Post by lionsroar on Mar 29, 2009 14:15:09 GMT -5
www.columbuslions.net//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=76&Itemid=14
Lions Fall to Phantoms 55-36
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 29, 2009) – Led by the return of quarterback Omar Jacobs the Florence Phantoms (2-1) of the American Indoor Football Association defeated the Columbus Lions 55-36 thanks in large part to his 7 touchdown performance (6 pass, 1 rush).
After the start of the game was delayed by power outages in the Florence area due to heavy rainstorms, the Florence Phantoms offense seem to finally show the promise it showed last season when it captured the 2008 AIFA championship, while the Columbus offense seemed to have a power outage of its own on the night.
Before tonight’s game, the Phantoms were 1 of 9 in converting red zone trips into touchdowns. On Saturday night with the return of Omar Jacobs, the Phantoms converted touchdowns on all five trips in the red zone.
The Lion’s only held the lead once in the contest with a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown by linebacker Justen Rivers. Columbus defense could not find a way to maintain the pressure on Jacobs as the Lions only mustered one sack on the evening and three turnovers.
“Jacobs is an elite quarterback and made the difference in the game,” says Head Coach Jason Gibson. “In order to win in any league you have to minimize your mistakes, tonight we didn’t do that.”
Offensively the Lions never seemed to get it going, the first half was a struggle as Columbus only collected two first downs. Starting quarterback Bill Ashburn tried to fight through the Florence zone defense but struggled finding the open receiver. Kicker Carlos Martinez kept Columbus within reach of the Phantoms most of the night finishing the night with 18 points (4 field goals, 3 uno’s and 3 extra points).
Early in the third quarter, the Lions pulled within ten after a 18 yd touchdown pass from back-up quarterback Kevin Huff to Gerald Gales. But led by defensive back Larry Thompson, the Phantoms forced two Lions turnovers and Columbus would not find the end zone again until the winding moments of the game (stats unavailable after the game).
“We knew Florence would be a totally different club from their first two games,” continues Head Coach Jason Gibson. “Tough part about this job is the short time you have to fix those mistakes, but I’m confident our guys can come together this next week and make those mistakes into positives.”
April 4th is “Columbus Consolidated Government Night” as the Lions take on the Baltimore Mariners. All city employees receive a free ticket with their id badge. Be sure to get there early for the tailgate party and stay after the game for the Lions first ever jersey auction. For more information, contact the Lions front office at 706-322-3DEN.
:smileylions:
Lions Fall to Phantoms 55-36
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 29, 2009) – Led by the return of quarterback Omar Jacobs the Florence Phantoms (2-1) of the American Indoor Football Association defeated the Columbus Lions 55-36 thanks in large part to his 7 touchdown performance (6 pass, 1 rush).
After the start of the game was delayed by power outages in the Florence area due to heavy rainstorms, the Florence Phantoms offense seem to finally show the promise it showed last season when it captured the 2008 AIFA championship, while the Columbus offense seemed to have a power outage of its own on the night.
Before tonight’s game, the Phantoms were 1 of 9 in converting red zone trips into touchdowns. On Saturday night with the return of Omar Jacobs, the Phantoms converted touchdowns on all five trips in the red zone.
The Lion’s only held the lead once in the contest with a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown by linebacker Justen Rivers. Columbus defense could not find a way to maintain the pressure on Jacobs as the Lions only mustered one sack on the evening and three turnovers.
“Jacobs is an elite quarterback and made the difference in the game,” says Head Coach Jason Gibson. “In order to win in any league you have to minimize your mistakes, tonight we didn’t do that.”
Offensively the Lions never seemed to get it going, the first half was a struggle as Columbus only collected two first downs. Starting quarterback Bill Ashburn tried to fight through the Florence zone defense but struggled finding the open receiver. Kicker Carlos Martinez kept Columbus within reach of the Phantoms most of the night finishing the night with 18 points (4 field goals, 3 uno’s and 3 extra points).
Early in the third quarter, the Lions pulled within ten after a 18 yd touchdown pass from back-up quarterback Kevin Huff to Gerald Gales. But led by defensive back Larry Thompson, the Phantoms forced two Lions turnovers and Columbus would not find the end zone again until the winding moments of the game (stats unavailable after the game).
“We knew Florence would be a totally different club from their first two games,” continues Head Coach Jason Gibson. “Tough part about this job is the short time you have to fix those mistakes, but I’m confident our guys can come together this next week and make those mistakes into positives.”
April 4th is “Columbus Consolidated Government Night” as the Lions take on the Baltimore Mariners. All city employees receive a free ticket with their id badge. Be sure to get there early for the tailgate party and stay after the game for the Lions first ever jersey auction. For more information, contact the Lions front office at 706-322-3DEN.
:smileylions:
