Lions Dethroned By Hawks, Fall Out Of First Place
May 3, 2015 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Columbus Lions News Release
COLUMBUS, GA (May 3, 2015) - For the second consecutive week the Columbus Lions (4-2) of the Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL) were engaged in a battle for first place only this week they fell victim 46-43 to the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks (5-1) dropping the Lions to second place.
Two first-half turnovers, three overall, coupled with two 4th quarter missed field goals and the Lions
offense struggled to their lowest scoring output of the season. For the third consecutive week QB Casey Kacz was intercepted three times including one that was returned 50 yards for a touchdown by DB Jesse Cooper. It marked the fourth straight week, fifth overall, in which the Hawks defense recorded at touchdown.
"To pull off road wins in this league you have to play the perfect game," says Head Coach Jason Gibson. "Despite the turnovers, we overcame them and still had the ball in our hands in the final moments to win unfortunately we couldn't execute."
Coming into the night Lehigh Valley QB Shane McSweeny had not thrown an INT in his first 148 pass attempts. Five passes into the night the Lions secondary broke that streak when DB Chris Pickett picked off McSweeny giving Pickett his third interception in two weeks. One quarter later newcomer Darren Daniel secured the second interception of the night leading to the Lions taking an early 14 point lead.
On the field for over sixteen minutes in the second half, Columbus defense was unable to create any stops on the Hawks for drives all of which ended by touchdown. With just over a minute remaining, McSweeny hooked with Brandon Renford on a 12-yard touchdown strike for the eventual game-winning score.
Ball in their hands and a chance to force overtime, the Lions failed to complete a pass leaving kicker Lindsey Wolfe with a 41-yard field goal attempt that eventually sailed wide right. It was the second miss of the half for Wolfe leading to Columbus only scoring on two of their five second half drives.
Now out of first place for the first time this season, the Lions won't have long to wait to see Lehigh again with the rematch taking place this Saturday in the Columbus Civic Center. Saturday is "Family Night" with family four pack specials available for as low as $44.
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. Kickoff is 7:00 PM and for ticket options contact the Lions front office at 706-322-3336 and to see where the team will visit next in the community you can follow the club on Facebook and Twitter.
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Professional Indoor Football League Stories from May 3, 2015
- Richmond Raiders Earn Season Sweep over Hammers - Richmond Raiders
- Steelhawks Hold off Lion's Roar - Lehigh Valley Steelhawks
- Lions Dethroned By Hawks, Fall Out Of First Place - Columbus Lions
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