With its first 2008 Arena Football League playoff game scheduled for July 5 at the Wachovia Center, the Soul decided on a creative way to help fill the arena - with so many people expected to be traveling on the Independence Day holiday weekend.
The team has invited the entire hometown - Morrisville, Bucks County, population 10,096 - of star receiver Chris Jackson to be its guests at the game.
Jackson was one of seven Soul players named to the AFL's first and second all-star teams Wednesday.
"Chris may be the most exciting player in the league, and we're proud that he is a Delaware Valley native son," Soul coach Brett Munsey said. "If this adds a little juice to our home-field advantage, then we're all for it."
"Actually, I was going to ask for a few extra tickets to this game," Jackson said with a laugh. "Being the playoffs and all . . . for family and friends. I guess having extra playoff tickets next week won't be a distraction for me."
The free tickets can be picked up at the town's Williamson Park on Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. Known as the Island, the park is on North Delmorr Avenue, which is Route 32, along the Delaware River.
Jackson, a candidate for most valuable player in the AFL, was joined on the all-league first team by Soul quarterback Matt D'Orazio and offensive linemen Phil Bogle and Martin Bibla. With defensive back Eddie Moten and defensive linemen Bryan Save and Gabe Nyenhuis making the second team, the Soul had more players named than any other AFL squad.
Jackson ended the regular season close to all-time AFL records in touchdowns, receptions and receiving yards. And, in his only year with the Soul after spending the last two seasons with the Georgia Force, Jackson set team records with 140 receptions, 1,719 yards and 49 touchdown catches as the Soul went 13-3 and earned the top seed in the AFL playoffs.
The Soul's opponent in the divisional playoffs depends on the outcome of the National Conference wild-card games.
If the New York Dragons (8-8) upset the Dallas Desperados (12-4) tonight, they will visit the Soul. If Dallas wins, the Soul will take on the winner of Monday's matchup between the Orlando Predators (9-7) and the Cleveland Gladiators (9-7).
Notes. Soul linebacker/fullback Clifton Smith was named to the AFL's 2008 all-Ironman team yesterday. Smith, a rookie, had 45 tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble as a linebacker. As a fullback, he rushed for 133 yards and 10 touchdowns on 50 attempts. . . . Kicker Connor Hughes is on the all-rookie team. . . . The Soul band and drumline will provide musical entertainment today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside the Seven Penn Center building at 17th and Market Streets.
Contact staff writer Kevin Tatum at 215-854-2583 or ktatum@phillynews.com.
