Notes
The third time was the charm for the Philadelphia Soul against the reigning and defending ArenaBowl champions. After playing the Washington Valor twice this season and losing both games, the Soul needed to get off to a hot start in the first game of this playoff series. The change in the lineup featuring Darius Reynolds at wide receiver was something that Philadelphia had prepared for going into the end of the season and their playoff run. Alongside the other offensive weapons that stepped up this season, such as BJ Bunn, and mainstays, such as Darius Prince, Reynolds being back as wide receiver offered an additional explosion. The +36 points advantage that the Soul has on the Valor going into the second game of this playoff series points Philadelphia almost on a fast lane to the ArenaBowl.
The special teams for the Philadelphia Soul also affected the aggregate scoring positively. Sean Daniels blocking a field goal took a point off of the board, the defense causing an incomplete pass from Arvell Nelson took an additional two points off the board, and Torez Jones’ onside recovery for a touchdown was another touchdown that went towards the final score. Kenny Spencer also made all but one extra point, which is a good conversion rate for the game. The only real botch by the Soul special teams was when Dezmon Epps returned the kickoff for fifty-five yards and a touchdown.
Congratulations to the Philadelphia Soul offense for making the first game of this playoff series miserable for Arvell Nelson. Brandon Cottom’s forced fumble was the icing on the cake while the Washington Valor were desperate for points. James Romain came up big for a “hat trick” of interceptions, including one to close the game against Nelson. Malik Forrester also had a sack and a half. The other half of that sack involved Cottom. One has to wonder how Nelson will respond in game two at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
This second game for the Philadelphia Soul versus Washington Valor playoff series will take place on Sunday, August 4th at 4pm. It is available to be seen on NBCSP+ and ESPN3. The audio of the game can be heard on 97.5FM The Fanatic.
