Soul lose to Gladiators in AFL playoffs

Kicker Aaron Pettrey connected on a 36-yard field goal as time expired and the Gladiators defeated the Soul, 39-37, in front of 12,684 fans on Saturday night in the first round of the Arena Football League playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.

The Soul's Rayshaun Kizer set an AFL record with four interceptions in the losing effort.

"We put up a good fight and had our opportunities, but we didn't cash them in," Soul coach Clint Dolezel said. "This is a game that we hope we remember and motivates us for next year."

Soul quarterback Dan Raudabaugh completed 20 of 42 passes for 246 yards with five touchdowns and one interception.

Emery Sammons finished with six receptions for 107 yards and a TD, while Markee White had six catches for 38 yards and one touchdown.

Tiger Jones also helped the Soul with five receptions for 71 yards and a touchdown, while V'Keon Lacey finished with one catch for 10 yards and a touchdown.

Derrick Ross, a candidate for AFL MVP and offensive player of the year, led the ground game with 27 yards on 10 carries and one receiving touchdown.

Defensively the Soul were led by Kizer, who had 81/2 total tackles, four interceptions, and four pass breakups. Also, James Romain had 41/2 tackles and one pass breakup, while Joe Goosby had 41/2 tackles and an interception.