By Tony Solorzano
WEEK 11 MATCHUP: LA KISS (4-5) vs. Philadelphia Soul (8-2)
GAME TIME Noon PDT (3:00 Local Time)
LOCATION: Sun National Bank Center, Trenton , NJ
BROADCAST: ESPN3 (WatchESPN App)
ROCK VS. JOCK SERIES CONCLUDES:
The two-game series between the Soul and the KISS has become not only one of the better bi-coastal rivalries in the Arena League, but now sports one of the best titles in professional Sports, Rock vs. Jock. The KISS, fronted by team Co-Owners Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of KISS, represent the “Rock” half, while the Soul, with an ownership group including NFL greats, Ron Jaworski, former UCLA, Eagles and Rams coach Dick Vermiel, Former New Orleans Saints players Marques Colston and Jahri Evans, represent the “Jocks. In their previous meeting this season, the Jocks knocked out the Rock at the Honda Center in Week 5, behind Darius Reynolds’ three-touchdown performance, taking their second road game, 56-33.
SOUL ON THE ROAD DURING CONVENTION RENOVATION
Today’s contest is the first of two home games the Soul will be playing on a neutral field this season. Their home field, the Wells Fargo Center, is undergoing a renovation in preparation of the upcoming Democratic Nominating convention next month. In addition to today’s game at the Sun Bank Center, the Soul will host the Cleveland Gladiators on July 9th at the PPL Center in nearby Allentown Pennsylvania.
SOUL PLAYER’S HOMECOMING SPOILED
Soul Lineman Keith Newall was looking forward to today’s game. the second-year player out of Delware State grew up close to the Sun Bank Center, attending Trenton Central High School before starting his college career at Rutgers. However, as of today’s game, Newell is not on the active roster and is not dressing for today’s game.
TRENTON NO STRANGER TO INDOOR FOOTBALL
The Sun Bank Center is making its Arena League debut as a venue but the arena is no stranger to indoor football. Two former franchises called the arena home, The Trenton Freedom of the Professional Indoor Football League played two seasons before folding after the 2015 season. Before that, the Trenton Steel of the Southern Indoor Football League called the arena home in 2011. Previous to that the women of the Philadelphia Passion called the Sun Bank Center Home before moving across the Delaware to the home of the MLS’s Philadelphia Union, the Talen Energy Center in neaby Chester, PA.
KISS RECEIVER MAKING HOMECOMING OF SORTS
Wide Receiver and former Green Bay Packer Justin Wilson, is making a homecoming of sorts in today’s game. Wilson a native of Windsor, CT, played his college ball at nearby Delaware State. He was a two-time All-MEAC selection for the Hornets and ranked second in school history with with 189 catches and 2,4116 receiving yards, ranking fourth in team history. He is also fourth in school history with 23 touchdown catches. He was the first player in MEAC history to lead the conference in receptions (59), receiving yards (937) and touchdown catches (11) during the 2010 season.
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