In a game where two or three defensive stops can usually win you a game, The Pittsburgh Power forced four turnovers against the Philadelphia Soul and lost by 38 points because Pittsburgh had seven turnovers of their own.
Pittsburgh’s first four possessions went as follows; Turnover on downs, Kickoff fumble off the net, interception, interception. Needless to say it was 21-0 before all of the Power faithful had even found their seats.
Derek Cassidy’s strong play from last week against San Jose now seems like a mirage. He lasted long enough to finish 2 of 8 for 12 yards and two interceptions. Three stops was enough for coach Derek Stingley who replaced him with Shane Austin. Shane Austin finished the day 18 of 30 for 369 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions.
The Soul also recovered a second kickoff off the netting and a Mike Washington fumble to account for the seven Power turnovers.
What made the game even worse was the fact the referees were throwing flags in the waning seconds of a 38 point blowout. All in all the zebras called 10 penalties on each team, many of them well after the game was out of hand. Sometimes a mercy killing is the best answer.
The fact that the Soul failed to score 60 points despite the seven turnovers is a testament to the Power defense who kept fighting hard until the end. Alvin Ray Jackson had a nice interception and was inches from breaking away for a touchdown. Jackson also recovered a fumble along with Brandon Freeman and Julian Talley added an onsides kick recovery.
This loss should pretty much wrap up the division for the Soul, so all that is left is for the Power to try and catch Orlando for the fourth and final playoff spot. Pittsburgh has a chance to gain ground on the Predators this week as they travel to Orlando for next week’s game.
Photo Courtesy of Pittsburgh Power Facebook Page
