"He was always just Dad," Derek said. "Being his son often gave me a platform to show my talents. I never looked at it like I had to live up to my dad's expectations or what he did. If people recognized me because of my dad, that's great. I'll be honest; doors were opened for me because I was Darryl Stingley's son."
Oddly, on Sunday night, momentum turned the Soul's way when defensive lineman T.J. Langley blasted Pittsburgh's A.J. Jackson during a peel-back block on an interception return. Both players got up after the frightening collision, and the Soul's bench was energized.
"Buddy Ryan always said a big hit is often more important than a turnover," Soul coach Doug Plank said. "It electrifies your sideline. This is a physical, tough game. When that happens, everyone sees it and feeds off it."
Soul quarterback Dan Raudabaugh threw seven touchdown passes and set the club record for most in a season when he hit lineman Greg Ryan for a third-quarter score. Tony Graziani had 90 TD passes in the 16-game season of 2005. Raudabaugh has 94 in 15 games this year.
"It's a tribute to the O-line, to [Derrick] Ross and the running game, the receivers making great plays, and the coach [offensive coordinator Clint Dolezel] calling great plays," Raudabaugh said. "It makes my job easy when we've got it all clicking."
Rayshaun Kizer had two interceptions and forced the fumble that Justin Warren returned for a touchdown to lead the Soul's defense. Fellow defensive back Kent Richardson, who leads the Arena League with 12 picks, left the game early in the second half with a lacerated right index finger.
It's been a difficult season for Pittsburgh (3-11). But for Stingley, who took over head coaching duties four games ago, difficult is a relative term.
Contact Ed Barkowitz at barkowe@phillynews.com.
