Lions hang on for win

[lionsroar]

Lions hang on for win
BY CARL BLEICH --
FORT MEYERS, Fla. --Special to the Ledger-Enquirer

Not even the addition of Quincy Sorrell could break the American Indoor Football Association's Florida Stingrays' losing streak.

The areanfootball2's all-time leading tackler was cut by the Florida Firecats this week, signed with the Stingrays, and started at defensive back Saturday night.

However, Florida turned the ball over five times in the first half en route to a 52-45 loss to the Columbus Lions at the Lee Civic Center.

Anthony Merritt (Shaw High) scored four touchdowns for Columbus.

The Stingrays lost three fumbles in the first half and quarterback A.J. Rogue tossed two interceptions as the Stingrays fell behind and could not recover.

Florida (0-10) put together their best second-half effort in the Civic Center since the home opener. They cut the Lions' lead to 52-45 with 2:48 remaining after fullback Chris Morant's second rushing touchdown of the game.

A questionable pass interference call on Sorrell led to Columbus quarterback Maurice Mullins' quarterback sneak for a first down that allowed the Lions to run out the clock.

Despite the five first-half turnovers, the Stingrays trailed just 32-21 at halftime. Keon Newson, brother of Stingray wideout Kendall Newson, intercepted Rogue's pass with one second remaining in the first half. The Lions (8-3) elected to try a 56-yard field goal instead of taking a knee.

The kick was blocked by the Stingrays and recovered in the end zone by Joe Ross cutting the Lions' lead to just 11 at halftime.

Saturday at Fort Meyers Columbus 725146--52 Florida 714177--45

First quarter

F--Chris Morant 1 run (Derek Mintzer kick)

C--Silas Daniels 30 pass from Maurice Mullins (Davis kick)

Second quarter

C--Anthony Merritt 21 pass from Mullins (kick blocked)

C--Mullins 1 run (kick failed)

C--Merritt 1 run (kick failed)

F--Kendall Newson 9 pass from A.J. Rogue (Mintzer kick)

C--Daniels 22 pass from Merritt (Davis kick)

F--Joe Ross blocked kick recovery in end zone (Mintzer kick)

Third quarter

F--Allen Lee 20 pass from Rogue (Mintzer kick)

C--Merritt 30 pass from Mullins (kick failed)

C--Davis one-point kickoff through uprights

F--Newson 27 pass from Rogue (Mintzer kick)

C--Merritt 34 pass from Mullins (Davis kick)

F--Mintzer 35 FG

Fourth quarter

C--Tirone Morris 11 pass from Mullins (run failed)

F--Morant 2 run (Mintzer kick)

www.ledger-enquirer.com/293/story/330740.html

[Gene]

Narrowly escaping with a win. WOW, is Florida getting better or did the Lions just have an off night?

[lionsroar]

I don't know! The webcast was messed up most of the night!

I know Conrad was out, Gales was out and It seemed as if they said 1 of the lions offensive lineman was out, but I didn't catch who!

.........Scary though! our defense is wack! they seem to play to the level of their competition instead of setting the tone. I hope they figure it out before what seems to be a long trip to WY at this point.

.....Fla did make some adjustments, lets just see if they stay competative like they did last night for the remainder of the season