Post by lionsroar on Mar 20, 2009 16:01:32 GMT -5
www.columbuslions.net//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=72&Itemid=14
Lions, Speed Set to Tangle Again
By:Matthew Hester
matthew@columbuslions.netThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Columbus, GA (March 20, 2009) - In a finale of back-to-back match-ups, the Columbus Lions (1-0) of the American Indoor Football Association host the Carolina Speed (1-1) this Sunday March 22nd in their home opener of the 2009 season.
Last Saturday’s game featured a combined 74 points and seven lead changes by halftime. Carolina took a eight point lead at the half and managed to hold onto that sizeable lead for much of the second half until a late field goal from Lions kicker Carlos Martinez and a well-managed last minute drive by quarterback Bill Ashburn who connected with wide receiver Gerald Gales for the go-ahead score with 18 seconds left. The Lions defense stood tall in the second half limiting the Speed offense to eight points and forced a potential last second game winning field goal from Carolina to go wide left.
“Every time Bill gets his reps, he continues to get better,” says Head Coach Jason Gibson. “He’s kind of like Matt Cassell of the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs since last Saturday was Ashburn’s first start since high school.”
With such a quick turnaround, both clubs will focus on making adjustments. For Columbus last week’s game was nearly lost due to key turnovers leading to 14 Carolina Speed points. “If we can limit the mistakes and penalties, our chances for winning another division game greatly improves,” continues Head Coach Jason Gibson. The Lions should also benefit from the recent signing one of the premier receiver in the suspended AFL, in local Shaw standout Troy Bergeron.
Carolina has to be shaking their heads after beating the Lions for much of the second half in last week’s game only to watch the win slip away. Last Saturdays game could have been called the Josh Smith Show as the wide receiver finished the game with 8 receptions, 171 yards, and 3 touchdowns earning him AIFA Offensive Player of the Week. In three career regular season games against the Lions, Smith has collected 22 receptions, 353 yards, and 6 touchdowns. He was also the main playmaker in a miracle comeback in last years playoff win against the Lions while playing for the Mississippi Mudcats.
Sunday is Knology Night where fans can get buy one get one free lower level tickets when they present a copy of their Knology bill. Harris County Carver Middle School teachers and students will also be on hand, so be sure to join us at the Columbus Civic Center at 4:00 pm to help show our appreciation to one of our partners in education. Call the Lions front office at 706-322-3DEN to find out how your tickets today!
:smileylions:
Lions, Speed Set to Tangle Again
By:Matthew Hester
matthew@columbuslions.netThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Columbus, GA (March 20, 2009) - In a finale of back-to-back match-ups, the Columbus Lions (1-0) of the American Indoor Football Association host the Carolina Speed (1-1) this Sunday March 22nd in their home opener of the 2009 season.
Last Saturday’s game featured a combined 74 points and seven lead changes by halftime. Carolina took a eight point lead at the half and managed to hold onto that sizeable lead for much of the second half until a late field goal from Lions kicker Carlos Martinez and a well-managed last minute drive by quarterback Bill Ashburn who connected with wide receiver Gerald Gales for the go-ahead score with 18 seconds left. The Lions defense stood tall in the second half limiting the Speed offense to eight points and forced a potential last second game winning field goal from Carolina to go wide left.
“Every time Bill gets his reps, he continues to get better,” says Head Coach Jason Gibson. “He’s kind of like Matt Cassell of the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs since last Saturday was Ashburn’s first start since high school.”
With such a quick turnaround, both clubs will focus on making adjustments. For Columbus last week’s game was nearly lost due to key turnovers leading to 14 Carolina Speed points. “If we can limit the mistakes and penalties, our chances for winning another division game greatly improves,” continues Head Coach Jason Gibson. The Lions should also benefit from the recent signing one of the premier receiver in the suspended AFL, in local Shaw standout Troy Bergeron.
Carolina has to be shaking their heads after beating the Lions for much of the second half in last week’s game only to watch the win slip away. Last Saturdays game could have been called the Josh Smith Show as the wide receiver finished the game with 8 receptions, 171 yards, and 3 touchdowns earning him AIFA Offensive Player of the Week. In three career regular season games against the Lions, Smith has collected 22 receptions, 353 yards, and 6 touchdowns. He was also the main playmaker in a miracle comeback in last years playoff win against the Lions while playing for the Mississippi Mudcats.
Sunday is Knology Night where fans can get buy one get one free lower level tickets when they present a copy of their Knology bill. Harris County Carver Middle School teachers and students will also be on hand, so be sure to join us at the Columbus Civic Center at 4:00 pm to help show our appreciation to one of our partners in education. Call the Lions front office at 706-322-3DEN to find out how your tickets today!
:smileylions: