Post by lionsroar on May 15, 2009 12:29:42 GMT -5
www.columbuslions.net//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=97&Itemid=14
Lions Midseason Rewind
By: Matthew Hester
matthew@columbuslions.netThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
COLUMBUS, GA (May 15, 2009) – Heading into their bye week, the Columbus Lions (7-2) of the American Indoor Football Association have enjoyed an early strong 2009 season that promises to leave many followers with much to anticipate.
Going into the off season, there was much concern about revamping the Lions defense that ranked last in total defense from a year ago. With the additions of Franklin Lloyd, Maurice Jones and Jason Perry mixing in with All-AIFA defense back Damian Daniels, Justen Rivers, and Mike Berry, the Lions defense currently ranks third in total defense (179 yds/game) and first in turnovers (33).
The defense got an early test in their first game of the season against the Carolina Speed, after giving up 39 1st half points, the Lions withheld the Speed to only 10 2nd half points allowing the offense to score on the last drive for a 50-49 opening win.
Questions loomed at the beginning of the season as the reigns of the offense was being handed over to two rookie quarterbacks, Bill Ashburn and Kevin Huff. Ashburn began the season as the starter leading the Lions to a 4-2 record, passing for 1042 yards and 19 touchdowns. The emergence of Huff’s 3-0 record and his 101.52 passer rating led to Huff becoming the full-time starter.
Columbus continued to blossom with wins over Northern Division opponents Baltimore and DC while squeaking by the Stampede in Week 6. The 2009 season has had its stumbling blocks as the Lions struggled against the defending AIFA champion Phantoms in Week 4 while also surrendering a ten-point lead late in the second half only to watch the Fayetteville Guard win 41-37. The Lions will get their chance to avenge their two losses as 4 of their remaining 5 games are against both Florence and Fayetteville.
The 2009 season also brought the return of hometown hero Troy Bergeron, a former Shaw High School standout who joined the Lions in their second game making his presence known with 10 receptions and two touchdowns. Through six games, Bergeron lead the club in receiving with 34 receptions and 12 touchdowns. Troy once again was allotted the opportunity to play at the professional level, just recently signing with the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons.
Even though the 2009 AFL season was suspended, Bergeron did not have to look far for any of his former teammates, as kicker Carlos Martinez joined him in Columbus. Quickly Carlos became a fan favorite starting his own special section of fans while leading the league in uno’s (25) and is presently second in the AIFA in scoring (11.8 pts/game).
“Our defense has been the MVP for us so far this season,” says Head Coach Jason Gibson. “Our offense has finally began to click and for us to finish out the season on top it will take our offense to continue to put points on the board.”
“I really don’t know what to expect in the coming weeks as we have 5 remaining tough games,” continues Head Coach Jason Gibson. “Even though we have 4 hard division games coming up, I’m not sleeping on Baltimore as I know they have revenge on their minds. Our second half of the season will be one to watch, that’s for sure.”
The Columbus Lions get back into action on May 23rd as they travel to take on the Baltimore Mariners in a rematch from Week 5. Fans can follow all the action by logging on to www.columbuslions.net and clicking on the listen live icon.
:smileylions:
Lions Midseason Rewind
By: Matthew Hester
matthew@columbuslions.netThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
COLUMBUS, GA (May 15, 2009) – Heading into their bye week, the Columbus Lions (7-2) of the American Indoor Football Association have enjoyed an early strong 2009 season that promises to leave many followers with much to anticipate.
Going into the off season, there was much concern about revamping the Lions defense that ranked last in total defense from a year ago. With the additions of Franklin Lloyd, Maurice Jones and Jason Perry mixing in with All-AIFA defense back Damian Daniels, Justen Rivers, and Mike Berry, the Lions defense currently ranks third in total defense (179 yds/game) and first in turnovers (33).
The defense got an early test in their first game of the season against the Carolina Speed, after giving up 39 1st half points, the Lions withheld the Speed to only 10 2nd half points allowing the offense to score on the last drive for a 50-49 opening win.
Questions loomed at the beginning of the season as the reigns of the offense was being handed over to two rookie quarterbacks, Bill Ashburn and Kevin Huff. Ashburn began the season as the starter leading the Lions to a 4-2 record, passing for 1042 yards and 19 touchdowns. The emergence of Huff’s 3-0 record and his 101.52 passer rating led to Huff becoming the full-time starter.
Columbus continued to blossom with wins over Northern Division opponents Baltimore and DC while squeaking by the Stampede in Week 6. The 2009 season has had its stumbling blocks as the Lions struggled against the defending AIFA champion Phantoms in Week 4 while also surrendering a ten-point lead late in the second half only to watch the Fayetteville Guard win 41-37. The Lions will get their chance to avenge their two losses as 4 of their remaining 5 games are against both Florence and Fayetteville.
The 2009 season also brought the return of hometown hero Troy Bergeron, a former Shaw High School standout who joined the Lions in their second game making his presence known with 10 receptions and two touchdowns. Through six games, Bergeron lead the club in receiving with 34 receptions and 12 touchdowns. Troy once again was allotted the opportunity to play at the professional level, just recently signing with the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons.
Even though the 2009 AFL season was suspended, Bergeron did not have to look far for any of his former teammates, as kicker Carlos Martinez joined him in Columbus. Quickly Carlos became a fan favorite starting his own special section of fans while leading the league in uno’s (25) and is presently second in the AIFA in scoring (11.8 pts/game).
“Our defense has been the MVP for us so far this season,” says Head Coach Jason Gibson. “Our offense has finally began to click and for us to finish out the season on top it will take our offense to continue to put points on the board.”
“I really don’t know what to expect in the coming weeks as we have 5 remaining tough games,” continues Head Coach Jason Gibson. “Even though we have 4 hard division games coming up, I’m not sleeping on Baltimore as I know they have revenge on their minds. Our second half of the season will be one to watch, that’s for sure.”
The Columbus Lions get back into action on May 23rd as they travel to take on the Baltimore Mariners in a rematch from Week 5. Fans can follow all the action by logging on to www.columbuslions.net and clicking on the listen live icon.
:smileylions: