and two total tackles.  Jerome Williams Jr. also playeda great game with one sack and five total tackles.  Also for Philadelphia, James Romain had seven total tackles, while Joe Goosby and Kent Richardson both had a total of three tackles. J Lewis Small AFL Playmaker of the Game, Rayshaun Kizer, had 10.5 total tackles and six pass breakups for the night.

Orlando’s (8-7) offense was led by Jason Boltus who completed 22-of-42 passes for 208 yards, three touchdowns.  Kendal Thompkins led his team in recieving with 12 receptions for 166 yards.  Greg Carr was also a big help with five receptions for 41 yards and two touchdowns, while Khalil Paden tallied three receptions for 71 yards and one touchdown. Paden also led in rushing with ten rushing yards.

The first quarter started off with a bang. Philadelphia’s Stevenson scored the first touchdown of the night off of a kickoff return for 57 yards making the score 7-0.  Five minutes later, White followed up with the second touchdown of the night, catching Raudabaugh’s 19-yard pass.  The Predators responded a few minutes later when Khalil Paden caught quarterback Jason Boltus’ 27-yard pass.  With five minutes left in the game, the score was 14-7 in favor of the Soul.  With 3:02 left in the first, the Soul added onto the score with a two-yard run from Ross, making the score 21-7 Soul.  Boltus responded to Ross’ touchdown with a one yard run into the end-zone.  At the end of the first, the scoreboard displayed 21-14 with the Soul in the lead.

The Predators started the second quarter off strong with an interception by former Soul player Eddie Moten.  Despite the interception, the Soul came back by scoring the first touchdown at 6:40.  White caught a 4-yard pass from Raudabaugh making the score 28-14 Soul.  Orlando then responded when Boltus then completed a deep fourth-down 2-yard pass to Paden, making the score 28-21 with one minute left in the second.  Orlando recovered an onsides kick and then scored with three seconds left in the half, Predator Greg Carr scored his first touchdown of the night by catching a 1-yard pass from Boltus.  The second quarter ended with a tie of 28-28.

The third quarter started off in favor of the Soul by Brandon Perkins catching their first interception of the night.  Both teams continued in beast mode defensively by blocking passes and adding up tackles.  With 11 seconds left in the third, Tiger Jones scored his first touchdown of the night.  Raudabaugh connected with Jones for a 20-yard pass into the end-zone.  The third quarter ended in the Soul’s favor with a score of 35-28.

Both the Soul and Predators proceeded to fight defensively throughout the fourth quarter.  In spite of the Orlando’s hardworking defense, they were continuously unable to stop White.  Raudabaugh connected with White for a  20-yard pass generating a score of 42-28 Soul.  This is White’s third touchdown of the night.  With 1:12 left in the final quarter, Carr scored his second touchdown of the night by catching Boltus 12-yard pass.  The Soul were able to run out the clock and came away with 42-35 American Conference victory and now hold the head-to-head tiebreaker against Orlando.

The Soul have a Bye Week and then will return and stay home for Week 19 where they will continue to battle for a playoff spot against the  San Jose SaberCats.  This game will take place on Sunday, July 20 at 4 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Center and will broadcast on ESPN3.

Russell Athletic Offensive Player: Philadelphia’s Markee White

Riddell Defensive Player: Philadelphia’s Teddy Jennings

J Lewis Small AFL Playmaker: Philadelphia’s Rayshaun Kizer

Cutter’s Catch of the Game: Philadelphia’s Markee Whites one handed catch in the end-zone

Spalding Highlight of the Game: Philadelphia’s LaRico Stevensons kickoff return to a touchdown