Former Lion Leads Power to Largest Comeback in AFL History
April 16, 2012 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Columbus Lions News Release
COLUMBUS, GA (April 16, 2012) - This past Saturday, former Columbus Lions quarterback Derek Cassidy led the largest come from behind win in Arena Football League history helping the Pittsburgh Power overcome a 24-point deficit in route to a 57-54 victory.
Despite only seeing action in one game this season for the Lions, on April 3rd Cassidy (6'3 210, Rhode Island) was signed by the AFL's Pittsburgh Power after starter Bill Stull was placed on injured reserve due to a shoulder injury. Due to the injury, back-up QB Andrico Hines was bumped up to the starting role with Cassidy serving as the second in command.
On Saturday, starting QB Hines suffered an injury on a sack and Cassidy would have to step-in with the club already down 48-17. With the help of stifling defense that held the Predators to just one touchdown in the second half, Cassidy tossed five touchdowns for 148 yards leading Pittsburgh to a 24-point come from behind victory the largest in AFL history also helping end a three-game losing streak for the Power.
"During our training camp it was real test on our coaching staff grading out both Hippeard and Cassidy," says Columbus Lions Head Coach Jason Gibson. "Cassidy not playing much was no knock on Cassidy, I spent many of time trying to figure out ways to get him in the game but we just have had so much offensive rhythm with Hippeard as our starter I didn't want to disrupt it."
Thru the first five games, Lions QB Randy Hippeard has a stranglehold in many of the PIFL's passing categories including touchdowns (33), completion percentage (63.5%), as well as total offense (285 yards/game).
Cassidy is one of six former Columbus Lions players who are currently contributing on for clubs in the AFL. Next weekend, Cassidy and company travel to New Orleans to take on the Voodoo while his former club in the Lions also hit the road this Saturday April 21st to battle with the cross-state rival Albany Panthers (4-0).
Professional Indoor Football League Stories from April 16, 2012
- Former Lion Leads Power to Largest Comeback in AFL History - Columbus Lions
- Lions Roar by Swashbucklers - Louisiana Swashbucklers
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