Lions Capture PIFL Championship
July 7, 2015 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Columbus Lions News Release
COLUMBUS, GA (July 6, 2015) - Behind a strong second quarter backed by two turnovers, the Columbus Lions (10-3) staked their claim to the 2015 PIFL Championship defeating the Richmond Raiders (9-5) 64-38 earning the franchises second championship.
"It was a total team effort, from start to finish," says Lions Head Coach Jason Gibson. "This team had a special makeup about them that even when we struggled early on they never lost faith."
Falling behind 16-7 in the 1st quarter, Columbus scratched their way through the 2nd scoring a PIFL playoff-record thirty points in one quarter set up in large part by two key interceptions.
"That old saying proves true, defense wins championship," continues Gibson. "Defense and Wolfe's two Uno's sparked us when we needed it the most."
Reaching the title game for the third time in four seasons, Richmond once again leaves with disappointment failing to withstand the defensive barrage with QB Jonathan Bane completing just 24 of 54 passes for 264 yards and 5 TD's. Two key interceptions thrown in the 2nd quarter along with the struggles on third and fourth down, combining to convert just 4 of 14 opportunities, midway through the 3rd quarter.
Bane turned the ball over a third time on a sack fumble that was scooped and returned for a TD by Damian Thornton.
"Pressure can either create diamonds or force you to crack," states Gibson. "Our defensive front kept applying the heat all night!"
After struggling on their opening two drives, the Lions scored touchdowns on their next nine drives with QB Casey Kacz going 16 of 26 for 187 yards and 4 TD's. With the passing game in stall mode, FB Kendrick Perry picked up the slack rushing for a game-high 46 yards and three TD's earning him the 2015 PIFL Championship Game MVP.
"We asked Perry to do some different things for us this season," says Gibson. "We noticed they we're thin up front on the defensive side leaving us no choice to feed the beast."
Returning after a month long injury and possibly suiting up in what may prove to be his final game, the heart and vocal hometown leader of the Lions DB Damian "The Nighthawk" Daniels leaves in the ultimate sendoff as a three-time champion as well as the all-time leader in interceptions.
"It was a total team effort on all three sides of the ball," concludes Gibson. "In eight years of hosting games in this building, tonight was arguably the loudest I have heard our fan base. This place was really The Jungle tonight and I proud to bring and share this championship with the city of Columbus."
2015 Lions PIFL Championship gear is now on sale. To purchase your Championship T-shirt or hat, contact the Lions front office at 706-322-3336 to grab your memorabilia today. Can also log on to www.columbuslions.net to stay tuned for news on how you can place deposits towards 2016 season tickets.
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Professional Indoor Football League Stories from July 7, 2015
- Lions Capture PIFL Championship - Columbus Lions
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