Post by lionsroar on Jun 13, 2009 6:50:23 GMT -5
www.ledger-enquirer.com/293/story/747766.html
Lions' matchup with Guard key to playoffs
By Chris White - cwhite@ledger-enquirer.com
The Columbus Lions jump back into the American Indoor Football League playoff race tonight after a bye week, but come back right where they left off — in a tight race for first place.
The Lions and Fayetteville Guard both enter tonight’s game at the Columbus Civic Center with 8-3 records, just ahead of the third-place Florence (6-5).
The top two teams in each division make the playoffs, and with only three games left on the schedule, a loss could mean more than taking a second seed — especially with the Lions’ schedule. Columbus plays Fayetteville this week, Florence next week and close the regular season on June 27 against Fayetteville, making each game meaningful in the race.
Entering the final push, the Lions and Guard look strikingly similar statistically, a trend that goes deeper than their records. The Lions and Guard have scored 559 and 560 points, respectively, and the Guard has allowed an average of only 2.5 points more per game this season than the Lions.
How they get it done is the biggest difference.
Columbus has had a revolving door at quarterback this season with three players making starts at different times. While its 173 yards per game and 37 touchdown receptions have worked to move the Lions to the top of the division, the Guard is averaging about 15 yards more per game and has connected for 19 more touchdowns.
A few extra yards could mean the difference against Columbus, which has won its three closest games by a combined five points this season.
Meanwhile, the Lions have won games this season with consistent special teams play and a strong running game. Kicker Carlos Martinez has accounted for 131 points this season and is fourth in points per game. And fullback Richard Fitzhugh has amassed 287 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns this season while Fayetteville’s three leading rushers combined have fewer than 100 yards and only eight touchdowns.
The Wyoming Cavalry (10-1) and Utah Valley Thunder (8-3) have secrured the West Divison’s playoff spots, and the Reading Express (9-3) has secured a berth from the North Division. The Balitmore Mariners (7-4) could secure a spot in the North with a victory tonight.
ContactChris White at 706-571-8571
:smileylions:
Lions' matchup with Guard key to playoffs
By Chris White - cwhite@ledger-enquirer.com
The Columbus Lions jump back into the American Indoor Football League playoff race tonight after a bye week, but come back right where they left off — in a tight race for first place.
The Lions and Fayetteville Guard both enter tonight’s game at the Columbus Civic Center with 8-3 records, just ahead of the third-place Florence (6-5).
The top two teams in each division make the playoffs, and with only three games left on the schedule, a loss could mean more than taking a second seed — especially with the Lions’ schedule. Columbus plays Fayetteville this week, Florence next week and close the regular season on June 27 against Fayetteville, making each game meaningful in the race.
Entering the final push, the Lions and Guard look strikingly similar statistically, a trend that goes deeper than their records. The Lions and Guard have scored 559 and 560 points, respectively, and the Guard has allowed an average of only 2.5 points more per game this season than the Lions.
How they get it done is the biggest difference.
Columbus has had a revolving door at quarterback this season with three players making starts at different times. While its 173 yards per game and 37 touchdown receptions have worked to move the Lions to the top of the division, the Guard is averaging about 15 yards more per game and has connected for 19 more touchdowns.
A few extra yards could mean the difference against Columbus, which has won its three closest games by a combined five points this season.
Meanwhile, the Lions have won games this season with consistent special teams play and a strong running game. Kicker Carlos Martinez has accounted for 131 points this season and is fourth in points per game. And fullback Richard Fitzhugh has amassed 287 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns this season while Fayetteville’s three leading rushers combined have fewer than 100 yards and only eight touchdowns.
The Wyoming Cavalry (10-1) and Utah Valley Thunder (8-3) have secrured the West Divison’s playoff spots, and the Reading Express (9-3) has secured a berth from the North Division. The Balitmore Mariners (7-4) could secure a spot in the North with a victory tonight.
ContactChris White at 706-571-8571
:smileylions: