RECAP: Romain Makes History; Soul Complete Comeback in Season Opener, 48-41
PHILADELPHIA ̶ The reigning AFL defensive back of the year delivered in a big way on Saturday. When James Romain returned an errant Randy Hippeard pass for a 50-yard score in the second quarter, it etched his name in the franchise’s record books.
The seventh-year pro now has more interceptions than any other defensive back in the team’s history, breaking a tie with Eddie Moten. Though everyone was happy with the win, the accomplishment wasn’t lost on Soul head coach Clint Dolezel.
The Soul’s new all-time leader in interceptions, James Romain. Mike Kruce/ MKJ Photography
“It looked like he had glue on his hands today,” Dolezel said of the ball-hawking Romain. “It couldn’t happen to a better guy, he’s a true professional that works and watches just as much film as the coaches do. We’re lucky to have him.”
Quarterback Dan Raudabaugh echoed similar sentiments about Romain’s anticipation on the defensive end and while the offense was working through some miscommunication, the defense did enough to keep the Soul within striking distance.
“Any momentum we got tonight came from our defense” Raudabaugh said. “In this game, all three phases have to play off each other and anytime we struggled, the defense picked up for us.”
Quarterback Dan Raudabaugh looks for the open man. Mike Kruce/MKJ Photography
Philadelphia fell behind 20-7 early in the second quarter, but Romain’s anticipation on the record-breaking pick helped turn the tide before Raudabaugh fit a 3-yard pass into a small window to Darius Prince for a touchdown late in the first half. With halftime dedicated to adjustments, the Soul were on their way.
“Nobody was pointing fingers out there,” full back Adrian Ferns said. “Coach Dolezel told us to stick together and to just trust the guy next to you.”
Ferns opened the scoring in the second half with a 1-yard plunge for his second of three scores on the day before ̶ once again ̶ James Romain jumped a route on combo coverage with Torez Jones and took his second interception of the day to the endzone, giving the Soul their first lead of the day and a lead, they would not relinquish.
Darius Prince hauls in one of his eight catches. Mike Kruce/MKJ Photography
“We have a lot of young guys on our team,” Romain said. “This game is about scoring so as a captain on this team, I was just telling the guys on my side of the ball to control what we can control and let’s get a few stops.”
A visibly excited Romain was content that the team had set in for the win, but to also add some franchise history on top of that? It was all gravy for the Del State product.
“It’s always a blessing when you can set a record,” Romain said. “I’ve been in this organization for seven years and to just be coming up behind guys like Rayshaun Kizer, it means a lot to me. It’s surreal to be solidified in history.”
With the win, the Soul picked up their fifth straight win in the season opener and move to 11-3 all-time in season openers. Saturday was the first time the Soul opened their campaign at home since 2008. Philadelphia returns to action on May 3rd against the Baltimore Brigade.
Coach Dolezel on the game’s physicality and potential rivalry with Atlantic City: “You can’t get any more chippy than that for two teams that don’t really know each other. It’s not potential, it’s there.”
Dan Raudabaugh on Blackjacks’ Marvin Ross’s injury: “We’re all thinking of him. That was a scary hit and he’s been a rookie of the year type player in this league. We’re praying for him and I’ll send him a text soon. It’s tough.”
Adrian Ferns on his three-touchdown day: “I can’t do anything without my line. Of course, it takes some skill, but without the line none of it can happen.”
James Romain on the match-up with Baltimore in week 2: “We don’t like Baltimore; I’m not going to sugar-coat it. Were going to try to punch them in the mouth and they’ll lay down. It’s going to be a good match-up ̶ they got some good talent ̶ it’s going to be a good game.”
All Photos: Mike Kruce/MKJ Photography
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