AFL Playoffs Conference Championship Recaps

Pro Football Fans Staff Writer Chad Fukoka brings us his recap of the Conference Championships of the 2008 Arena Football League Playoffs.

• Philadelphia advanced to the ArenaBowl with a convincing 70-35 victory over Cleveland. The Soul scored 21 consecutive points early in the first half to jump out to a 28-7 lead, with five touchdowns in their first six possessions. They were able to put pressure on Cleveland quarterback Raymond Philyaw, forcing him to throw off balance and very quickly. This took away the deep passing attack for the Gladiators and allowed Philadelphia to start five first half possessions inside Gladiators territory. In the third, both teams scored on all of their drives and it resulted in a 56-35 Soul lead. The usually determined and consistent Cleveland offense was unable to mount any type of comeback, getting shut out in the fourth quarter as Philadelphia added two more touchdowns for their final margin of victory. Philadelphia forced seven defensive stops, allowed a 52% completion rate and limited Cleveland to just 4 out of 12 conversions on third and fourth downs. After a controversial win and a sloppy performance by the Soul last week, this time they showed why they are the top seed in their conference with the best regular season record in the league. In the loss, Raymond Philyaw passed for 303 yards, 4 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Robert Redd caught 11 passes for 152 yards and 2 touchdowns and Otis Amey contributed 85 yards and 2 touchdowns to the offense. For Philadelphia, Matt D'Orazio threw for 184 yards and 8 touchdowns. Larry Brackins had 92 yards and 3 scores while Brent Holmes had 57 yards and 3 scores. Cleveland made an appearance in the conference championship after a 2-14 record last season, and Philadelphia will play in the ArenaBowl for the first time in franchise history.

• San Jose will play in their third ArenaBowl this decade after a resounding 81-55 win over Grand Rapids. After an interception on their opening drive, San Jose responded with five touchdowns and a field goal to total 38 first half points. The Sabercats made it diffcult for Rampage quarterback James MacPherson to throw, with an amazing pass rush and solid pass coverage that created four defensive stops in the first half. In the third and foruth quarters, the pace of the game picked up as Grand Rapids tried to make a comeback attempt. Although the Rampage scored six touchdowns and 41 second half points, they could not stop the San Jose offense and the margin was never less than 13 points. The onside kick attempts by Grand Rapids did not produce any extra possessions and the outcome was never in serious doubt. San Jose created seven defensive stops in the game. James MacPherson and the Rampage offense came up short, but MacPherson still had 314 yards and 4 touchdowns. Kenny higgins caught 12 passes for 142 yards and 2 touchdowns and Cole Magner had 10 catches for 103 yards and a score. In the victory, Mark Grieb passed for 255 yards and 8 touchdowns. Cleannord Saintil caught 11 passes for 113 yards and 5 touchdowns, Jason Geathers had 52 yards and 2 touchdowns and Rodney Wright came up with 70 yards. Defensive back Omarr Smith sparked the stingy Sabercats defense with 3 interceptions that allowed them to enjoy a comfortable home victory. San Jose will face Philadelphia in the ArenaBowl and will be looking for their second straight championship.

By Chad Fukoka
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer

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