Philadelphia – As a rookie, Colorado’s Dustin Barno heard everyone praising Tony Graziani.
The Philadelphia quarterback lived up to Barno’s expectations Thursday night, throwing a season-high eight touchdown passes to lead his team to a 71-47 victory over the Crush.
“When I came into the league (his stature) was huge,” said Barno, a defensive end in his fourth season with the Crush. “Obviously he’s still a very good player.”
Graziani, who completed 21-of-31 passes for 312 yards, threw three touchdown passes in the third quarter, including two to Charles Pauley, to snap a 27-27 tie and spark the Soul (3-0) to its first victory in the series.
Pauley finished with 11 receptions for 202 yards and four touchdowns.
“(The Soul) are an excellent team,” Colorado coach Mike Dailey said. “They’ve improved steadily.”
The Crush’s Damian Harrell, who extended his league record for touchdown catches in consecutive regular-season games to 69, finished with 14 receptions for 181 yards and three TDs.
Soul defensive back Eddie Moten, relying on an aggressive approach, broke up seven passes intended for Harrell. Moten, who earned defensive player of the game honors, posted a team-high six solo tackles and intercepted a pass for the sixth straight game.
A Johnnie Harris interception for the Soul midway through the third quarter led to a 35-yard TD catch by Pauley that put the Soul ahead 41-27.
Two plays later, Harrell scored on a 45-yard pass from John Dutton to get the Crush within 41-33. But Colorado got no closer.
A 40-yard TD catch by Pauley midway through the third quarter and a fumble recovery in the end zone by Larry Brackins early in the fourth quarter allowed Philadelphia to build a 55-40 edge.
“We didn’t take advantage of our chances,” said Dutton, who completed 24-of-47 passes for 329 yards and five scores but was intercepted three times. ” I need to make better decisions.”
Chris Angel led the Crush with five unassisted tackles. Defensive back Delvin Hughley recovered a fumble before leaving late in the game with a left ankle injury.
Hughley, who hobbled in the team’s locker room leaning on two teammates, came out walking with crutches.
