First-Place Lions Hope To Silence Thunder
Published on April 10, 2007 under World Indoor Football League 2 (WIFL 2)
Columbus Lions News Release
COLUMBUS, GA, April 10 --- Coming off a World Indoor Football League-record scoring performance in their 69-30 thrashing of the Augusta Spartans, the Columbus Lions (4-1) went back to work tonight before attempting to knock off the Daytona Beach Thunder (1-4) at the Columbus Civic Center Saturday at 7:00 p.m.
It was an enjoyable film-watching session for Head Coach Jason Gibson and his players. "I was very pleased with the offense, scoring touchdowns on our first six possessions," said Gibson. "Joey Conrad at quarterback really makes us go, and Andrew McKay played well, too." Conrad began 8-of-9 in pass completions for 109 yards and three touchdowns, with McKay connecting on 4-of-6 attempts.
Once again, running back Eugene Goodman excelled with three touchdowns, two out of the backfield and one on a kickoff return, just falling short on a second TD return. Gibson said "Eugene did a really good job again. He leads the WIFL in all-purpose yardage, he's the ultimate weapon and complements what we have beautifully. I also can't say enough about the protection on our offensive line with Troy Bennett, Steven Davis and Monreko Crittenden."
On the receiving side, the Lions have found terrific balance with Silas Daniels, Juval Winston and Jarwarski Pollock catching the majority of Conrad's and McKay's completions. It's a position of great depth, as the team has talented Jordan Slye and the injured Tirone Morris (star of the first Daytona Beach game, a 45-42 road win) in reserve. Kicker Wes Wilson had another fine game, converting 9-of-10 extra points while reliably placing kickoffs and long field goal tries where Augusta returners couldn't advance far.
Defensively, linebacker Justin Rivers, voted the WIFL's March defensive player of the month, contributed an interception return for touchdown and now has scored three times already. Damian Daniels' six interceptions leads the league, and Gibson pointed out the Lions' exceptional turnover ratio of +13 as a major factor enabling Columbus to seize first place in the standings.
Defensive lineman Ian Kinsey stood out, getting his first start in the Augusta game Saturday. Offensive and defensive line coach Fred Williams said "I am so proud of Ian's dedication and performance. He's wanted to play from Day One of training camp, showing tremendous desire -- and stamina. He never seems to get tired, and is ready to go on every down."
Gibson expressed caution looking ahead to the April 14 rematch with Daytona Beach. "The Thunder is very dangerous and has a lot of weapons," naming wide receivers Cory McKinney and Barry Wagner among them. Wagner, 39 years old, is one of the Arena Football League's all-time greats, playing 15 years as an "Ironman" on offense and defense before recently signing close to home with Daytona Beach. "A team like Daytona, revamping its roster and trying to climb out of last place, has nothing to lose and will give us all we can handle," said Gibson.
Lions fans are invited to meet Gibson, several players, coaches, owners and staff at Tuesday's radio show at Joe D's Que, 5408 Summerville Rd. in Phenix City, in the Publix Shopping Center, from 6 till 7 p.m. The weekly show airs every Tuesday on Sports Radio 1580-AM "The Zone", and is hosted by Lions play-by-play announcer Jeremy Jeffcoat. Restaurant owner Joe Rast, specializing in great barbecue with other delicious meats and fresh vegetables, offers 15% off to all fans presenting a Lions ticket stub or displaying Lions apparel.
World Indoor Football League 2 Stories from April 10, 2007
- Zach Johnson Gets In Free Friday Night - Augusta Colts
- First-Place Lions Hope To Silence Thunder - 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.
