Doughboys Down Panthers In Home Opener, 33-13
Published on October 5, 2011 under Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Columbus Lions News Release
FORT BENNING, GA, Oct. 2 -- The brand-new All-Soldier football team representing Ft. Benning debuted under Columbus Lions Head Coach Jason Gibson last Sunday with a solid 33-13 win over the LaGrange College Panthers junior varsity team at Doughboy Stadium.
In the first of a five-game schedule, the Doughboys, restoring a tradition begun in the 1930's under U.S. Army General Dwight D. Eisenhower, used a balanced attack of 135 yards passing, 119 yards rushing and 133 kickoff-return yards to defeat the Panthers, outscoring them in each quarter. The Doughboys led 6-0, 16-7 at the half and 26-7 after three quarters.
QB Blake Powers completed 16 of 29 passes for 135 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. Workhorse RB Emmanuel Batson carried 24 times for 88 yards, and four receivers (Mario Johnson, Demetrius Carter, Mario Jackson and Jessie Lawson) combined for 10 receptions, 100 yards and three touchdowns. Kicker Jason Wirtz added two field goals. All the Doughboys are active-duty soldiers of various ranks and from many Ft. Benning units.
"I was proud of our players," said Gibson. "Our main goal was to be able to be disciplined and not turn the ball over and for the most part, I think we accomplished those goals. We have a lot of room for improvement. I was very impressed with LaGrange College and their coaching staff. They are first-class and well-coached. We are looking forward to traveling up to LaGrange on November 6 to play them again (1 p.m. at Callaway Stadium)."
Doughboys and Lions defensive coordinator Brandon Reed said "As a defense, I thought we played well considering having some key players unavailable for the game and the challenge of having a short time period to prepare. I was extremely pleased with our execution on third down and getting off the field to give the ball back to our offense, which did a great job of sustaining drives to keep our defense rested. I feel good about the room for improvement that can be made between now and our next game on October 15." The Doughboys host Georgia Military College at 2 p.m. that Saturday.
The Panther JV's, led by varsity Head Coach Todd Mooney, scored in the second quarter on a 32-yard pass from Knox Robinson to John Veal and on an 81-yard kickoff return by D.D. McMillian in the fourth quarter. They wore road white uniforms trimmed in maroon-and-black; the Doughboys played in official U.S. Army colors of black with gold numerals.
Mooney remarked "It was such a great experience for our players, coaches and fans. From the tour of the National Infantry Museum for our players to all the before and after game ceremonies, everything was done in a spectacular way. It was a memorable day from start to finish. I want to especially thank Commanding General Robert Brown, Colonel Marshall Dougherty, John Hargrove of the Columbus Lions and all of the military personnel for initiating this great event and hosting our football team."
LIONS INSTRUMENTAL IN FORMING NEW P.I.F.L.
COLUMBUS, GA, October 5 -- The Columbus Lions today officially announced the formation of the new Professional Indoor Football League, of which they'll be charter members along with their heated nearby rivals, the Albany Panthers and Alabama Hammers (Huntsville); the Louisiana Swashbucklers (Lake Charles), Richmond Raiders and a new franchise, the Knoxville Nighthawks.
All P.I.F.L. teams except for Knoxville played last season in the Southern Indoor Football League, now disbanded as teams went their own ways geographically and for travel reasons. Several from the S.I.F.L's Southwest Division broke off to form the Lone Star Football League in Texas, whose champion may yet play that of the P.I.F.L.
Lions Managing Partner John Hargrove said last week that the formation of the P.I.F.L. "will provide opportunities for the Lions to work with very solid and experienced ownership groups in a geographically friendly neighborhood."
The Lions' history over the past five years has included considerable travel which has been financially challenging to not only the Lions, but all the other teams with which they have been associated. "This travel challenge plus the current challenges of our national economy brought six very solid teams and experienced ownership groups together. In addition to undergoing less travel, P.I.F.L. teams plan to share `best business practices' which have evolved from their years of experience," said Rick Jacobson, Vice President of Sales and Marketing and part of the Lions' ownership.
The Lions announced a 2012 schedule last week featuring home games on Saturdays, March 3 (preseason opponent TBA), March 17 (Knoxville), March 31 (Alabama), April 14 (Louisiana), May 5 (Albany), June 9 (Albany) and June 16 (Knoxville).
GIBSON, REED TRAIL PACK IN LIONS' FANTASY LEAGUE!
COLUMBUS, GA, Oct. 5 -- It's a good thing Jason Gibson and Brandon Reed are highly successful professional football coaches in real life, as they find themselves looking up at Lions season ticketholders and media in Lions Fantasy Football League play through four NFL weeks.
Gibson ("Da Coach") is dead last at 0-4 and Reed ("Men of the Real Troy") tied for ninth at 1-3 as they pursue undefeated Michael Dane ("Name and Logo for Rent") at 4-0.
Tied for second place at 3-1 are Jeff Gonos ("Muffin Stuffers"), Aiden (last name unavailable -- "Aidenz Dream Team") and Teresa Meek ("Nineth Man 2010"). In a four-way tie for fifth place at 2-2 are Jack Braswell ("Lions Sales Guy"), Jim Wink ("No Funny Team Name"), Jerome Blanton ("Gunns and Jetts") and WRBL-TV sports anchor Stuart Webber ("News 3 On Your Side").
Keeping Reed warm and Gibson buried are Dana Barker ("There's no E in Ninth!") and Eddie Moore ("Big Ed's Tide), both at 1-3. Luckily, twelve more regular-season weeks remain to recover.
Fortunately, Gibson's career professional coaching record is 65-26 (.714) and 57-19 with the Lions (.750). Reed's NFL playing days included stints with San Francisco and the New York Jets.
Professional Indoor Football League Stories from October 5, 2011
- Doughboys Down Panthers In Home Opener, 33-13 - Columbus Lions
- Hammers Announce Open Tryouts - Alabama Hammers
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