Alabama Hammers "Hammer" Columbus Lions for Second Win
May 17, 2014 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Alabama Hammers News Release
The Alabama Hammers used a stingy defense and a well-rounded offense led by quarterback Russel Hill's 370-yard, 6-touchdown performance to defeat the Columbus Lions 73-53 Saturday night at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville. The victory was the second consecutive for the Hammers (2-4), which began the season with four straight losses. The Lions are now 3-3.
"It's good to have back-to-back victories and it really helps to have a quarterback that can make plays for you as it's a quarterback driven league," said Dean Cokinos head coach of the Hammers. "The whole team played well, but we have a long way to go. We are playing better now."
A hard fought first half had each team score via big play touchdowns in the last 25 seconds of the half. Columbus running back Kendrick Perry took a shuttle pass from quarterback Antwon Young and the bruising back scampered 40-yards for a score to cut the Alabama lead to 29-26. On the Hammers' ensuing play, Hill heaved a long floating pass to Mico McSwain who grabbed the ball at the five yard line and fought his way to pay dirt. The score gave the home team Hammers an 11-point lead into the break.
The second half began with a Uno kick by Armando Cuko on the opening kickoff. The Hammers also had a blocked field goal and a 47-yard INT for touchdown by T.J. Williams to help push the Hammers to the 20-point victory.
"If we can eliminate the one play drives on defense and continue to execute we should play much better in our final six games," added Cokinos.
Hill was 21 of 30 passing for the Hammers. Young was 12 of 33 with 294-yards and 4-touchdowns for the Lions. Receiving corps was led by McSwain he had nine catches for 162-yards and four touchdowns.
The individual highlight of the game came in the third quarter when Maurice Dupree made a spectacular touchdown grab as he fell over the end zone board. Upon landing and remaining on the floor outside the field of play, Williams held up the ball to signal he had caught the pass. The referee on the play quickly signaled touchdown for the Hammers on the 30-yard play sure to make the game's highlight reel.
The Hammers return to the confines of the Von Braun Center on Saturday, May 24 to face the Georgia Fire for Military Appreciation Night. The Lions will travel to Nashville to face the Venom on Sunday, May 25.
Professional Indoor Football League Stories from May 17, 2014
- Alabama Hammers "Hammer" Columbus Lions for Second Win - Alabama Hammers
- Lions Still in Search of First Road Win, Fall to Hammers - Columbus Lions
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