Post by lionsroar on Jul 6, 2009 22:47:27 GMT -5
www.columbuslions.net//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=119&Itemid=14
Lions Advance Conference Championship With 45-36 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 (July 6, 2009) – The Southern Division Champion Columbus Lions (12-3) of the American Indoor Football Association defeated the Fayetteville Guard 45-36 on Monday night to advance into Conference Championship where they will take on the Reading Express.
Even though falling behind early 9-0, Columbus rallied in the second quarter behind a 56-yard missed field goal return for a touchdown by Damian Daniels to go ahead 10-9. Fayetteville took back the lead with a Withy-Allen pass to Quince Prentice but would quickly lose it as the Lions finished the first half scoring ten points via a Carlos Martinez 45 yard field goal and a Gerald Gales 6 yard touchdown reception in the last minute.
Columbus and Fayetteville would exchange scores throughout much of third quarter starting with Lions receiver Gerald Gales catching his second of three touchdown grabs. With the Lions offense struggling, the defense picked up the efforts thanks to a 35 yard fumble recovery for a touchdown by Justen Rivers.
With key interceptions and fumbles, the Columbus defense managed Fayetteville to only 185 yards of total offense while running 52 plays. Comprised of an interception by defensive back Jason Perry and fumble recoveries by Darin Damron and Justen Rivers, the Guard was held to only converting four of seven red-zone trips into scores. The defense got after Guard QB Shawn Withy-Allen with four sacks holding him to 15 of 27 passing for 154 yards and three touchdowns.
The Columbus offense spurted at times during the evening but scored when needed to with Lions quarterback Todd Spitzer completing 11 of 25 passes for 127 yards and three touchdowns, all three scores going to wide receiver Gerald Gales. Special teams also kicked with some scoring as kicker Carlos Martinez finished with three field goals (18, 45, and 23), five extra points and a uno for a tally of 15 points.
“It’s great to have a defense and a weapon like Carlos on your team when the offense struggles, there will be nights when not everything clicks,” says Head Coach Jason Gibson. “Team leaders like Justen, Damian, and Gales all stepped and carried the team at times, veteran leadership earned us this win.”
With this win the Southern Division Champion Columbus Lions advance to the AIFA Conference Championship to take on the Reading Express (12-3) next Monday night at 7:30 PM at the Columbus Civic Center. A reduced pricing structure is in place for the playoffs as Rows A, B, and C are just $30 while Lower Level seats are $20, and Upper Level are $10. Call the Lions front office at 706-322-3336 to reserve your seats and come cheer them on as they March Towards the Championship!
:smileylions:
Lions Advance Conference Championship With 45-36 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 (July 6, 2009) – The Southern Division Champion Columbus Lions (12-3) of the American Indoor Football Association defeated the Fayetteville Guard 45-36 on Monday night to advance into Conference Championship where they will take on the Reading Express.
Even though falling behind early 9-0, Columbus rallied in the second quarter behind a 56-yard missed field goal return for a touchdown by Damian Daniels to go ahead 10-9. Fayetteville took back the lead with a Withy-Allen pass to Quince Prentice but would quickly lose it as the Lions finished the first half scoring ten points via a Carlos Martinez 45 yard field goal and a Gerald Gales 6 yard touchdown reception in the last minute.
Columbus and Fayetteville would exchange scores throughout much of third quarter starting with Lions receiver Gerald Gales catching his second of three touchdown grabs. With the Lions offense struggling, the defense picked up the efforts thanks to a 35 yard fumble recovery for a touchdown by Justen Rivers.
With key interceptions and fumbles, the Columbus defense managed Fayetteville to only 185 yards of total offense while running 52 plays. Comprised of an interception by defensive back Jason Perry and fumble recoveries by Darin Damron and Justen Rivers, the Guard was held to only converting four of seven red-zone trips into scores. The defense got after Guard QB Shawn Withy-Allen with four sacks holding him to 15 of 27 passing for 154 yards and three touchdowns.
The Columbus offense spurted at times during the evening but scored when needed to with Lions quarterback Todd Spitzer completing 11 of 25 passes for 127 yards and three touchdowns, all three scores going to wide receiver Gerald Gales. Special teams also kicked with some scoring as kicker Carlos Martinez finished with three field goals (18, 45, and 23), five extra points and a uno for a tally of 15 points.
“It’s great to have a defense and a weapon like Carlos on your team when the offense struggles, there will be nights when not everything clicks,” says Head Coach Jason Gibson. “Team leaders like Justen, Damian, and Gales all stepped and carried the team at times, veteran leadership earned us this win.”
With this win the Southern Division Champion Columbus Lions advance to the AIFA Conference Championship to take on the Reading Express (12-3) next Monday night at 7:30 PM at the Columbus Civic Center. A reduced pricing structure is in place for the playoffs as Rows A, B, and C are just $30 while Lower Level seats are $20, and Upper Level are $10. Call the Lions front office at 706-322-3336 to reserve your seats and come cheer them on as they March Towards the Championship!
:smileylions:
:smileylions: 
