Lions Get Smacked In Sloppy Loss To Hammers
Published on April 7, 2013 under Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Columbus Lions News Release
COLUMBUS, GA (April 6, 2013) - The Columbus Lions (1-2) of the Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL) returned on Saturday after a two consecutive bye weeks and their play was vindictive of a team that looked out of whack losing 72-45 to the Alabama Hammers (3-1).
From the outset the Lions appeared out of whack falling behind early 14-0 in large part to a failed on-side kick attempt coupled with an interception on their very first play from scrimmage. It was the beginning of a disastrous night for starting QB Marcus Jones who finished the night completed fewer than 50% of his passes (14-31) in addition to throwing four interceptions.
In contrast Alabama Hammers QB Russell Hill, whom despite throwing three interceptions of his own, managed to lead his squad into the end-zone on a number of occasions completing 18 of 36 passes for 272 yards and eight touchdowns.
"Hill played very impressively tonight," says Columbus Lions Head Coach Jason Gibson. "His throw's we're timely and knew exactly where to put the ball in certain moments, but all around it was just sloppy play on our end."
Some of the key moments for Hill included hooking up with receiver Mico McSwain on nine different occasions for 201 yards and five touchdowns. McSwain, who is in sole possession of the PIFL lead in receiving TD's (11), was worlds apart from the play of his defenders has he was the only player for both teams to pass the century mark in yards.
Despite giving up eight touchdowns through the air and committing ten penalties alone, the Lions defense created three turnovers with DB LeRoy Vann picking off two passes returning both back for touchdowns. LB Ryan Babb nabbed the other interception and nearly missed an opportunity middle ways through the 4th quarter at another.
"In consecutive games as a defense we have stopped the plays we wanted to stop heading into the contest," continues Gibson. "We have to find better ways of making adjustments to what opposing offenses are adjusting to."
With the win, the Hammers have already matched their win total from last season and now find themselves in a first-place tie with the Albany Panthers (3-1) who on Friday night were upset 31-28 by the previously winless Knoxville Nighthawks (1-4). Alabama will host the Panthers next Saturday.
Next week the Lions will head back out onto the road when they visit Lake Charles, LA to take on the winless Louisiana Swashbucklers (0-2). The game will kickoff at 8:00 PM ET and fans can follow all the action by logging onto www.columbuslions.net and clicking on the Listen Live icon.
For day-to-day updates and information about the Lions upcoming home game on April 20th versus the Richmond Raiders, be sure to stay tuned their Facebook page.
Professional Indoor Football League Stories from April 7, 2013
- Lions Get Smacked In Sloppy Loss To Hammers - Columbus Lions
- Hammers Win at Home over Columbus - Alabama Hammers
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