AFL: Soul, Rattlers set for Arena Bowl rematch

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Orlando, Fla. • The Arena Football League's annual Arena Bowl has a very familiar feel to it this year.

The Arizona Rattlers and Philadelphia Soul meet Saturday for the second straight year in the league's annual championship game. Kickoff is at 11 a.m. at Orlando's Amway Center.

It is the first time in Arena Bowl history two teams have played in the championship game in consecutive years.

The Rattlers (17-3) routed the Soul (14-6) 72-54 last year and won both regular season matchups — a 66-52 decision in the March 23 season opener and a 64-57 victory on June 1 in which the Rattlers erased a 15-point deficit.

Philadelphia has been streaking since then, going 9-1 since that loss. But Arizona is still fresh in the mind of the Soul.

"They've owned us," said Philadelphia head coach Clint Dolezel of Arizona. "We're going to have to find a way to win, but it starts with everyone doing their jobs and keeping the mistakes to a minimum."

Arizona coach Kevin Guy shrugged off Dolezel's humble words toward his team.

"Don't buy that 'own' thing for a minute," said Guy. "Philadelphia's a great team that's prepared hard to be here and it's very difficult to come back to a championship game. It's a matter of who is the best team on Saturday."

The Associated Press —

Arena Bowl XXVI

O Philadelphia vs. Arizona

When • Saturday, 11 a.m.

TV • Ch. 2