Lions Clip Hawks 45-35, Move Back into First Place
May 9, 2015 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Columbus Lions News Release
NASHVILLE, TN - As the only game in action on Saturday night, all eyes were on the rematch between the Columbus Lions (5-2) of the Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL) exacting some revenge downing the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks (5-2) moving Columbus back into first place by half game.
Saturday night's win from the Lions was all about the defensive carry-over from a week ago, especially in impressive first half in which Lehigh Valley only scored touchdowns on just three of the seven possessions of the half. Filling in for injured starter Shane McSweeny, back-up Zach Zulli was notable in his first start completing 22 of 35 passes for 224 yards throwing two touchdowns while running in another three. Sitting out due to a leg injury he suffered last week, McSweeny could have played but sat out for precautionary reasons. He's expected to be back next week for the Hawks showdown at home against the Hammers.
For the first time in three outings, Lions QB Casey Kacz kept his interception total below three while managing to complete 20 of 36 passes for 227 yards and four touchdowns surrendering the ball via INT just once. Saturday's win marked the first time since Week 3 where the Hawks did not score a defensive touchdown, a game they also coincidentally lost.
In just the second time all season, Columbus wide-outs did not cross the century mark in yards with newcomer Morrell Presley leading all catchers with eight receptions for 86 yards making one trip into the end-zone. Saturday was just third time in which neither club had a receiver gain over 100 yards, and just the second distinction for Lions receivers this year.
Saturday was all about the continued improvement on defense. Still ranked at the bottom of the PIFL in total defense, the Lions have put up back-to-back performances in which they have held the Hawks to less than 300 yards of total offense. First time they have held opponents to such a feat all year.
Backed by a first half safety as well as two key second half interceptions, one by DB Marvin Ross and other by DB Chris Pickett, the Columbus defense held the Hawks without an offensive score in the 3rd quarter, just the second occurrence in which the Lions D has held their opponent scoreless all year.
"Our defensive secondary is beginning to gel allowing us to supply more pressure up front," says Head Coach Jason Gibson. "We will enjoy this win but not for long as we have another big test next week against a rested Venom squad."
Columbus hits the open road next weekend for a Music City showdown against the idle Nashville Venom (4-2) with the winner sitting atop the throne of the PIFL standings. Still in search of their first win versus Nashville, it will be the first meeting for the pair of clubs since the Week 5 meeting that took place a month ago in which the Venom ousted the Lions 58-55 thanks to a time-expiring game-winning field goal.
To hear all of Saturday's action live from Nashville, log on to www.columbuslions.net and click on the Listen Live icon. Columbus will return home on May 30th to host the Erie Explosion for "Cancer Awareness Night." For more ticket information about next week's rematch against the Hawks contact the Lions front office at 706-322-3336.
Professional Indoor Football League Stories from May 9, 2015
- Lions Clip Hawks 45-35, Move Back into First Place - Columbus Lions
- Hammers Fall To Freedom - Alabama Hammers
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