Georgia Closes Out Inaugural Season This Friday
June 25, 2014 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Georgia Fire News Release
ROME, GA (June 25, 2014) - By virtue of being eliminated last weekend, the Georgia Fire (4-7) of the Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL) will close out their inaugural season when they play host to in-state division rival Columbus this Friday night at 7:30 PM.
Last weekend's 52-49 win over Trenton was arguably one of the gutsiest performances of the PIFL season, unfortunately for Georgia's playoff hopes it came a couple of weeks too late. Going into last weekend the Fire needed a lot of help, of which included winning their final two games as well as Columbus losing to Alabama. Unfortunately only one those came to fruition, the Lions dismantled the defending champion Hammers 69-31 en route to clinching the American Conference's second playoff seed.
When the pundits go back to analyze the Fire's inaugural 2014 season, missed opportunities as well as a mid-season five game losing streak will be the main culprits when the pundits for sitting out this year's post-season. Can't argue that this team proved they can hang with the big boys, three of their four wins came against each of the PIFL's Conference champions Nashville and Trenton.
Key losses down the stretch include an offensive implosion in Alabama on May 24th as well as an overtime thriller in their last home against Lehigh Valley can be some prime examples. Georgia went from averaging 52 points/game before a 21 point performance against the Hammers and then an overtime meltdown against the Hawks wasted a 16-point second half comeback.
Some of the high notes of the season consisted of the QB Cecil Lester and the receiving trio of Johnny Lester, John Harris, and Ronald Davis. Already the all-time touchdown leader, Lester improved upon the tag-line throwing a league-high 43 scores. Meanwhile before his injury WR Johnny Lester was on pace to score 23 touchdowns and had recorded a reception in 19 consecutive games dating back to last season. Harris and Davis we're added surprises leading the league in receptions (82) and scoring 15 touchdowns respectively.
With turmoil entering the season, one can only imagine what the future holds for the Fire franchise. But considering the club was put together weeks leading into the season opener back on April 5th, one has to shake the hands of those who helped mold it together. Those handshakes can be spread around, including the players, because if history is any indicator some could have folded shop. Instead they stood together like a family, and maybe they didn't reach their ultimate goal of reaching the post-season but it's definitely a season they won't forget.
To grab your tickets to Friday's game contact The Rome Forum Civic Center box office at 706- 291-5281 and visit the Fire at www.georgiafire.us.
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Professional Indoor Football League Stories from June 25, 2014
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