Lions Head to NJ for First Road Game of 2015
April 3, 2015 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Columbus Lions News Release
COLUMBUS, GA (April 2, 2015) - Fresh off their thrilling come from behind victory on Sunday, the Columbus Lions (1-0) of the Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL) travel to Trenton to face the Freedom (1-0) in a clash of two 2014 playoff teams.
'Please make sure your seat backs and tray tables are in their full upright position. Make sure your seat belt is securely fastened and all carry-on luggage is stowed underneath the seat in front of you or in the overhead bins.'
Deciding to ditch the normal Sleeper Bus routine, for the first time in franchise history the Lions will be hitting the friendly skies traveling to an away game via airplane. Something Head Coach Jason Gibson understands could have both advantages and disadvantages for his veteran laden club. "Flying provides nothing but upside,"Â says Gibson. "I'm sure we will experience a few hiccups on the way, even Clark Griswold had his ups and downs."
Statistically speaking it is still the safest way to travel, so says Superman aka Clark Kent. Both clubs enter Saturday's contest having both beat Richmond. Trenton got the first shot beating the Raiders 41-33 in a sluggish Week 1 showing. Much like Columbus, the Freedom trailed late in the contest before getting three sacks from DL Jerome Hayes, two in the waning moments of the game to help complete the second-half comeback.
Not to be out-done, the Lions staged a 13-point 4th quarter comeback to defeat Richmond 52-50. Led behind perennial All-PIFL WR John Harris and his three touchdown grabs, Columbus passed for 300 yards despite completing just 50% of their passes. The defense also stepped up in the 4th forcing two long field goal tries that eventually went wide right sealing the opening week victory.
Saturday will serve as just the second all-time meeting between the clubs, in the lone meeting a season ago Trenton escaped with a 66-63 mostly due to the Lions inability to stop FB Melik Brown. Brown finished the contest with 49 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Both Trenton and Columbus ended up making the 2014 PIFL playoffs, but were ultimately upended in the opening round.
Gone is former PIFL League MVP QB Warren Smith, his replacement is former one-time Steelhawks back- up QB Hunter Wanket. In his season debut, Wanket was 18 of 29 passing for 214 yards with four TD's with WR Antoine Rivera being the main target hauling six receptions for 97 yard along with two trips to end-zone.
One key to watch out for will be the matchup between Trenton's defensive line and Columbus' O-line. In their win over Richmond, the Freedom picked up seven team sacks while despite only surrendering one sack Lions QB Antwon Young constantly had heat in his face during their win a week ago.
You can listen for all of this and more by tuning into the game this Saturday beginning at 6:45 p.m. by logging on to www.columbuslions.net and clicking on the Listen Live icon. For more information about the Lions and to catch them out in the community, stop by the Lions Facebook and Twitter page.
Professional Indoor Football League Stories from April 3, 2015
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- Lions Head to NJ for First Road Game of 2015 - Columbus Lions
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