Lions Roar Past Guard, 61-43
Published on June 15, 2009 under American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Columbus Lions News Release
COLUMBUS, GA (June 15, 2009) - Led by a 29 point fourth quarter surge, the Columbus Lions (9-3) of the American Indoor Football Association overcame a nine-point deficit to defeat the Fayetteville Guard 61-43 in front of 4,000 fans in attendance for support of the 3rd Brigade.
It had been seven quarters in a combined two games and the Lions stingy defense was without an answer as to how to stop Fayetteville quarterback Shawn Withy-Allen. The Guard entered the fourth quarter with 41-32 lead thanks in large part to Withy-Allen dissecting the Columbus defense by throwing four touchdowns including going three of four on fourth down conversions.
As the fourth quarter began the Lions cut the Guard lead down to one with their opening drive ending with a three-yard run by Lions running back Richard Fitzhugh. Then the defense came alive starting with Columbus defensive back Damian Daniels first of two interceptions. "Our defense had been in the right situation all game we just need that one big play to set them over the top and Damian delivered," says Head Coach Jason Gibson. "The front four brought the pressure all night and the secondary began taking advantage."
After getting the key interception the Columbus offense capitalized as quarterback Todd Spitzer ran it in from 1 yard out, his first of two in the quarter giving his club the 46-41 lead. Lions kicker Carlos Martinez also played a major role in setting up the key turnovers late in the game with three of his four uno's all coming in the fourth quarter pitting the Guard offense to start from their own five.
On the ensuing drive, Guard QB Withy-Allen was intercepted once again by Daniels only this time the defensive back would do the scoring himself taking it back 31 yards for the score. Led by an overwhelming crowd, the Lions ended the Guard's next two possessions with two more interceptions coming from linebacker Ryan Babb and defensive back Chris Goffer.
"The defense got a huge pickup from the great crowd we had tonight," says Head Coach Jason Gibson. "I don't think there was a person who sat that entire fourth quarter and it was easily the most exciting game I have ever been a part of."
In his second start of the season, Lions rookie quarterback rebounded from his dismal debut by completing 17 of 29 passes for three touchdowns while also adding two rushing touchdowns. His favorite target on the night was receiver Joel Babb connecting with him nine times for 90 yards and one touchdown while receiver Gerald Gales also contributed with two touchdowns both coming in the first half.
The win pushes the Lions in sole possession of first place in the AIFA's southern division. Columbus also earned one of the southern division's playoff spots with Florence losing to the South Carolina Force 44-16 on Saturday night. In order to ensure a first place finish, Columbus will need another Fayetteville (8-4) loss as both teams have two games remaining including the regular season finale taking place on June 27th at the Crown Coliseum.
This Friday June 19th at 7:30 pm is the Lions regular season home game as they once again welcome the Florence Phantoms (6-6) to the jungle for "Business Appreciation Night." Great group ticket deals are available, contact the Lions front office at 706-322-3DEN for more details and we will see you in the jungle!
American Indoor Football Association Stories from June 15, 2009
- Baltimore Mariners Harness Stampede 58-55 - Baltimore Mariners
- Express Capture 4th Straight Title - Reading Express
- Lions Roar Past Guard, 61-43 - Columbus Lions
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