Lions Aim For Championship Glory
Published on July 16, 2010 under Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL)
Columbus Lions News Release
COLUMBUS, GA (JULY 16, 2010) - On Sunday, the Columbus Lions (9-3) will be looking to make history when they host the defending champion Louisiana Swashbucklers (6-6) in the Southern Indoor Football Championship Game set to kickoff at 6:00 p.m.
For the Lions it's their second go around at hosting a championship game, first since 2007 when they hosted the Augusta Spartans in the WIFL World Bowl. Unfortunately, Columbus came out in the short-end of that title game losing 63-60 beginning the string of some disappointing playoff endings. It's been a tale of two cities as Columbus has lacked that championship pedigree that Louisiana has basked in over the past three years.
After a first-round upset of the regular season champion Albany Panthers, the Swashbucklers will be looking to bring home an unprecedented fourth consecutive title. Up by as much as 22, the Bucs had to hold off a furious fourth quarter comeback defeating the Panthers 41-35. Black and purple gang defense sparked six turnovers including three interceptions from SIFL's co-player of the week in Sammy Knight. In spite of allowing 305 yards, Louisiana's defense played big when it counted holding Albany to just 3 of 9 in the red-zone.
Last weekend, the Lions erased some of those playoff doubts with a defensive mauling in route to a 61-26 victory in the SIFL Semi-Finals over the Lafayette Wildcatters. Key to the Lions first round mauling of the Wildcatters was defense, snatching five turnovers including two interception returns for a touchdown by linebacker Ryan Babb. Under constant pressure all night, Wildcatters quarterback Juan Joseph was under fire getting sack three times while only completing 19 of 33 passes.
Sunday's Championship Game will serve as a rubber match between the two with Columbus owning the first meeting back with an 88-32 victory back in late. Louisiana took home the second meeting by way of a 51-31 win in late May when the Bucs league-leading rushing offense sprawled out 146 yards on the ground including 108 yards along from fullback Kendrick Perry. Minimizing the Lions attacking defense, the Swashbucklers offense featured a balanced attack of 24 passes and 24 rushes converting 60% of third down conversions.
When it comes to their previous early playoff exits, consistency has always been a major issue. Just this season in their three losses, the club has shown spurts of inability to move the ball scoring only 39 points/game while going minus three in the turnover battle. Compare that to their eight regular season wins and the offense has compiled 70 points/game along with a plus 32-turnover margin.
With league high 49 turnovers gained, the Columbus Lions defense has been the anchor for the club all year holding opponents to just 34.6 points/game. SIFL 1st Teamers defensive back Damian Daniels, league leader in interceptions with 14, and defensive tackle Franklin Lloyd have allowed the fewest defensive touchdowns (32) along with the most sacks (32).
Despite their .500 record, the Lions can't overlook the look and feel of the Swashbucklers as they still possess that Championship mentality that has captured three consecutive titles including last season's inaugural SIFL Championship. The mid-season return of former head coach Darnell Lee (now Offensive Coordinator), along with a trio of former players has the Bucs right back in the fold for an unprecedented fourth title.
Sunday's Championship takes place this Sunday night as the defending champion Louisiana Swashbucklers travel to take on the Columbus Lions with kickoff at 6:00 p.m. Fans can also watch and listen to the game live online by logging on to www.southernifl.com and clicking on the listen live icon.
Southern Indoor Football League Stories from July 16, 2010
- Lions Aim For Championship Glory - Columbus Lions
- SIFL Championship Game To Be Webcasted - SIFL
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