Soul, Rattlers Clinch Home Playoff Spots

(photo credit: phillyvoice.com)

The Philadelphia Soul and Arizona Rattlers clinched home playoff games for the 2016 season after both won their games in Week 13.

(photo credit: arizonafoothillsmagazine.com)

The Rattlers beat the Los Angeles KISS at the Honda Center in Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon to clinch their home playoff game. The Soul dominated the Portland Steel last night at the Moda Center in Portland, OR to clinch their spot.

Alongside the Rattlers and Soul with home playoff spots clinched are the top team in the league in the Orlando Predators. There is now just one home playoff spot left, which looks like could be clinched by the Cleveland Gladiators, who hold a two-game lead over the fifth and sixth seed teams in the KISS and the Jacksonville Sharks. 

Dominant Second Half Lifts Soul Over Steel, 59-38

(photo credit: Philadelphia Soul/Instagram)

The Philadelphia Soul scored 31 consecutive points in the third and fourth quarters to put away the Portland Steel, 59-38, in Monday night’s only game of AFL action.

This loss did nothing regarding playoff positioning for Portland (1-11), who continues to toil in the National Conference basement. With the victory, Philadelphia (10-3) moved one game behind the American Conference-leading Orlando Predators (11-2) with just three games remaining for both teams.

The game started evenly, with both teams trading scores back and forth during the first half. Less than two minutes into the game, Philadelphia quarterback Dan Raudabaugh connected with wide receiver Shaun Kauleinamoku for a 7-0 lead. Portland responded when Shane Austin found Rashaad Carter to tie the game, 7-7. Jeramie Richardson started the Soul’s next drive with a 25-yard rush, then punched it in two plays later from one yard out for a 14-7 advantage.

The Steel’s Jared Perry returned the ensuing kickoff almost to midfield, and two Shane Austin passes later, Rashaad Carter had his second touchdown of the game to even the score again, 14-14. Philadelphia’s next possession took exactly two plays before Raudabaugh hit Ryan McDaniel for a score as the first quarter came to a close, putting the Soul up 21-14.

Portland started the second quarter with a five-play, 45-yard drive that culminated in Carter’s 3^rd (and final) touchdown of the game, evening the score at 21-21. Two minutes later, Raudabaugh hit Kauleinamoku for a second time, and a 28-21 Soul lead with 8:33 left in the half. On Portland’s next possession, a roughing the passer penalty put them in Philadelphia territory.

Steel receiver Nick Truesdell, in his first action since suffering an injury in the first game of the season, had two receptions on the drive, including one in the end zone, to pull Portland even again, 28-28. Philadelphia followed with the first turnover on downs of the game, giving Portland possession at the Soul’s 10-yard line.

Portland was able to gain just five yards on their four downs, and turned the ball right back over with 57 seconds left. On the second play of Philadelphia’s next possession, Raudabaugh was intercepted by Steel defensive back Shaine Boyle in Soul territory. Portland ended the first half with an Ernesto Lacayo field goal as time expired, giving Portland their first lead of the game at 31-28 heading into the locker room.

The second half was a completely different story. Portalnd received to start, and after a sack and holding penalty created a 3rd and-27 situation, Shane Austin’s fourth down pass was intercepted by Soul defensive back Tracy Bolton. Seven plays and 31 yards later, Raudabaugh’s second connection with McDaniel gave Philadelphia the lead back, 35-31. They wouldn’t relinquish it for the rest of the game.

Portland’s first play on their next drive was another interception, this time by Sean Daniels, who returned it for a touchdown. 42-31, Philadelphia. It took a full three plays on the Steel’s next possession before another interception, Belton’s second of the game for Philadelphia. The 10 plays of the Soul’s ensuing drive included three completions, four incomplete passes, three penalties, the changeover from the third to fourth quarter, and ended with a field goal and 45-31 Soul lead.

