Bucs Versus Lions, An Almost Mirror Image
March 26, 2010 - Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL) News Release
LAKE CHARLES, LA (March 26, 2010) - Saturday's matchup between the Louisiana Swashbucklers (1-0) and the Columbus Lions (0-0) of the Southern Indoor Football League with many suggesting that this could be a potential preview July's championship game.
When stacked up to one another, the resumes are relatively impressive. A combined winning percentage of.777 over the last three years along with both clubs serving as a reminder that these clubs play football to enrich their communities.
Of course, the one huge difference is the amount banners that hang from the Smugglers Den in Lake Charles in comparison to that of the Columbus Civic Center. Even though Columbus has put together one indoor footballs top winning percentage, they still chase that elusive championship glory that the Bucs have basked in numerous times.
Last weekend, the Swashbucklers picked up right where they left smashing the North Texas Crunch 88-6. Led behind eight passing touchdowns from Alvin Bartie, the Black and Purple Gang managed to roll out 307 yards of total offense. Receivers Sammy Knight and Marcus Wildridge both racked up over 100 yards receiving with Knight adding an SIFL record to his resume for the longest pass play (50).
With defensive back Brandon Thomas leading the way, the Bucs held the Crunch to 71 yards of total offense while Thomas earned SIFL Defensive Player of the Week honors with his two interceptions and 8.5 tackles. Even with their demolishing of North Texas, the Swashbucklers did not come out unscathed as All-SIFL kicker Tommy Hebert went down with an injury that is likely to sideline him for the rest of the season. Before getting sidelined, Hebert was 8 of 9 in extra points.
Under the offensive mindset of head coach Jason Gibson, the Lions have continuously featured one of indoor footballs premier passing offense. Despite having a revolving door at quarterback last season, Columbus ended with the number three scoring offense (52.3 pts/gm). This season, the offense will be led by returning quarterback Todd Spitzer. In only his first year, Spitzer secured the Southern Division title in route to the franchise's first playoff victory.
One mainstay for the Lions has been the knack for creating turnovers, in 2009 the club was tops in the AIFA in turnover margin thanks largely to defensive back Damian Daniels. Last season's AIFA Defensive Player of the Year finishing with a league high 17. During his three year stint with the Lions, Daniels has averaged at least one interception per game.
The Louisiana Swashbucklers (1-0) are set to take on their new rivals in the Columbus Lions (0-0) this Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. Fans will be able to follow all the action from this Saturday via Twitter. Just log on to www.southernifl.com see these new rivals cement themselves among the elite of the indoor football world.
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Southern Indoor Football League Stories from March 26, 2010
- Wildcatters Make Coaching Change - Lafayette Wildcatters
- Bucs Versus Lions, An Almost Mirror Image - SIFL
- Over a Cup of Coffee - OSC Original by Jerry Hewitt
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