Storm Livin' on a Prayer tonight against Soul

Can the Storm lock up a playoff berth? Or will it go down in a Blaze of Glory?

If you are asking my professional opinion, here it is: I have no earthly idea.

My gut says it won't take a Miracle to knock off the Soul, but it will certainly take one of the team's better games of the season. Yes, Philly is 6-7, and yes, if the playoffs began today, the Storm would have the fourth seed. But keep in mind that the Soul played without all-everything quarterback Tony Graziani for four games, and since his return, the offense has been nothing short of spectacular. The Soul has scored at least 70 points in two of its last three games, and last week it came oh-so-close to knocking off league powerhouse and ArenaBowl favorite Dallas (the Soul lost, 59-56).

Some quick pre-game thoughts. . .

Hey, isn't that the same Larry Brackins. . .: Yes, as a matter of fact, it is. Bucs fans might remember the 6-foot-4 inch receiver the team drafted out of Pearl River CC in the fifth round in 2005. Well, Brackins' NFL career wasn't the stuff of legends -- he was released by the team twice -- but he's been on fire for the Soul lately. Brackins has led the team in receiving in each of the last three games and is averaging 14.4 yards per catch on the season. WR Charles Pauley is the Soul's statistical leader -- 84 catches, 1,245 yards, 24 touchdowns -- but keep an eye on Brackins.

Celebrity sightings: Ron Jaworski is in the house. Jon Bon Jovi isn't. Unless he's wearing a disguise.

Sack masters: I'll make a quick not-so-rosy point -- Philly enters the game third in the league in sacks. The Storm is 0-4 against the top two teams in the league (Georgia and Orlando). Protection will be key tonight.

Prediction: Philly 60, Storm 50.