Post by lionsroar on May 28, 2009 14:18:02 GMT -5
www.aifaprofootball.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=305&Itemid=1
DIVISION UP FOR GRABS IN LIONS, PHANTOMS MATCHUP
By: Matthew Hester
matthew@columbuslions.netThis email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
COLUMBUS, GA (May 28, 2009) – After suffering a loss last weekend in which not a lot went right, the Columbus Lions (7-3) of the American Indoor Football Association will look to put some room between them and second place as they take on the Florence Phantoms (6-3).
Already with a half game lead over second place, the Lions control their own destiny as their four remaining games are against the Guard and Phantoms both currently in second. “It’s simple, win and were in,” says Head Coach Jason Gibson. “We have put ourselves in great position all year to finish out on top and now we just have to complete it.”
In order to do so, the Lions will have to overcome a 52-32 loss to the Baltimore Mariners where nothing seemed to go right for the club. “Really difficult to explain our outcome from last week other than we played very poorly and that it’s hard for any team to win when they commit four turnovers,” continues Head Coach Jason Gibson. “Turnovers and penalties have been our achilles heal all season.”
Florence comes into Columbus in a bit of a tailspin themselves losers of two straight after winning six in a row. Back in Week 3, Florence defeated Columbus 55-36 on the heals of the return of 2008 All-AIFA MVP quarterback Omar Jacobs who finished the game completing 24 of 34 passes for 312 yards and 7 touchdowns.
Columbus must find answers after a dismal offensive performance last week that saw Lions quarterbacks go 13 of 30 passing with 3 interceptions. Starter Kevin Huff was 11 for 27 passing with three interceptions, 155 yards, and a touchdown. Back-up Todd Spitzer led the Lions to two late 4th quarter touchdown drives while completing 2 of 3 passes for 25 yards.
This weekend also marks the return of two former Lions to the lineup with Columbus native Anthony Merritt and offensive lineman Troy Bennett pending league approval. Merritt returns after spending time with the AFL’s Colorado Crush in 2008 and AF2’s Tennessee Valley Vipers in 2009. He played 14 games for the Lions in 2008 leading the club with 88 receptions, 991 yards, and 19 touchdowns.
Bennett is no unfamiliar name to Columbus fans as Troy has previously played for the club the past two seasons and makes his return after spending the early part of the season with the Florence Phantoms. There is currently a league committee visiting on his eligibility to play.
Saturday May 30th is Youth Indoor Football Night sponsored by St. Francis who purchased over a 1,000 tickets for kids involved in Columbus Parks & Recreation program participants. All YIFL players wearing their game jersey get in the game for FREE! Be sure to come out as the Lions look to take over first place and dethrone the defending AIFA champion Florence Phantoms at 7:30 pm. Contact the Lions front office at 706-322-3DEN for more details.
:smileylions:
DIVISION UP FOR GRABS IN LIONS, PHANTOMS MATCHUP
By: Matthew Hester
matthew@columbuslions.netThis email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
COLUMBUS, GA (May 28, 2009) – After suffering a loss last weekend in which not a lot went right, the Columbus Lions (7-3) of the American Indoor Football Association will look to put some room between them and second place as they take on the Florence Phantoms (6-3).
Already with a half game lead over second place, the Lions control their own destiny as their four remaining games are against the Guard and Phantoms both currently in second. “It’s simple, win and were in,” says Head Coach Jason Gibson. “We have put ourselves in great position all year to finish out on top and now we just have to complete it.”
In order to do so, the Lions will have to overcome a 52-32 loss to the Baltimore Mariners where nothing seemed to go right for the club. “Really difficult to explain our outcome from last week other than we played very poorly and that it’s hard for any team to win when they commit four turnovers,” continues Head Coach Jason Gibson. “Turnovers and penalties have been our achilles heal all season.”
Florence comes into Columbus in a bit of a tailspin themselves losers of two straight after winning six in a row. Back in Week 3, Florence defeated Columbus 55-36 on the heals of the return of 2008 All-AIFA MVP quarterback Omar Jacobs who finished the game completing 24 of 34 passes for 312 yards and 7 touchdowns.
Columbus must find answers after a dismal offensive performance last week that saw Lions quarterbacks go 13 of 30 passing with 3 interceptions. Starter Kevin Huff was 11 for 27 passing with three interceptions, 155 yards, and a touchdown. Back-up Todd Spitzer led the Lions to two late 4th quarter touchdown drives while completing 2 of 3 passes for 25 yards.
This weekend also marks the return of two former Lions to the lineup with Columbus native Anthony Merritt and offensive lineman Troy Bennett pending league approval. Merritt returns after spending time with the AFL’s Colorado Crush in 2008 and AF2’s Tennessee Valley Vipers in 2009. He played 14 games for the Lions in 2008 leading the club with 88 receptions, 991 yards, and 19 touchdowns.
Bennett is no unfamiliar name to Columbus fans as Troy has previously played for the club the past two seasons and makes his return after spending the early part of the season with the Florence Phantoms. There is currently a league committee visiting on his eligibility to play.
Saturday May 30th is Youth Indoor Football Night sponsored by St. Francis who purchased over a 1,000 tickets for kids involved in Columbus Parks & Recreation program participants. All YIFL players wearing their game jersey get in the game for FREE! Be sure to come out as the Lions look to take over first place and dethrone the defending AIFA champion Florence Phantoms at 7:30 pm. Contact the Lions front office at 706-322-3DEN for more details.
:smileylions:
