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 Columbus Lions

Lions Undefeated Streak On The Line Versus Venom

April 17, 2015 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Columbus Lions News Release


COLUMBUS, GA (April 15, 2015) - This Saturday April 18th, the Columbus Lions (3-0) of the Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL) put their undefeated streak on the line at home in a clash against the defending champion Venom on "Lupus Awareness Night."

Only two teams in PIFL history have begun the season 4-0, the 2012 Albany Panthers and 2014 Lehigh Valley Steelhawks. Both teams went on to make it to the championship game in their respective season, so a victory on Saturday and the Lions have some history on their side.

Only problem, that dark green hissing sound in the background is that of the defending champion Nashville Venom. The same club that swept all three meetings a season ago, one of which includes the Conference Championship playoff game in which the Venom scored 15 unanswered 2nd half points en route to a 44-39 victory.

Since taking over for injured starter Antwon Young, Casey Kacz has been the PIFL's top leading passer going over the 300 yard mark in both starts. Last week in the victory over Richmond, Kacz lead all PIFL QB's with seven passing touchdowns managing to complete 22 of 38 passes for 301 yards. In his two starts he has combined to complete over 60% of his passes, tops of any passer who has attempted more than 30 throws.

His accuracy will be put to the test on Saturday as the Venom only allow 5.9 yard/pass, only second to Trenton in that category. In the three combined games from a season ago, Lions QB's combined to barely complete 50% of their passes versus the Venom secondary.

Despite the yards/pass rate, the Nashville defense hasn't been as stingy as it was a season ago. After leading the league in turnovers gained, in three games to start the season the Venom defense has created just two turnovers leaving them in second to last with a -4 turnover margin.

Opposite from Columbus, the start to the 2015 season has been unkind to the Venom. They dropped their season opener at home to Alabama, but then turned around the following week to dismantle Lehigh only to lose last week on the road once again to Alabama. The club has already matched their loss total from a season ago and we are just three weeks in.

The Lions continue to be the cardiac kids of the 2015 season their first three games all were ultimately decided in the game's final moments. Even though they're 3-0, the margin of victory is a tiny mark of five points. Something Head Coach Jason Gibson knows, sometimes it's better to be lucky than good.

"The ball can take funny bounces every now and then, and so far the bounces appear to be going our way," says Gibson. "Our guys are preparing for the championship caliber squad Billy has constructed and we know Nashville is much better than their record indicates."

This Saturday is 'Lupus Awareness Night' with the Lions donning commemorative purple jerseys that will be auctioned off immediately following the game with all proceeds going to support Diamond Butterflies Living with Lupus Support Group sponsored by SJS Management.

Kickoff is 7:00 PM and for ticket options contact the Lions front office at 706-322-3336 and fans should also stop by www.columbuslions.net/solider-salute to nominate the USAA Solider of the Night. Chosen for every home game, the winner receives four VIP tickets, VIP Parking Pass, as well as pre-game field access.

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