Post by lionsroar on May 31, 2009 16:59:15 GMT -5
Lions Spook Phantoms in 37-14 Win
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 30, 2009) – In a battle for first place, the Columbus Lions (8-3) of the American Indoor Football Association defeated the Florence Phantoms (6-4) 37-14 to maintain their lead in the South Division.
A loss and Columbus could have potentially moved from first to third in their division, but all was avoided as the Lions defense intercepted Phantoms quarterback Brian Scott six times. With Fayetteville’s 57-53 defeat of the Reading Express, the Lions still only maintain a half game lead in the AIFA’s tightest division.
With three games remaining (two against Guard, one against Phantoms) the Lions hold the edge in winning that all important South Division crown that guarantees the winner home field for at least the first round of the playoffs.“We still hold serve in our division,” says Head Coach Jason Gibson. “We needed this one to maintain our lead and now we can build some momentum so that we can capture the South Division crown.”
Thanks to a defense that collected eight turnovers, it made up for the Lions having to start their third rookie quarterback on the season. Rookie quarterback Todd Spitzer got the start on Saturday and even though the Lions did not commit a turnover offensively, the passing game sputtered with Spitzer only completing 7 of 21 passes for 54 yards.
Columbus’ running game was effective as the offense rolled out a new shotgun attack opening up some room for running back Richard Fitzhugh who rushed for 59 yards and one touchdown on eight carries. Spitzer got in the rushing act finishing the game with two rushing touchdowns of his own.
After trailing 14-0, Florence finally got on the board late in the first half with Florence QB Brian Scott completing a 13 yard touchdown pass to Torrey Pettigrew. But as the Phantoms were mounting their comeback, the offense stalled as linebacker Ryan Babb collected his fourth interception on the season returning it 40 yards for a touchdown.
The Columbus defense made getting pressure on Scott, who was filling in for injured starter Omar Jacobs, their primary target forcing him to throw six interceptions, including their by All-AIFA defensive Damian Daniels. In the middle of the third quarter, even defensive tackle Franklin Lloyd collected an interception off a tipped ball while adding a sack.
Columbus will have the week off to get ready for their next game on Saturday June 13th against the currently second place Fayetteville Guard (7-3). Next weekend, the Guard meets up with Florence and could potentially move into a tie of first place with the idle Lions.
:smileylions:
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 30, 2009) – In a battle for first place, the Columbus Lions (8-3) of the American Indoor Football Association defeated the Florence Phantoms (6-4) 37-14 to maintain their lead in the South Division.
A loss and Columbus could have potentially moved from first to third in their division, but all was avoided as the Lions defense intercepted Phantoms quarterback Brian Scott six times. With Fayetteville’s 57-53 defeat of the Reading Express, the Lions still only maintain a half game lead in the AIFA’s tightest division.
With three games remaining (two against Guard, one against Phantoms) the Lions hold the edge in winning that all important South Division crown that guarantees the winner home field for at least the first round of the playoffs.“We still hold serve in our division,” says Head Coach Jason Gibson. “We needed this one to maintain our lead and now we can build some momentum so that we can capture the South Division crown.”
Thanks to a defense that collected eight turnovers, it made up for the Lions having to start their third rookie quarterback on the season. Rookie quarterback Todd Spitzer got the start on Saturday and even though the Lions did not commit a turnover offensively, the passing game sputtered with Spitzer only completing 7 of 21 passes for 54 yards.
Columbus’ running game was effective as the offense rolled out a new shotgun attack opening up some room for running back Richard Fitzhugh who rushed for 59 yards and one touchdown on eight carries. Spitzer got in the rushing act finishing the game with two rushing touchdowns of his own.
After trailing 14-0, Florence finally got on the board late in the first half with Florence QB Brian Scott completing a 13 yard touchdown pass to Torrey Pettigrew. But as the Phantoms were mounting their comeback, the offense stalled as linebacker Ryan Babb collected his fourth interception on the season returning it 40 yards for a touchdown.
The Columbus defense made getting pressure on Scott, who was filling in for injured starter Omar Jacobs, their primary target forcing him to throw six interceptions, including their by All-AIFA defensive Damian Daniels. In the middle of the third quarter, even defensive tackle Franklin Lloyd collected an interception off a tipped ball while adding a sack.
Columbus will have the week off to get ready for their next game on Saturday June 13th against the currently second place Fayetteville Guard (7-3). Next weekend, the Guard meets up with Florence and could potentially move into a tie of first place with the idle Lions.
:smileylions: