The Philadelphia Soul will be looking to win their second consecutive ArenaBowl title in 2017. They will have the same team they had last season and then some. That and more in our 2017 Philadelphia Soul season preview.
2017 Philadelphia Soul Season Preview
The Soul defeated the Arizona Rattlers in ArenaBowl XXX on Aug. 26, 2016. The defense forced five turnovers. That included two interceptions by safety James Romain.
Most of the key contributors to the Soul’s championship run will be returning to the team in 2017. Quarterback Dan Raudabaugh threw for 4,303 yards and 101 touchdowns.
Also returning will be wide receivers Shaun Kauleinamoku, Ryan McDaniel and Darius Reynolds. Kauleinamoku went on to be named the MVP of ArenaBowl XXIX. He finished the season with 99 catches for 1,304 yards and 26 touchdowns.
Reynolds appeared to be Raudabaugh’s favorite target. He caught 112 passes for 1,447 yards and 38 touchdowns last season.
Also returning to the team is running back Jeramie Richardson. He finished with 20 touchdowns in 2016. Joining him will be former Arizona Rattlers fullback Mykel Benson. He and Richardson tied for the league lead with 20 rushing touchdowns.
Several key players on the defensive side of the ball will also be returning. Jake Metz recorded seven sacks last season. Dwayne Hollis was second in the league with eight interceptions.
There is still one key player on defense who is no longer with the team. Cornerback Tracy Belton signed with the Washington Valor during the off-season. He led the league with nine interceptions last season.
The Soul’s run at a repeat will begin Week 2. They travel to take on the Tampa Bay Storm on April 15.
The 2017 Arena Football League season is the 30th in league history. The two newest expansion teams, the Valor and Baltimore Brigade, will kick things off this Friday. Both teams were founded but CEO of Monumental Sports and Entertainment (MSE) Ted Leonsis.
