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NAL Carolina Cobras

Cobras Finish Strong Versus Lions 56-35

August 5, 2018 - National Arena League (NAL)
Carolina Cobras News Release


GREENSBORO- The Carolina Cobras (10-5) defeated the number four Columbus Lions (8-7) in a one-sided game with a score of 56-35. This is the third matchup between the Cobras and Lions, this being their first victory over the Lions.

Cobras Quarterback Charles McCullum had an outstanding night, racking up 246 yards on 20 completions. He tossed for four touchdowns. On the ground, McCullum rushed three times for 28 yards and one touchdown. Also on the ground, Faleaoga Russell had 11 rushes on six carries. McCullum's top receiver, Fabian Guerra had a great second half and amassed for 75 yards and two touchdowns on seven receptions. Phillip Barnett had six receptions for 46 yards and two touchdowns. Jordan Jolly had four receptions for 66 yards. Tyrell Goodman finished the night with three catches for 58 yards. Kicker Craig Peterson had a slow start to the game, but finished strong, as he was 6-of-8 on PAT's and successfully made one deuce.

To open the game, Lions Kicker Tyler Rausa made a deuce to give the Lions an early 2-0 lead. The Cobras had a slow start, and used two of the three timeouts in the first drive alone. The Cobras finally scored from a one yard rushing touchdown by McCullum. The Lions struggled to get started as well, and didn't score on their opening drive. The Cobras offense was sure to take advantage of the empty Lions possession as McCullum found Goodman from 27 yards out. A missed PAT from Peterson put the score at 13-2 for the Cobras. The Lions only needed two plays afterwards on their next drive, finding Lions Wide Receiver Durron Neal for a 20 yard touchdown. A back and forth battle between the two teams eventually came to an end, as halftime approached. The score at halftime was 26-17.

The third quarter is where the Cobras ultimately pulled away, as they picked apart what the Lions are able to do and what they can't do. Penalties against the Lions is also what killed them the most, as they suffered 16 penalties for 96 yards all game. Thinking about it, that is almost the length of two arena football fields. The Lions couldn't score a touchdown on their opening drive in the second half, but they did make a 29-yard field goal, followed by a deuce. Exchanging two touchdowns, the time was winding down and the Cobras were looking to pick up their tenth victory of the season. A touchdown on an onside recovery for the Cobras put the icing on the cake and sealed the deal for the Cobras, as that is what put them up 56-35 to close the game.

The Cobras are momentarily in second place, awaiting to see what happens in the Jacksonville Sharks (10-5) and Maine Mammoths (6-8) game. If the Sharks win, then they will take first place and the Cobras will travel to Worcester, Massachusetts to take on the Massachusetts Pirates (11-5). If the Sharks lose, however, they will drop to the third seed and will be hosted by the Cobras on Saturday, August 11 at 7:00 pm (E.T.).



National Arena League Stories from August 5, 2018


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