Lions, Gibson Nab Career Victory Number 75 In Win Over Hammers
Published on April 26, 2015 under Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Columbus Lions News Release
COLUMBUS, GA (April 26, 2015) - Took him an extra week as well as some 4th quarter theatrics, but the Columbus Lions (4-1) of the Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL) picked up the 74-53 victory over the Alabama Hammers (3-2) giving Head Coach Jason Gibson his 75th career regular season victory of all-time.
Beginning with an opening drive that chewed up three and half minutes couple with a pick-six return for a touchdown by DB Roshawn Marshall the Lions spotted themselves with an early 15-0 lead. An early lead that proved to be crucial as Alabama would ensue to score touchdowns on their next five drives of the first half, two coming off key interceptions thrown by Lions QB Casey Kacz.
DB Gini Ibe intercepted two of his three passes in the 2nd quarter alone sparking a furious comeback that brought the Hammers within one, 33-32, at halftime. Despite the three interceptions, Kacz ended the night completing 19 of 28 passes for 234 yards and six TD's including adding another via the ground.
Through the 3rd, the two clubs continued to exchange blows with the Lions still managing to hold onto a one point lead. But the first of four 4th quarter turnovers, beginning with an interception by DB Chris Pickett ignited a fourteen point swing that put Columbus comfortably in front. Tacked on with fumble recoveries by LB Larry Edwards and DL Jerry Willis, for the second week in a row the Lions defense scored multiple touchdowns.
"Defensively we are bending, but not breaking," said Head Coach Jason Gibson. "The 4th quarter surge by the defense was the key in not only changing momentum, but making sure we kept it for rest of game."
For the second time this season, first since Week 3, WR Terrence Ebagua made four receiving trips to the end-zone catching seven passes for 132 yards. For the second consecutive week, FB Kendrick Perry rushed for a score while WR John Harris has earned TD grabs in a four games in which he started.
Kicker Lindsey Wolfe pitched in with 14 points, his highest output of the season, while the defensive front picked up multiple sacks for the first time since their opening game back in Week 2.
Hammers WR Charles McClain finished with a game-high eleven receptions while Garrett Sutphen became the third different passer this year to pass for over 300 yards against the Lions D. Next week Alabama returns to Huntsville for back-to-back home games beginning with Richmond (2-4).
Columbus will once again hit the friendly skies jetting out this time to face-off against the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks (4-1) with the winner taking sole possession of first-place in the PIFL standings.
Next Saturday's action will take place from Allentown, PA, and you can hear all the action by logging on to www.columbuslions.net and clicking on the Listen Live icon.
For more information about reduced tickets plans for the final three home games of the season, contact the Lions front office at 706-322-3336.
Professional Indoor Football League Stories from April 26, 2015
- Lions, Gibson Nab Career Victory Number 75 In Win Over Hammers - Columbus Lions
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