Post by lionsroar on May 18, 2008 6:32:10 GMT -5
LIONS KNOCK OFF MUDCATS, 53-48 Date: 5/18/2008 6:34:45 AM
COLUMBUS, GA (May 18, 2008) – The Columbus Lions (7-3) of the American Indoor Football Association defeated the Mississippi Mudcats (8-1) Saturday Night 53-48 at Bancorp South Arena in Tupelo, MS.
The loss marks the end of two streaks for the Mudcats, as this is their first loss of the 2008 season and their first home loss (14-1) they have suffered in their two-year existence.
With much emphasis on improving the defense that allowed 70 points last week, the Lions looked to improve with the addition of Defensive Lineman Thaddeus Bullard (6’4 270, Florida) and cause large amounts pressure on Mudcats Quarterback Tommy Jones.
Even though the defense registered only one sack and one interception, Jones was under constant amounts of pressure all game as he barely completed 50% of his passes. Once again, Mudcats Wide Receiver Daryl Carter had a relatively quiet afternoon as he caught 5 passes for no touchdowns.
Filling in for the injured Gerald Gales, Lions Wide Receiver Tirone Morris stepped in nicely compiling 3 touchdown grabs including 1 that came on a 4th and 5 play in which Lions quarterback Joey Conrad hit Morris for a 30-yard strike in the end zone.
As expected, the game was filled with nail biting suspense coming down to the last minute. After failing on a two point conversion and down by 5, with less than 2 minutes left Mississippi decided not go for the onside kick. Columbus proceeded to run the clock down with only 50 seconds left after Place Kicker Hunter Smith failed to execute a 43-yard attempt.
On the ensuing drive, Tommy Jones hit Wide Receiver Josh Smith for a 15-yard pass only to watch him fumble as he was attempting a hook and ladder to a teammate. Linebacker Justen Rivers immediately landed on the ball sealing the 53-48 win for the Lions.
Fans can be sure to hear a recap of all this weekends action as well as hear how Columbus will be preparing for next weeks match-up against Florida this Tuesday night at 6 PM with the Coaches Show on AM 1270 live from the Sports Page.
COLUMBUS, GA (May 18, 2008) – The Columbus Lions (7-3) of the American Indoor Football Association defeated the Mississippi Mudcats (8-1) Saturday Night 53-48 at Bancorp South Arena in Tupelo, MS.
The loss marks the end of two streaks for the Mudcats, as this is their first loss of the 2008 season and their first home loss (14-1) they have suffered in their two-year existence.
With much emphasis on improving the defense that allowed 70 points last week, the Lions looked to improve with the addition of Defensive Lineman Thaddeus Bullard (6’4 270, Florida) and cause large amounts pressure on Mudcats Quarterback Tommy Jones.
Even though the defense registered only one sack and one interception, Jones was under constant amounts of pressure all game as he barely completed 50% of his passes. Once again, Mudcats Wide Receiver Daryl Carter had a relatively quiet afternoon as he caught 5 passes for no touchdowns.
Filling in for the injured Gerald Gales, Lions Wide Receiver Tirone Morris stepped in nicely compiling 3 touchdown grabs including 1 that came on a 4th and 5 play in which Lions quarterback Joey Conrad hit Morris for a 30-yard strike in the end zone.
As expected, the game was filled with nail biting suspense coming down to the last minute. After failing on a two point conversion and down by 5, with less than 2 minutes left Mississippi decided not go for the onside kick. Columbus proceeded to run the clock down with only 50 seconds left after Place Kicker Hunter Smith failed to execute a 43-yard attempt.
On the ensuing drive, Tommy Jones hit Wide Receiver Josh Smith for a 15-yard pass only to watch him fumble as he was attempting a hook and ladder to a teammate. Linebacker Justen Rivers immediately landed on the ball sealing the 53-48 win for the Lions.
Fans can be sure to hear a recap of all this weekends action as well as hear how Columbus will be preparing for next weeks match-up against Florida this Tuesday night at 6 PM with the Coaches Show on AM 1270 live from the Sports Page.
