Defense Sparks Lions Playoff Win
Published on July 9, 2010 under Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL)
Columbus Lions News Release
Behind four interceptions and three sacks, the Columbus Lions (9-3) of the Southern Indoor Football League defeated the Lafayette Wildcatters (6-6) in the Conference Semi-Finals 61-26, placing them in the SIFL Championship Game.
Special teams and defense was the name of the game for the Lions on this night as they picked up the slack for an offense that only mustered 169 yards of total offense. Within the first two minutes of the game Columbus staged a 14-0 without the offense touching the field as Anthony Merritt returned the opening kickoff back 56-yards along with linebacker Ryan Babb picking off Wildcatters Juan Joseph for the first of two interceptions, both returned for touchdowns.
Lion's defense kept the pressure on all night as it wasn't until midway through the second when Lafayette finally seized their first touchdown as fullback Steven Korte ran it in from three yards out. On ensuing drive, it appeared Wildcatters were beginning to snatch control of the game when defensive back Randy Sheperd grabbed the first of two interceptions. Unfortunately, the Catters were only able to get three points on a Sean Comiskey 24-yard field goal.
Columbus entered the half with a 36-20 lead and immediately the defense came out the break hungry for some more collecting three consecutive interceptions, the first by defensive back Ramone Nickerson. It would not be until the final minute of the game when Lafayette would next score as back-up quarterback Bo Bartik hit receiver Clevan White on a 30-yard hook-up.
Wildcatters starting quarterback Juan Joseph was stifled all night by the Columbus defense failing to throw for a touchdown and only completing 19 of 33 passes for 175 yards along with the four interceptions. Even though he got the lone passing touchdown, back-up Bartik was not much better completing 2 of 10 passes for 48 yards.
Last time these two clubs met, All-SIFL Wildcatters defensive back Clarence Pendleton was missing in action and he proved vital tonight as his defense provided ample opportunities for his club to make a comeback. All-SIFL Offensive MVP Chris McCoy struggled on this night only completing 9 of 21 passes for 118 yards and one touchdown, but did have three rushing touchdowns.
For Lafayette, it is the third consecutive week they began the game with a large deficit being down by as much as 25 in just the first quarter. Despite having a solid finish, the Wildcatters will now have to focus on getting victories on the road as bite that Georgia bug as they finished a combined 0-4 in the Peach State.
Columbus must now wait to find out who their opponent will be for the SIFL Championship game as this Saturday the Louisiana Swashbucklers will take on the Regular Season Champion Albany Panthers at 7:30 PM. Championship dates are as follows, if Louisiana wins Columbus will host the Championship Game on Sunday July 18th while if Albany wins the Panthers will host the Lions on Saturday July 17th.
For more information from around the Southern Indoor Football League, log on to www.southernifl.com.
Southern Indoor Football League Stories from July 9, 2010
- Difficult Task Lays Ahead For Bucs Title Defense - Louisiana Swashbucklers
- Defense Sparks Lions Playoff Win - Columbus Lions
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
