Post by lionsroar on Jul 9, 2009 14:37:04 GMT -5
www.columbuslions.net//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=120&Itemid=14
Reading Huge Mountain For Lions to Climb
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 9, 2009) – By getting the monkey off their backs and winning their first ever playoff game on Monday night, the Columbus Lions (12-3) of the American Indoor Football Association will now tackle arguably the leagues most storied franchise in the Reading Express.
Despite beginning play in 2006, the Express have quickly built a franchise based on winning as they finished with a 12-2 record in their inaugural season. In four seasons Reading has amassed a 52-14 record, four division titles with this season marking their fourth straight trip to a conference championship game.
In spite of making four consecutive trips to conference championship game, Reading has only made one trip to AIFA championship game coming back in 2007 against Lakeland. While Reading has not won a league championship, each year they have been eliminated by the team that did win the championship including last season losing to eventual champion Florence Phantoms 52-37.
Led by a high powered offense, the Express have averaged 48 points in the past three seasons while holding opponents to only 36.5 points per game. Led by Head Coach/General Manager Bernie Nowotarski who is currently in his second season, Reading has put together another high octane offense that features the receiving tandem of Carmelo Ocasio and Jeff Willis. The two are the only tandem to achieve over 1,000 yards combining to collect 193 receptions, 2,406 yards, and 51 touchdowns, ranking 1 and 2 respectively in the league in receiving yards.
While the Lions lead the league in turnovers, the defense will have its work cut off for them as the Express offense has committed the second fewest turnovers (23). The Reading offense is lead by their passing game most notably quarterback Rob Flowers. Flowers finished the season in the top five in many passing categories including number one in total offense with 3,669 total yards and tops in total touchdowns with 84.
“What can you not say about the Express, they have put together a great team with a strong following in a short amount of time,” says Head Coach Jason Gibson. “What they have built in Reading is similar to what we are trying to build in Columbus, the idea of playing championship caliber football in a fan-friendly environment year in and year out.”
The South Division Champion Columbus Lions take on the Reading Express (12-3) this upcoming Monday night at 7:30PM 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 Jungle seats today and come cheer on them on as they March Towards the Championship!
:smileylions:
Reading Huge Mountain For Lions to Climb
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 9, 2009) – By getting the monkey off their backs and winning their first ever playoff game on Monday night, the Columbus Lions (12-3) of the American Indoor Football Association will now tackle arguably the leagues most storied franchise in the Reading Express.
Despite beginning play in 2006, the Express have quickly built a franchise based on winning as they finished with a 12-2 record in their inaugural season. In four seasons Reading has amassed a 52-14 record, four division titles with this season marking their fourth straight trip to a conference championship game.
In spite of making four consecutive trips to conference championship game, Reading has only made one trip to AIFA championship game coming back in 2007 against Lakeland. While Reading has not won a league championship, each year they have been eliminated by the team that did win the championship including last season losing to eventual champion Florence Phantoms 52-37.
Led by a high powered offense, the Express have averaged 48 points in the past three seasons while holding opponents to only 36.5 points per game. Led by Head Coach/General Manager Bernie Nowotarski who is currently in his second season, Reading has put together another high octane offense that features the receiving tandem of Carmelo Ocasio and Jeff Willis. The two are the only tandem to achieve over 1,000 yards combining to collect 193 receptions, 2,406 yards, and 51 touchdowns, ranking 1 and 2 respectively in the league in receiving yards.
While the Lions lead the league in turnovers, the defense will have its work cut off for them as the Express offense has committed the second fewest turnovers (23). The Reading offense is lead by their passing game most notably quarterback Rob Flowers. Flowers finished the season in the top five in many passing categories including number one in total offense with 3,669 total yards and tops in total touchdowns with 84.
“What can you not say about the Express, they have put together a great team with a strong following in a short amount of time,” says Head Coach Jason Gibson. “What they have built in Reading is similar to what we are trying to build in Columbus, the idea of playing championship caliber football in a fan-friendly environment year in and year out.”
The South Division Champion Columbus Lions take on the Reading Express (12-3) this upcoming Monday night at 7:30PM 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 Jungle seats today and come cheer on them on as they March Towards the Championship!
:smileylions:
:smileylions: 