Post by lionsroar on Jun 6, 2008 5:41:03 GMT -5
Lions benefit from time off
Bumps, bruises healed going into tonight against Florence
BY CHRISTA TURNER - turnerc@ledger-enquirer.com --
The Columbus Lions took advantage of something better than any medicine or ointment to soothe their aches and pains.
It was time, pure and simple.
The Lions benefited from a bye week to get several players healthy for the final stretch run in the American Indoor Football Association. Columbus picked up a yeoman-like win over struggling Florida two weeks ago while playing without starting quarterback Joey Conrad, receiver Gerald Gales, defensive back Turmarian Moreland and offensive lineman Troy Bennett. Also, linebacker Justen Rivers missed the game while attending a wedding.
The Lions survived with a 52-45 win as backup quarterback Maurice Mullins passed for five touchdowns -- three to Anthony Merritt and two to Silas Daniels. Mullins and Merritt also rushed for touchdowns.
A well-timed bye means the Lions (8-3) will be healthy tonight when they take on Florence Phantoms, which lead the East Division of the Eastern Conference, at 7:30 at the Columbus Civic Center.
"We're healthy. We're ready to go," Lions coach Jason Gibson said. "It was just good to get away from football and rejuvenate ourselves. It's like taking a vacation from your job."
Gibson acknowledged just how beat up his players were, but said they're ready to go this week. The Lions will need to be full speed when taking on the Phantoms (7-4), who have one of the Top 5 defenses in the league.
"They were banged up, but they're not anymore," Gibson said. "That's what a bye week does for you. It's good to get those guys back. They lead our team."
The two teams are each riding win streaks with the Phantoms having won three consecutive games, while the Lions have won their last two, including a road win over division leader Mississippi.
"It will be a good test at home," Gibson said. "I'm excited about playing them. They've got a good quarterback, Omar Jacobs. He's a good ball player."
The game will be a "whiteout," with Gibson and Lions players asking all fans to wear white to the game.
www.ledger-enquirer.com/293/story/340563.html
Bumps, bruises healed going into tonight against Florence
BY CHRISTA TURNER - turnerc@ledger-enquirer.com --
The Columbus Lions took advantage of something better than any medicine or ointment to soothe their aches and pains.
It was time, pure and simple.
The Lions benefited from a bye week to get several players healthy for the final stretch run in the American Indoor Football Association. Columbus picked up a yeoman-like win over struggling Florida two weeks ago while playing without starting quarterback Joey Conrad, receiver Gerald Gales, defensive back Turmarian Moreland and offensive lineman Troy Bennett. Also, linebacker Justen Rivers missed the game while attending a wedding.
The Lions survived with a 52-45 win as backup quarterback Maurice Mullins passed for five touchdowns -- three to Anthony Merritt and two to Silas Daniels. Mullins and Merritt also rushed for touchdowns.
A well-timed bye means the Lions (8-3) will be healthy tonight when they take on Florence Phantoms, which lead the East Division of the Eastern Conference, at 7:30 at the Columbus Civic Center.
"We're healthy. We're ready to go," Lions coach Jason Gibson said. "It was just good to get away from football and rejuvenate ourselves. It's like taking a vacation from your job."
Gibson acknowledged just how beat up his players were, but said they're ready to go this week. The Lions will need to be full speed when taking on the Phantoms (7-4), who have one of the Top 5 defenses in the league.
"They were banged up, but they're not anymore," Gibson said. "That's what a bye week does for you. It's good to get those guys back. They lead our team."
The two teams are each riding win streaks with the Phantoms having won three consecutive games, while the Lions have won their last two, including a road win over division leader Mississippi.
"It will be a good test at home," Gibson said. "I'm excited about playing them. They've got a good quarterback, Omar Jacobs. He's a good ball player."
The game will be a "whiteout," with Gibson and Lions players asking all fans to wear white to the game.
www.ledger-enquirer.com/293/story/340563.html