Portland futility continued again, with another turnover on downs that Philadelphia converted into another touchdown, Raudabaugh this time hitting Darius Reynolds for the score. But at 52-31, Philadelphia’s scoring streak was still not complete. With just under four minutes remaining in the game, and Portland trying to save a little bit of face, Shane Austin’s very next pass resulted in his fourth interception of the game, this time by James Romain.

That drive took six plays and a little over two minutes before Jeramie Richardson scored his second rushing touchdown of the game and completed the string of 31 unanswered points for Philadelphia, turning a 31-28 halftime deficit into a 59-31 lead with less than a minute remaining in the game. In a last exertion of effort, Shaine Boyle returned the ensuing kickoff 57 yards for a touchdown, accomplishing the game’s final score of 59-38.

Shane Austin finished with 20 completions on 39 attempts for 171 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions (the third time he has reached that total this season) for Portland. Rashaad Carter’s three touchdowns came on 8 receptions and 71 yards.

For Philadelphia, Raudabaugh went 19 for 33, with 217 yards and five touchdowns. Kauleinamoku hauled in nine receptions for 125 yards and those two touchdowns. It’s the third time he has had nine catches in a game, his second 100+-yard game, and his seventh multiple-score game.

• Portland’s remaining three games are at home against the Jacksonville Sharks (5-7), at the Tampa Bay Storm (1-11), and at home against the Los Angeles KISS (5-7). Philadelphia finishes the season at home against the Cleveland Gladiators (7-6), at Tampa Bay, then ends with a game that could determine 1^st place in the division, at the Orlando Predators.

Arena Football Power Rankings: Week 13

8. Portland Steel

(photo credit: pamplinmedia.com)

The Steel have been the worst team in the league through almost all of the season. They have been dominated in every game but their sole win over the Tampa Bay Storm and two games earlier in the season. Even with three starting quarterbacks, they still have not found what they must do to get back on track.

7. Tampa Bay Storm

(photo credit: tampabaystorm.com)

The Storm aren't the worst team in the league, but they're very close to it. After playing in several close games, they have been dominated in their past few games.

6. Jacksonville Sharks

(photo credit: jaxsharks.com)

The Sharks have had a lot of bad luck this season, like losing to the Cleveland Gladiators twice after holding double-digit leads in both games. They have also had good luck, too, like handing the Orlando Predators their one home loss this season. But more the most part, they have been inconsistent and have had more bad luck than good.

5. Los Angeles KISS

(photo credit: gettyimages.com)

Despite not having star quarterback Nathan Stanley under center, the KISS are still hanging in there and are currently in position to host a playoff game. Quarterback Pete Thomas has done a good job in taking over for Stanley, and Donovan "Captain" Morgan has also played good football for the KISS.

4. Cleveland Gladiators

(photo credit: mariettatimes.com)

The Gladiators are getting better and better as each week goes on. Unfortunately, the beginning to their season has them as the fifth seed in the AFL playoff standings. If they can take advantage over the KISS, they could become the four seed and can host a playoff game.

3. Arizona Rattlers

(photo credit: espn.go.com)

The Rattlers have an MVP quarterback in Nick Davila and a good wide receiver in Rod Windsor, the team's all-time leading receiver. But their head-to-heads against the top two teams on our list, both losses, has them at #3.

2. Philadelphia Soul

(photo credit: philly.com)

The Soul reigned as the top team in the league for about a month. Then they fell to the Cleveland Gladiators and the top team on our list took advantage to take over.

1. Orlando Predators

(photo credit: orlandosentinel.com)

The Predators are the only team with 11 wins going into the final four weeks of the regular season. They have shown that whether they are winning or losing, they know how to play excellent football.

Sharks and Armada FC Announce Ticket Special

(photo credit: Jacksonville Sharks/Twitter)

This time of year when you go to downtown Jacksonville, you have options to choose from for different sports. You can see the Sharks, can take in a Suns game, or cheer on the Armada. Now, two of those teams and their respective venues have combined to allow fans to double dip.

