Soul Take Advantage of Undisciplined Desperados
Craig T. Mackey
Monday April 5, 2004
They tied a league record with 21 penalties, not something that you would like to be in the record book for.
In a battle of back-up quarterbacks, the Philadelphia Soul defeated the Desperados 47-31 in front of another announced sell-out at the Wachovia Center. The Soul started Todd Hammel in place of Nick Browder, who is still out with a separated shoulder. Walter Church got the start for Dallas as Glen Gauntt continues to nurse a sprained knee that he suffered in last week’s loss to the Los Angeles Avengers.
The game started the way the Soul seems to start every game. Hammel connected with Tyronne Jones for a 9-yard completion on the first play of the game, but Jones put the ball on the carpet and Dallas recovered it. The Soul has now fumbled on the first series in six of their nine games.
The Soul would overcome this fumble, but it is so important to take advantage of every possession in the Arena League and the Soul has not done that. They now have turned the ball over 18 times while creating just 10 turnovers. Their eight-turnover stat is the third worst in the league and is the main reason that this team is in danger of missing the playoffs.
The defense was strong once again. They put pressure on Church and K Jason Wells all game. They recorded three sacks and blocked two kicks and they held a very good offense to just 31 points. Dallas was playing without Gauntt and receiver Bobby Sippio (birth of his child), but you cannot take anything away from the efforts of this defense.
Gary Compton made a nice return to action as his 17-yard interception return sealed the game and he was later named the ADT Defensive Player of the Game. Compton just missed an interception two plays earlier. He got a chance to redeem himself and he took full advantage.
“This was great effort, particularly against an offense like Dallas, who score 56 or 58 points a week,” said Soul head coach Michael Trigg. “We were just able to control Church and beat him up just enough where he was not able to get the throws that he wanted.”
The Soul jumped on his back and rode the Soul Train, especially when the score was close in the first half. Chris Ryan, the Army Ironman of the Game, ran in two scores and also caught one. Ryan’s big frame has become a huge advantage for the Soul on both offense and defense. Ryan also blocked a kick in the first quarter and he was in Church’s face all game, even batting down a ball in the first half.
“Ryan gives us versatility,” said Trigg. “He is great on special team, he is strong on defense, and we are able to give him the ball on offense when we are trying not to stop the clock. He is also important in the red zone because he is so tough to bring down and so determined.”
The return of Corey Mayfield has also been another key for this team. Mayfield was able to get a good rush around the end all game and recorded one sack. He also helped the offensive line give Hammel time in the pocket all game, something they could not do in their earlier loss. Mayfield was not in the game and the game was completely different. Browder was clearly rushing his passes all game and on the other side Gauntt had too much time. Mayfield was brought in to do this so we should expect nothing less.
“He is the leader of the line and he steps it up mentally for all the other players,” Hammel said. “He really helps everyone out because he is vocal and he gets the young guys to listen in practice. Having him back the last two weeks has been big.”
This was the first game of the second half of the season and the Soul are off to a good start. In winning yesterday, they were also able to put an end to a couple of Dallas’ streaks. The defeat ends a six-game winning streak on the road and they were previously unbeaten lifetime against the Eastern Division. Philly fans have a hatred for Dallas football no matter what the league or where it is played and that was evident yesterday. The fans energy got the Soul motivated in the second half.
Next, the Soul visits another town we all love: Carolina. I know a win there will not make up for the NFC Championship, but it will still be fun. First they have a bye week and Trigg says he will be conducting business as usual.
“Normally teams get the whole week off, but we’re not. We think we still a lot of improvement and we still think we need to get better in a lot of areas. So we’re going right back to work on Tuesday and getting ready for Carolina in two weeks.”
Extra Soul
Hammel had a nice outing in his second start. He finished the game 12 of 23 for 194 yards and 3 touchdowns…Tyronne Jones was the Baby Ruth Real Deal Offensive Player of the game. He finished with four catches for 98 yards and a touchdown…Sean Scott added another touchdown to his ever improving AFL career…Ricky Ross was held without a touchdown for the first time all season…Temple product Keita Crespina finished with 42 yards receiving and a tackle on defense.
Next Game
The Soul has a bye week next week and will travel to Carolina to play the Cobras after that. Carolina (3-6) has been bad at home this year with a 1-4 record. The Soul need to use their bye week and come out ready because the Cobras are a division opponent and they can also get back to the .500 mark before their return home again in three weeks.
Craig T Mackey is a an engineer in Philadelphia. He is a huge philadelphia sports fan. He has worked for NFL Films in the past and is a 1999 graduate of Penn State University with a bachelors degree in journalism.
