THE SECONDARY had its best game of the season as the Soul heads into a crucial stretch of the schedule with a 79-60 win over New Orleans on Saturday at the Wells Fargo Center.
Rayshaun Kizer and James Romain had two interceptions, each returning one for a touchdown, to lead the season-best scoring outburst.
The Soul's defense came into the game with just three interceptions in the first seven games. V'Keon Lacey chipped in a special-teams TD on a fumble recovery.
Running back Derrick Ross scored three touchdowns and Dan Raudabaugh threw five scores and no picks as the Soul evened its record to 4-4. New Orleans fell to 1-6.
The Soul hosts Tampa Bay (3-5) this week to start an 8-week run with seven games against American Conference playoff contenders. The two division winners and the next two best teams qualify for the postseason.
Philadelphia is 2 1/2 games behind Cleveland (7-0) in the East Division. The Soul visits the Gladiators the following week, Friday, May 23.
- Ed Barkowitz