They didn't quite look as dominating as they normally do, but the Philadelphia Soul got the job done on Saturday night in their first playoff game since ArenaBowl XXII, beating the New Orleans VooDoo 66-53 in what amounted to be a fantastic game that was a lot closer than the final score indicated. The VooDoo led this game 39-38 near the end of the third quarter, but a fumble by WR Chris Duvalt gave the ball back to the Soul, who scored four plays later to take a lead that they would never relent. Philadelphia will move on to host the American Conference Championship Game next week against the Jacksonville Sharks.
When it comes to San Jose's success throughout the 2015 season, credit can certainly be granted to essentially every component of the SaberCats' roster and coaching staff. But it is safe to say that the statistical defensive and offensive leaders, defensive back Ken Fontenette and wide receiver Reggie Gray, are primary factors toward San Jose's 14-1 record.
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There has been plenty of talking. There has been plenty of observation. There has been plenty of buzz. And now, it's time to get out there and play some football. The New Orleans VooDoo and the Orlando Predators are set to duke it out on Saturday night at the Amway Center, and this is the first time since 2008 that it feels like there is a legitimate buzz about an AFL game in the City Beautiful.
One team started off at 0-5 and rallied into the playoffs. The other started off the season as such big favorites in their division that I deemed them the first 0-1 team to ever win a division title. Since that point though, both the Orlando Predators and the Philadelphia Soul have turned things around, and they are both playing some of their best football of the season coming into Saturday night's American Conference Semifinal tie in the City of Brotherly Love.