Philly Sports Jabronis
Report From Philadelphia Soul
PHILADELPHIA—The Philadelphia Soul (2-1) bounced back this week to win their first game at home, 70-32 against the Portland Steel (0-3) in front of 8,782 fans at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Sunday night.
“They let us play catch, so that is exactly what we did,” said Soul head coach Clint Dolezel. “We were able to take care of the ball and I was pleased with the rhythm of the offense. It is always challenging to adjust to new receivers and both Dan and the receiving core worked well together tonight.”
Philadelphia WR and J Lewis Small AFL Playmaker of the Game, Ryan McDaniel led the Soul with five receptions for 78 yards and three touchdowns. Philadelphia WR Chris Duvalt added four receptions for 50 yards and three touchdowns. Portland WR Jared Perry led both teams with 111 yards and two touchdowns.
Philadelphia QB and Under Armour Offensive Player of the Game, Dan Raudabaugh completed 17-of-25 passes for 221 yards and eight touchdowns. Portland QB Danny Southwick completed 30-of-49 passes for 280 yards and five touchdowns.
To start off the game the Steel kicked off to the Soul. Raudabaugh connected with McDaniel for a 21-yard touchdown. Tommy Frevert’s kick was good and the Soul led the Steel 7-0 with 8:41 to play in the first quarter. The Steel could not convert on fourth down and Raudabaugh took advantage by finding Chris Duvalt for a 10-yard touchdown pass. The Soul increased their lead to 14-0 with 4:14 left in the quarter. Danny Southwick threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Jared Perry to put the Steel on the board. Ernesto Lacayo missed the kick and at the end of the quarter the Soul were led 14-7.
Jeramie Richardson opened up the second quarter with a three yard rushing touchdown and the Soul led the Steel 21-6 with 12:25 left in the quarter. Jake Metz sacked Southwick and forced a fumble that was recovered by Teddy Jennings. McDaniel caught his second touchdown of the game on an 18-yard pass from Raudabaugh. Frevert’s kick was good and with 10:07 left the Soul were up 28-6 over the Steel. On fourth down Teddy Jennings sacked Southwick to stop the Steel. Raudabaugh connected with McDaniel on a 6-yard pass for his third touchdown of the game. With 4:01 left to play the Soul increased their lead to 35-6 over the Steel. The Soul recovered an onside kick to maintain possession. Shaun Kauleinamoku caught a 28-yard touchdown pass from Raudabaugh to put the Soul up 42-6 at the end of the half.
To begin the third quarter Southwick hit Gilson for a 13-yard touchdown pass. The kick was good and with 11:10 left to play in the quarter the Soul led the Steel 42-13. Duvalt scored his second touchdown of the game on a 3-yard pass from Raudabaugh and the Soul led 49-13 with 6:33 left to play. Southwick answered with a 32-yard touchdown pass to Tyrone Goard. Lacayo missed his second extra point and the Soul led 49-19 with 1:40 left in the quarter. Kauleinamoku fumbled and the Steel recovered the ball. Southwick then capitalized with a 23-yard touchdown pass to Perry. At the end of the quarter the Soul led the Steel 49-26.
Duvalt opened the fourth quarter with his third touchdown on a 30-yard pass from Raudabaugh. The kick was good and the Soul led 56-26 with 13:06 left to play. Southwick responded by hitting Gilson on a 13-yard pass for his second touchdown of the game. Lacayo missed his third extra point and with 10:31 left in the game the Soul were up 56-32. Raudabaugh found Kauleinamoku for his second touchdown of the game on an 8-yard pass. With 8:09 on the clock the Soul were winning 63-32. Tracy Belton intercepted Southwick and returned it for a 36-yard touchdown increasing the Soul’s lead to 70-32 over the Steel, with 2:20 left to play. James Romain sealed the game for the Soul with an interception in the end zone with 12.6 seconds on the clock. The Soul beat the Steel 70-32.
Next week, the Soul host the Cleveland Gladiators on Saturday, April 23 at the Wells Fargo Center. This is the second matchup between the two teams this season, the Soul winning the first game 59-41. The game will kick off at 4 p.m.
Under Armour Offensive Player: Philadelphia QB Dan Raudabaugh
Riddell Defensive Player: Philadelphia DL Teddy Jennings
J Lewis Small AFL Playmaker: Philadelphia WR Ryan McDaniel
Cutter’s Catch of the Game: Philadelphia WR Christ Duvalt’s 30-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter
Spalding Highlight of the Game: Philadelphia DB Tracy Belton interception and 36-yard return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.
