Soul claim East Division, clinch playoff berth

The Soul are headed back to the playoffs.

The team beat Cleveland, 66-57, this past Saturday night to clinch the AFL’s East Division. The win guarantees them a first-round playoff game at the Wells Fargo Center. Quarterback Dan Raudabaugh was the player of the game after he threw for 285 yards and six touchdowns.

“This was a collective effort from top to bottom,” said coach Clint Dolezel. “Dan had an outstanding game, but there were many guys that stepped up when we had injuries during the game. Collectively, we stayed focused and played a complete game. It’s a divisional title and the entire team deserves to be proud of this victory.”

Tiger Jones led all Soul receivers with nine catches for 99 yards, while Derrick Ross scored the 100th touchdown of his AFL career.

Ryan McDaniel added seven receptions for 71 yards and two touchdowns, while Larry Brackins added an onsides kick return for a score on the final Soul touchdown.

The Soul, who lost last year’s ArenaBowl to Arizona, host the Chicago Rush Saturday at the Wells Fargo Center. The Soul beat the Rush in a previous meeting earlier this season.