Lions Host Speed In Regular Season Finale
June 10, 2011 - Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL)
Columbus Lions News Release
COLUMBUS, GA (June 10, 2011) - Before the defending champion Columbus Lions (10-1) haste themselves into prepping for their upcoming playoff run, come this Saturday night they first must avoid a possible speed trap against the Carolina Speed (3-8) in the regular season finale for both clubs.
In quite possibly the game of the year, the Columbus Lions defeated the Albany Panthers 58-39 to not only clinch the SIFL 2011 Southern Division title, but probably more importantly take full grip of the Eastern Conference playoffs ensuring that if any team wants to knock of the Lions they must do so in Columbus. That may prove to be very difficult for opposing squads as Columbus has amassed an impressive 13-1 home record over the past two seasons including a perfect 6-0 2011 season.
"This weekend's game has a lot riding on it," says Columbus Lions Head Coach Jason Gibson. "A perfect home record is one our listed goals when coming into the year, and we want to keep this momentum we have been riding on for the past two months."
In addition to the perfect home record, with a win the Lions will be looking to close out the regular season with a nine-game winning streak just one shy of the SIFL record set by the 2009 champion Louisiana Swashbucklers. Columbus also wants to avoid any potential downfalls that could hamper them in the upcoming playoff run set to begin next weekend against the Trenton Steel (7-4).
Newly signed quarterback Randy Hippeard (6'2 195, Virginia Wise) could see some action under center as the Lions hope to prep the QB just in case anything was to happen to starter Chris McCoy. Speaking of McCoy, he is on an impressive run in which he has scored at least six touchdowns in seven consecutive games. Over the course of the season, Chris has compiled 55 passing touchdowns and is tied for first in the SIFL with 14 rushing scores.
Otherwise, deciding who to rest on both sides of the ball is an easy decision for Coach Gibson, it will be no one. Throughout the season, the Lions have avoided the big injury bug as the only opening game starter on the shelf for rest of season due to broken bone in his foot is defensive back Guesly Dervil.
"I have to get Hippeard some experience just in case our QB goes down and with limited roster flexibility, you don't get to make those should I rest or play type ordeals," continues Gibson. "Both our defense and offensive units are going to play and will worry about rest in the off-season."
For Carolina, Saturday is the end of a tumultuous 2011 season in which the Speed returned after going dark in 2010. It wasn't a speedy return losing 7 of their first 8 games, Carolina has since gone on to win two out of their last three but was upended last weekend by the Richmond Raiders 37-36. Carolina does boast three former Lions, quarterback Bill Ashburn, defensive back Jason Perry and former Auburn standout Silas Daniels.
In the last meeting against Carolina back on May 1, Columbus scored touchdowns on 11 of their 13 possessions holding off a strong performance in which Daniels reached the end-zone four times. In the long-run, the 483 yards and 7 touchdowns from Chris McCoy proved to be too much for the Speed with Columbus winning 74-61.
Saturday night is "Family Night" as Columbus Lions fans can enjoy $1 Cokes, $1 Hotdogs, and $1 Popcorn specials. The Lions will be honoring local youth sports groups who have not only excelled on the field but also those who have demonstrated the best sportsmanship on the field.
For an interview with head coach Jason Gibson about this week's upcoming game versus Carolina, tune into Lions TV on www.columbuslions.net and be sure to contact the Lions front office at 706-322-3336 to reserve your playoff tickets today.
Southern Indoor Football League Stories from June 10, 2011
- Hammers Ready for SIFL Season Finale at Albany - Alabama Hammers
- Lions Host Speed In Regular Season Finale - Columbus Lions
- Panthers Announce Clear Channel "Fan Appreciation Night" - Albany Panthers
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