Daniels Snags Career Interception Record, Lions Douse Fire
April 13, 2014 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Columbus Lions News Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. - The Columbus Lions defeated the Richmond Raiders 71-34 on Friday night at the Columbus Civic Center. Damian Daniels had two interceptions on the night for career numbers 98 and 99, setting the new mark for career picks in indoor football.
Lions quarterback Antwon Young was the epitome of efficiency on the night. He was 11 for 15 in the passing game for 216 yards, and seven of his 11 completions went for touchdowns. Head coach Jason Gibson had a chance to spell Young after his seventh touchdown throw for backup QB and 2010 SIFL Offensive Player of the Year Chris McCoy, who was 4 of 11 passing for 37 yards and one score. The Lions had 33 total offensive plays for an average of just over nine yards per play. Just under half of Columbus's offensive plays (16) went for first downs. The Lions took a 52-13 lead into the locker room for halftime despite having the ball only 9:14 out of the thirty minutes of playing time in the first half.
Earl Alexander was the Lions' Offensive Player of the Game with 120 yards on four receptions, three of them for touchdowns. All three touchdowns were on long plays of 28, 40, and 45 yards. Jarmon Fortson and Tirone Morris each caught a pair of touchdowns, with Kendrick Perry snagging a touchdown through the air as well. Perry also had a touchdown on the ground and led all rushers with 37 yards on four carries. Besides Daniels's two interceptions, Roshawn Marshall grabbed an INT as well during the game.
Linebacker Ryan Babb led all Lions in the tackling department with eight (7 solo, 2 ast). Kicker Craig Camay nailed an uno on the opening play of the game, had twelve kickoffs with ten touchbacks, and hit a 30-yard field goal to take Special Teams Player of the Game honors.
However, Daniels was the star of the game and the Defensive Player of the Game for the Lions. His first interception was a 28-yard pick-six early in the second quarter returned for a touchdown, while his second interception was returned 26 yards to the Fire three-yard line.
"It's a big relief...I'm glad it's over and it was just a dream come true," said Daniels. "The way my teammates and fans reacted, it was all I could ask for."
Daniels also got the record against many of his former teammates the last two seasons who played for the Albany Panthers and whose rights were acquired by the Fire.
"Some of those guys came over and congratulated me too. They wanted to see me get the record just as bad as I did. I think they probably didn't like I got the record against them, but the same time, they're glad I got it," said Daniels.
The Fire and Lions have a rematch set for Saturday, April 26 at 7 PM EDT inside "The Jungle" in the Lions' next home game. For more information, contact the Lions at 706.322.3336. (end)
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Professional Indoor Football League Stories from April 13, 2014
- Daniels Snags Career Interception Record, Lions Douse Fire - Columbus Lions
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