Post by lionsroar on Jun 17, 2009 15:03:35 GMT -5
www.columbuslions.net//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=109&Itemid=14
Lions Host Phantoms in Home Finale
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 17, 2009) – With their sights set on the playoffs, the Columbus Lions (9-3) of the American Indoor Football Association host their southern division rival Florence Phantoms (6-6) on Friday night at 7:30 pm.
Columbus clinched one of the southern division’s playoff spots for the 2009 season by way of their 61-43 win over Fayetteville and with Florence losing 44-16 over the weekend. This postseason will mark the third consecutive season that the Lions have clinched a playoff birth.
All that’s left to be decided is who wins that all important home field advantage for the first round. A win coupled with a Fayetteville loss (at Carolina) the Lions would wrap up home field advantage before their season finale set to take place against the Guard on June 27th at the Crown Coliseum.
After starting the season 6-1, the Phantoms were looking as the front runner to win the south division and even repeating as AIFA champions. But their season took a dive and has been reeling with a five game losing streak. The Phantoms have been without 2008 AIFA MVP Omar Jacobs for the past five weeks due to injury and have had a revolving door at quarterback since his absence. Seven different quarterbacks have seen playing time in the past four games going for a combined 33 of 100 for three touchdowns and twelve interceptions.
Led by a defense that collected eight turnovers back in late May, Columbus defeated Florence 37-14. Lions defensive back Damian Daniels has been scorching hot of late with five interceptions over the last two games including three last time these two teams met. Damian is currently second in the AIFA with 14 interceptions and over the past three seasons has collected 42 INT’s.
“It’s important to have the playmaking ability that Damian possesses on the defensive side of the ball,” says Head Coach Jason Gibson. “Last week Damian was the key reason we turned around in that fourth quarter, his interception return for a touchdown rejuvenated our club leading us to the win.”
In his second start of the season, Lions rookie quarterback Todd Spitzer rebounded from his dismal debut completing 17 of 29 passes for three touchdowns while adding another two from the ground. “One thing that goes overlooked when looking at Todd’s numbers has been the fact that we have not turned the ball over,” continues Head Coach Jason Gibson. “We are expecting big things from Todd and forget he has only started two games.”
Friday June 19th is the Lions 2009 regular season home finale and it’s “Business Appreciation Night.” Contact the Lions front office at 706-322-3DEN for great group ticket rates that you can get for as low as $8 or visit are website at www.columbuslions.net for more details and we will see you in the JUNGLE!
:smileylions:
Lions Host Phantoms in Home Finale
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 17, 2009) – With their sights set on the playoffs, the Columbus Lions (9-3) of the American Indoor Football Association host their southern division rival Florence Phantoms (6-6) on Friday night at 7:30 pm.
Columbus clinched one of the southern division’s playoff spots for the 2009 season by way of their 61-43 win over Fayetteville and with Florence losing 44-16 over the weekend. This postseason will mark the third consecutive season that the Lions have clinched a playoff birth.
All that’s left to be decided is who wins that all important home field advantage for the first round. A win coupled with a Fayetteville loss (at Carolina) the Lions would wrap up home field advantage before their season finale set to take place against the Guard on June 27th at the Crown Coliseum.
After starting the season 6-1, the Phantoms were looking as the front runner to win the south division and even repeating as AIFA champions. But their season took a dive and has been reeling with a five game losing streak. The Phantoms have been without 2008 AIFA MVP Omar Jacobs for the past five weeks due to injury and have had a revolving door at quarterback since his absence. Seven different quarterbacks have seen playing time in the past four games going for a combined 33 of 100 for three touchdowns and twelve interceptions.
Led by a defense that collected eight turnovers back in late May, Columbus defeated Florence 37-14. Lions defensive back Damian Daniels has been scorching hot of late with five interceptions over the last two games including three last time these two teams met. Damian is currently second in the AIFA with 14 interceptions and over the past three seasons has collected 42 INT’s.
“It’s important to have the playmaking ability that Damian possesses on the defensive side of the ball,” says Head Coach Jason Gibson. “Last week Damian was the key reason we turned around in that fourth quarter, his interception return for a touchdown rejuvenated our club leading us to the win.”
In his second start of the season, Lions rookie quarterback Todd Spitzer rebounded from his dismal debut completing 17 of 29 passes for three touchdowns while adding another two from the ground. “One thing that goes overlooked when looking at Todd’s numbers has been the fact that we have not turned the ball over,” continues Head Coach Jason Gibson. “We are expecting big things from Todd and forget he has only started two games.”
Friday June 19th is the Lions 2009 regular season home finale and it’s “Business Appreciation Night.” Contact the Lions front office at 706-322-3DEN for great group ticket rates that you can get for as low as $8 or visit are website at www.columbuslions.net for more details and we will see you in the JUNGLE!
:smileylions:
