Lions Back In Win Column With Victory Over Bucs
Published on April 14, 2013 under Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Columbus Lions News Release
COLUMBUS, GA (April 13, 2013) - On Saturday, the Columbus Lions (2-2) of the Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL) ended a two-game losing streak with a 45-42 thrilling victory over the Louisiana Swashbucklers (0-3) in large part to four receiving touchdowns from WR Maurice Dupree.
After falling down by two touchdowns mid-ways through the 3rd quarter, Head Coach Jason Gibson needed to unleash his offense and it began by getting Dupree into the open spaces in the field.
"It wasn't as if we hadn't been trying to get him the ball," says Columbus Lions Head Coach Jason Gibson. "Louisiana was doing a good job on a number of plays disguising coverage's making him look double covered. I told Marcus just to make the throws and Pree will make something happen."
Indeed was the case as Dupree finished Saturday's contest hauling in 15 receptions for 230 yards and four touchdowns, three of which coming in the second half alone.
After a couple of costly interception throws returned for touchdowns, young Lions QB Marcus Jones seemed much more poised in the pocket completing 7 of 11 passes down the stretch as Columbus erased a 35-21 deficit.
Defensively, the Lions knew coming into the contest they were going to have to shut down the potent Bucs rushing attack spear headed by both QB Chris Mitchell and FB Kendrick Perry. Despite both averaging over four yards/carry, Columbus picked and chose their battles wisely creating three turnovers including a crucial fumble recovery in the Bucs end-zone early in the 4th quarter by DB LeRoy Vann.
With six minutes remaining and the game knotted at 42, Columbus embarked on a drive that chewed up four minutes of the clock ending on a Goeff Boyer 29-yard field goal in what ultimately proved to be the difference.
Boyer's kick left just enough time for Louisiana to mount a game-winning drive but the Lions defense stood strong forcing a Ernesto Lacayo 33-yard field goal try that never even glanced at the uprights going wide left.
The loss marks the first time in franchise history that the Bucs have lost three straight putting their record of eight straight seasons of reaching the playoffs in serious jeopardy. Next week Louisiana will look to put an end to their losing streak when they host the Knoxville Nighthawks (1-4).
Columbus will now enjoy a two-game home stand beginning next Saturday when they host the Richmond Raiders (3-1). Raiders come in hot having won three straight and it will be the Raiders first visit to the Columbus Civic Center in almost two years.
Next Saturday April 20th is "Cancer Awareness Night" brought to you by the John B. Amos Cancer Center and Aflac. The Lions will be donning their annual pink jersey's as well as be playing with pink footballs which will be ultimately auctioned off with a portion of the proceeds going towards cancer research.
For more information about how you can score tickets and be a part of the event, contact the Lions front office at 706-322-3336 or log on to www.columbuslions.net.
Professional Indoor Football League Stories from April 14, 2013
- Lions Back In Win Column With Victory Over Bucs - Columbus Lions
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