FB Derrick Ross leads the way tonight against the Sharks. Photo by contrastphotography.com

SOUL FACE SHARKS IN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP
Philadelphia One Win Away from ArenaBowl Berth

The Philadelphia Soul will play the Jacksonville Sharks in the American Conference Championship to advance to ArenaBowl XXXVI. The game is between the top two seeds of the conference. Kickoff is set for Saturday, Aug. 10 at 7 p.m. ET in Jacksonville. The two teams faced off in last season’s American Conference Championship when the Soul won, 89-34. With a win, the Soul will advance to the ArenaBowl to for the second consecutive season.

WHAT: Philadelphia Soul playing the Jacksonville Sharks in the American Conference Championship.

WHERE: Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, FL.

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 10 at 7 p.m.

WHO: The Philadelphia Soul Arena Football team.

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The Arena Football League announced the offensive players named to the 2013 All-Arena team. Philadelphia Soul FB Derrick Ross (6’0, 240, Tarleton St.), WR Tiger Jones (5’10, 195, Louisville), OL Brennan Carvalho (6’1, 320, Portland St.), and OL Christian Johnson (6’4, 320, Kentucky) were named to the First Team All-Arena and K Carlos Martinez (5’8, 190, Buena Vista) was named to the Second Team All-Arena squad.

“These players deserve the recognition their receiving,” explained Soul head coach Clint Dolezel. “They play outstanding all season and helped contribute towards our success. I’m proud of what they’ve done and I’m glad to see the League recognizes their outstanding play as well.”

As a MVP candidate and Russell Offensive Player of the Year candidate, Ross earned his third First Team All-Arena bid after he led the AFL in rushing as he finished with 506 yards and 35 rushing touchdowns. Earlier this season, Ross became the AFL’s all-time leading rusher, recording 1,773 yards on the ground. After breaking a franchise record for rushing touchdowns in a season, Ross currently sits 21 touchdowns away from tying the AFL’s all-time record for most rushing touchdowns in a career.

Another MVP candidate and Russell Offensive Player of the Year candidate, Jones received his second First Team All-Arena selection after recording 150 receptions for a league-high 2,121 yards and 37 touchdowns. Jones became the first receiver in AFL history to record three 2,000-yard receiving seasons. In addition to his League record, Jones broke franchise records for most receptions (183) and receiving yards (4,131).

Lineman of the Year candidates Carvalho and Johnson led the league in sacks allowed for the second consecutive season, by allowing only seven sacks. Last season, they led the league and set a franchise record of only allowing five sacks. This is both players’ only First Team All-Arena selection.

K Martinez was selected to the Second Team All-Arena after ranking No. 2 in most in PATs made (126) and field goals made (6).

The First-Team offensive players are joined by: Spokane QB Erik Meyer, Spokane WR Adrion Tennell, Tampa Bay WR Joe Hills, San Jose OL Rich Ranglin, and Arizona K Garrett Lindholm.

 Joining Martinez on the Second Team All-Arena Defense is: Arizona QB Nick Davila, Arizona FB Odie Armstrong, Arizona WR Rod Windsor, Chicago WR Reggie Gray, Jacksonville WR Jeron Harvey, Arizona C Billy Eisenhardt, Arizona OL Michael Huey, and San Jose OL George Bussey.