On Monday, the Sharks announced a partnership with Jacksonville Armada FC to provide a special BOGO ticket offer for their respective July 23 games. The Armada moved up their kickoff to 5 p.m. ET for the match against Ottawa Fury FC at Community First Park, located at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. That allows fans to walk across the street to Veterans Memorial Arena to see the Sharks take on the Los Angeles KISS at Sea Best Field at 7 p.m. ET to celebrate Christmas in July.

If you have a ticket for either game, you can head to the other box office to participate in the buy one, get one free ticket offer for the other match. This means if you have a ticket to see the Armada, you can go over to the arena box office after enjoying Cultural/Arts Day for BOGO Sharks tickets. If you have Sharks tickets for Christmas in July, then head over to the box office at Community First Park for BOGO Armada tickets.

The heads of both teams showed their excitement about the joint venture.

“This is a great opportunity for each teams' fans to experience the others game,” said Operating Manager Jeff Bouchy. “We encourage all Sharks' fans to support the Armada FC on this day and then invite the Armada FC fans to come across the street and see what arena football is all about.”

“This is an exciting opportunity for each team to support each other and showcase the great sports culture we have in Jacksonville,” said Mark Frisch, Armada FC owner. “I look forward to a great day for sports on the First Coast.”

Orlando Predators Announce Playoff Ticket Sales

(photo credit: Orlando Predators/Twitter)

The Orlando Predators announced today that Playoff tickets for the first round of the 2016 AFL Playoffs will be available for purchase on Thursday, June 30 to the general public. Season ticket holders will have access through an exclusive pre-sale a day early.

The first round game is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Amway Center.

Orlando is currently in first place in the overall AFL rankings with a league-best 11 wins. With a decisive victory last week over the Tampa Bay Storm the Predators are guaranteed to host a first round playoff game and can not fall past the four seed in playoff seeding.

As of today they would matchup against the the Storm (1-11) whom they have beaten three times this season.

All teams will be have bye this week to honor Independence Day weekend. Action will resume on July 9, when Orlando travels to play the Portland Steel (1-10) at 10 p.m. ET.

Fans can purchase playoff tickets by calling 407-355-2200 or online at OrlandoPredators.com.

Rattlers Beat KISS, 64-49

(photo credit: Brian Kreps/Twitter)

The Los Angeles KISS clashed with the Arizona Rattlers on Sunday night at the Honda Center. This was a crucial game for the KISS, as they were looking to make up ground on the National Conference leading Rattlers. After returning from a quick road trip, the KISS were behind 7,090 fans on Military Appreciation Night at the Honda Center. 

The Rattlers would get the ball first, as they elected to receive the ball. Quarterback Nick Davila went right to work, as he drove his team right down the field. Davila ended the nearly flawless seven play, 45-yard drive, by connecting with Chase Deadder on a 10-yard touchdown pass.

The Rattlers took the early lead over the KISS, as they led 7-0 after a drive that lasted 4:49. The KISS offense couldn’t do much on their next drive, as quarterback Pete Thomas was picked off by KJ Morton, on Thomas’s second pass of the game. 

Morton took it all the way to the promise land, as the pick six gave the Rattlers a 14-0 advantage. The KISS responded to being in a quick hole, as Pete Thomas found the promise land himself, as he ran in from two yards out to cut the KISS deficit to 14-6. However, yet another miscue by the special teams occurred, as Joey Cejudo missed the extra point, which kept the score at 14-6.

In the opening minutes of the second quarter, the Rattlers struck again. Davila found Maurice Purify in the end zone from four yards out, as the Rattlers took the 21-6 lead. On the next KISS possession, Thomas hooked up with Justin Wilson on a 39-yard touchdown pass, which cut the KISS deficit to 21-12. 

LA decided to try the two-point conversion, and quarterback Nathan Stanley, who has been out ever since he was injured against Arizona, was the quarterback for the two-point try. Stanley’s first play back wasn’t so successful, as he fumbled the ball while he was rushing, and Jeremy Kellem took the ball all the way back for a safety. Arizona now held the 23-12 advantage, as the Rattlers cashed in on yet another failed special teams play by the KISS. Arizona wasn’t done there, as Davila and Purify connected again, this time from 13-yards out, as the Rattlers now had the 30-12 advantage over the KISS. 

A few minutes later, Thomas was picked off again, and Arizona returned it all the way to the two yard line. Mykel Benson scored on a two-yard rushing touchdown, as the Rattlers had a commanding 37-12 lead over the KISS. With time running out in the half, Thomas found Donovan “Captain” Morgan on a 40-yard touchdown bomb, and Thomas was able to convert on a two-point attempt, as the KISS cut the Arizona lead to 37-20. With just seven seconds left on the clock, Davila found Purify again from six yards out, to give the Rattlers a 43-20 lead. However, the extra point was blocked by Kalafitoni Pole, and Josh Victorian picked up the ball and took it all the way to the end zone for a safety. After two quarters, the Rattlers were beating the KISS, 43-22. 

While the KISS looked overmatched in the first half, the third quarter would be a completely different story. On the first possession of the quarter, KISS fullback Rory Nixon scored on a 5-yard rushing touchdown, as the KISS now only trailed by two touchdowns. After the Rattlers turned the ball over on downs, the KISS were able to take advantage. Thomas and Morgan hooked up once again, this time from 19 yards out, as the KISS were now only trailing by a score of 43-36.

Nixon was able to find the end zone again, this time via a pass from Thomas, as the KISS were losing 43-42, after Cejudo missed another extra point. Arizona was finally able to stop the bleeding, as Davila and Benson hooked up through the air on a 34-yard touchdown pass, giving Arizona the 50-42 advantage. On the next KISS possession, Thomas found Morgan on a 43-yard touchdown pass, as LA had cut the deficit to 50-49, heading into the fourth quarter. 

After the KISS had a huge third quarter, they couldn’t use the momentum in the fourth quarter. Benson found the end zone twice from 1-yard out, as he gave the Rattlers a 64-49 lead. That would prove to be enough, as the Rattlers defeated the resilient KISS, 64-49.

Davila completed 20 of his 33 pass attempts for 251 yards and five touchdowns. Mykel Benson had seven carries for 32 yards and three touchdowns. Purify hauled in 10 catches for 103 yards and three touchdowns.

 Thomas completed 15 of his 36 pass attempts for 291 yards and five touchdowns. Thomas was also picked off four times, and he was sacked twice. Donovan Morgan caught seven passes for 146 yards and three touchdowns. Jeremy Kellem was huge on defense for Arizona, as he totaled 4.5 tackles and two interceptions for the Rattlers. Josh Victorian recorded 6.5 tackles and one interception for the KISS. 

Arizona outgained the KISS in total yardage, 289-285. Arizona had 17 first downs, while the KISS had 16 first downs. Arizona totaled 11 penalties, which cost them 81 yards, while the KISS had nine penalties, which cost them 51 yards. Both teams won’t be playing next week, as the league will have its universal bye week. Arizona (10-3), is one win away from clinching the National Conference title, and they can do so when they play the Jacksonville Sharks on Saturday July 9 at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The KISS (5-7), will next play the Tampa Bay Storm on Monday July 11 at the Honda Center.  

2016 Week 13 Preview: Steel vs Soul

(photo credit: Philadelphia Soul/Twitter)

The Portland Steel and Philadelphia Soul will meet at the Moda Center in Portland, OR on Monday night. The Soul are one of the top teams in the league, while the Steel have been at the bottom of the Arena Football barrel just about the entire season. 

This could be another game for the Soul where they are poised to dominate the entire game. They have dominated opponents behind quarterback Dan Raudabaugh, running back Jeramie Richardson and wide receivers Shaun "SK" Kauleinamoku and Darius "Money" Reynolds.

The Steel, even behind several starting quarterbacks, have played sluggish football all season. They can not seem to get anything going.

The last time these two teams met, the Soul dominated in a 70-32 win in Week 3. It looks as if the only thing that will change between these two teams this time around is the location of the game.