Soul Uses Big 2nd Half to Route Iowa, End Skid

Report From Philadelphia Soul

DES MOINES, IA (June 28, 2014) – The Philadelphia Soul put up 51 second-half points led by consistent play from Dan Raudabaugh and solid defensive play from Teddy Jennings as they crusied to the 84-48 victory over the Iowa Barnstormers in front of 9,551 fans at the Wells Fargo Arena on Saturday night.

“This is playoff football mode for us,” said Soul head coach, Clint Dolezel.  “This was a big for us and will give us confidence as we continue to make our push to make the playoffs.  There are still things to work on, but we will take the positives from this one and build off it.”

Philadelphia’s (7-8) rushing attack was led by Derrick Ross who had 26 rushing yards for three touchdowns.  Leading the receiving corps was Tiger Jones with eight receptions for 99 yards and two touchdowns.  Markee White also helped by recording eight receptions for 77 yards, one touchdown and a two-point conversion, while Emery Sammons finished with six receptions for 51 yards and a touchdown.  Adam Smith added two receiving touchdowns.

Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game went to Soul quarterback Dan Raudabaugh finished the night by completing 25-of-32 passes for 247 yards and six touchdowns and no interceptions.

Defensively, the Soul were ignited by Riddell Defensive Player of the Game DL Teddy Jennings who finished with 3.5 sacks and 4.0 total tackles.  James Romain added 7.0 total tackles, a 56-yard interception return for a touchdown and a fumble return for a touchdown.  Also for Philadelphia, Kent Richardson had 1.5 total tackles and an interception in his return to the Soul lineup.

Iowa’s offense was led by J.J. Raterink completed 15-of-23 passes for 267 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions.  Back-up QB Brian Reader came in relief in the fourth quarter and completed 4-of-13 passes for 60 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.  Marco Thomas had seven receptions for 108 yards and two touchdowns, while Julian Reynolds tallied six receptions for 136 yards and two touchdowns.

The first quarter kicked off with a Barnstormers touchdown, and an extra point.  Reynolds caught Ratterink’s pass for 36 yards two minutes into the game.  The Soul responded shortly after when Smith caught Raudabaugh’s 12-yard pass.  Jon Striefsky kicked the extra point and with 8:15 left in the first, Philadelphia and Iowa were tied 7-7.  Three minutes later Iowa’s Thomas scored on a 38-yard reception from Ratterink, with Gornall kicking another extra point.  Tiger Jones scored a touchdown at a stressful 4th and 2, with a 9-yard pass.  Striefsky’s extra point kick was good and at 1:22 the Soul were tied 14-14.  With 21 seconds left in the first, Iowa offense responded with a 43-yard catch by Reynolds for an Iowa touchdown.  At the end of the first quarter, Soul trailed 21-14.

Soul offense started the second quarter off strong with a pass from Raudabaugh to Sammons for a Soul touchdown and tied it at 21-21.  Ratterink returned with a pass to Williams with 6:25 remaining in the half and gave Iowa a 28-21 lead.  The Soul’s following possession, Ross fumble and recovered by Jones for a Soul touchdown with three minutes remaining in the half.  The Barnstormers responded by Ratterink running in a touchdown at 4th and 2. With two seconds remaining in the first half, Soul responded with a 7-yard touchdown by Jones and Striefsky’s kick was no good. At the end of the first half, the Soul trailed 34-33.

The third quarter started off strong for Philadelphia, with a touchdown by Smith in the first five minutes, Soul up 40-34.  Soul defense held strong with a combined sack by Jennings and Williams Jr.  Jennings followed through with another sack of Raterink, leaving the Barnstormers at 4th down. Forced turnover and two minutes remaining in the quarter, Ross ran in a touchdown, followed by a successful two-point conversion by White. With 1:35 remaining in the quarter, Soul lead 48-34.  In the Barnstormers’ first play, Jennings completes his third sack of the night, resulting in a safety.  The third quarter ended with the Soul leading the scoreless Barnstormers 50-34.

Ross’ 3-yard touchdown run kicked off the fourth quarter, 14:14 minutes remaining, putting the Soul up 57-34.  Iowa’s Thomas received a 10-yard pass from Read to answer Ross’ touchdown.  A four-yard pass caught one-handed by White put the Soul ahead 64-40 with 6:30 remaining in the game.  Iowa responds with a one-yard rush by Reader for a touchdown, followed by a two-point conversion by Steiner, Soul leading 64-48.  The Soul offense remained strong with another 3-yard rushing touchdown by Ross and the Soul ahead 71-48 in the last minute of the game.  A big play for the Soul when Richardson intercepted a Reader pass, then fumbled, but was recovered for a Soul touchdown by Romain.  Striefsky’s kick was good with the Soul leading 78-48.  Romain with another Soul interception and at the end of the game, Soul win 84-48 over the Barnstomers.

In Week 17, the Soul return home to play the Orlando Predators as they battle for a playoff spot.  The “Tribute To Heroes” Flag Football Challenge presented by Military Benefit Association and Zimmer Tri-State, a charity game with the Wounded Warrior Amputee Football Team playing against Eagles and other NFL Alumni.  The game will take place at the Wells Fargo Center before the game as part of Military Appreciation Night.  Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with the “Tribute To Heroes” game set to begin at 6 p.m.  The Soul game will kick off at 8 p.m. and will be televised live on ESPN2.

Russell Athletic Offensive Player: Philadelphia’s Dan Raudabaugh

Riddell Defensive Player: Philadelphia’s Teddy Jennings

J Lewis Small AFL Playmaker:  Iowa’s Julian Williams

Cutter’s Catch of the Game: Iowa’s Marco Thomas’ 38-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter

Spalding Highlight of the Game: Philadelphia’s Markee White’s one-handed 4-yard touchdown catch