Best Season Evah!
18 May 2008
After a lackluster first half of play the Soul played inspired football in the second half and defeated the Pittsburgh Columbus Destroyers 43-51.
With the win the Soul grabbed their first sweep of the season, their first victory in three weeks, and the top seed in the conference.
Columbus dominated the game in time of possession (36 minutes to 24), offensive plays (48 to 33), and just about every other category. The Soul seemed to struggle in the first half. Only quick scores by wideouts Chris Jackson and Larry Brackins helped them keep pace with the Destroyers.
Starting the third quarter tied at 21 the two teams traded scores. There was a few moments of terror as Soul QB Matt D'Orazio lay on the turf after tossing a 14 yard pass to Brent Holmes. Back up QB Glenn Gaunt entered the game for a hand off to Clifton Smith before D'Orazio returned. Larry brackins second score of the night put the Soul up 28-35 and the Soul never looked back.
Soul LB Sean Scott prevented C.J. Johnson from leaving the endzone on the ensuing kick. Destroyers QB Matt Nagy took the snap at the five and was sacked for a safety by Soul DL Gabe Nyenhuis. Another Chris Jackson touchdown grab and the Soul entered the fourth quarter up 44-28.
D'Orazio would later hit TE Phil Bogle for a 14 yard touchdown. Nagy would throw for two more TDs and the Destroyers would convert another two point attempt. But it wasn't enough as the Soul ate up the final four minutes on the clock and notched their tenth win.
It's taken five years for the Soul to manage a ten win season. And almost as if she knew it would happen, Soulmate Director/Choreographer Marla Viturello had another gift for the fans. A brief, unexpected routine performed by a dozen familiar faces that are missed around these parts..
A Soulmate Alumni reunion!
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