Post by lionsroar on Jun 11, 2009 15:30:10 GMT -5
www.columbuslions.net//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=105&Itemid=14
Southern Division Supremacy On the Line
By: Matthew Hester
matthew@columbuslions.netThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
COLUMBUS, GA (June 11, 2009) – Following their 37-14 defeat of the Florence Phantoms, the Columbus Lions (8-3) of the American Indoor Football Association enjoyed a week off only to watch their small grip on the south division lead slip with the Fayetteville Guard (8-3) winning last weekend setting up a pivotal battle for first place this Saturday night at 7:30pm.
With both clubs beating up on a battered Florence club the past couple of weeks, Columbus and Fayetteville now sit atop the south division standings tied with two remaining showdowns to go. Even though the two clubs are tied, it really is a must win for a Columbus club that lost 41-37 to Fayetteville back in Week 8 at the Crown Coliseum.
Back in late April, the Lions were up by as much as ten, but fell behind late as Guard receiver Walter Ford pulled in a 24 yard touchdown pass from Shawn Withy-Allen with 59 seconds left to seal the victory for Fayetteville. Columbus had many opportunities to finish off the Guard including an 11 play, 32 yard drive that ate up almost seven minutes of the fourth quarter only to end on a failed fourth down attempt.
“We really can not expect anyone to do our dirty work for us anymore,” says Jason Gibson. “This arguably is the game of the year for us in a must win situation.” Even though another matchup is set up for June 27th, another loss to Fayetteville could hamper the Lions chances of winning that all important first round home field advantage for the playoffs.
After going 7 of 21 passing for 54 yards in his debut two weeks ago, Columbus rookie quarterback Todd Spitzer will get his second start against a Guard defense that only allows 215 yards/game. “We are looking for Todd to have a big game”, says Head Coach Jason Gibson. “His numbers didn’t indicate how well he played, and he is getting better with each snap he takes.”
This weekend also marks the debut of newly signed linebacker Eric Johnson for the Lions. Formally of the AFL’s Georgia Force, Johnson also participated in Super Bowl XXXVII with the NFL’s Oakland Raiders. He scored a touchdown in the game by returning a blocked punt for 13 yards. Eric comes at in important time as the Guard have only given up 14 sacks and back in Week 8 Columbus did not gain a turnover or sack.
Saturday June 13th is Sledgehammer Night. In true community collaboration, the Lions have teamed up with Columbus State University, National Infantry Museum, and the 3rd Brigade to help support the 3rd Brigade. Get there early for a pre-game concert and stick around afterwards the Lions will be conducting a special jersey auction as they will be donning camouflage uniforms in honor of the 3rd Brigade.
:smileylions:
Southern Division Supremacy On the Line
By: Matthew Hester
matthew@columbuslions.netThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
COLUMBUS, GA (June 11, 2009) – Following their 37-14 defeat of the Florence Phantoms, the Columbus Lions (8-3) of the American Indoor Football Association enjoyed a week off only to watch their small grip on the south division lead slip with the Fayetteville Guard (8-3) winning last weekend setting up a pivotal battle for first place this Saturday night at 7:30pm.
With both clubs beating up on a battered Florence club the past couple of weeks, Columbus and Fayetteville now sit atop the south division standings tied with two remaining showdowns to go. Even though the two clubs are tied, it really is a must win for a Columbus club that lost 41-37 to Fayetteville back in Week 8 at the Crown Coliseum.
Back in late April, the Lions were up by as much as ten, but fell behind late as Guard receiver Walter Ford pulled in a 24 yard touchdown pass from Shawn Withy-Allen with 59 seconds left to seal the victory for Fayetteville. Columbus had many opportunities to finish off the Guard including an 11 play, 32 yard drive that ate up almost seven minutes of the fourth quarter only to end on a failed fourth down attempt.
“We really can not expect anyone to do our dirty work for us anymore,” says Jason Gibson. “This arguably is the game of the year for us in a must win situation.” Even though another matchup is set up for June 27th, another loss to Fayetteville could hamper the Lions chances of winning that all important first round home field advantage for the playoffs.
After going 7 of 21 passing for 54 yards in his debut two weeks ago, Columbus rookie quarterback Todd Spitzer will get his second start against a Guard defense that only allows 215 yards/game. “We are looking for Todd to have a big game”, says Head Coach Jason Gibson. “His numbers didn’t indicate how well he played, and he is getting better with each snap he takes.”
This weekend also marks the debut of newly signed linebacker Eric Johnson for the Lions. Formally of the AFL’s Georgia Force, Johnson also participated in Super Bowl XXXVII with the NFL’s Oakland Raiders. He scored a touchdown in the game by returning a blocked punt for 13 yards. Eric comes at in important time as the Guard have only given up 14 sacks and back in Week 8 Columbus did not gain a turnover or sack.
Saturday June 13th is Sledgehammer Night. In true community collaboration, the Lions have teamed up with Columbus State University, National Infantry Museum, and the 3rd Brigade to help support the 3rd Brigade. Get there early for a pre-game concert and stick around afterwards the Lions will be conducting a special jersey auction as they will be donning camouflage uniforms in honor of the 3rd Brigade.
:smileylions:
that I will be sorely missed 