Lions Outduel Hawks In Air Show
Published on March 18, 2012 under Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Columbus Lions News Release
COLUMBUS, GA (March 17, 2012) - Behind eight total touchdowns from QB Randy Hippeard, the Columbus Lions (1-1) of the Professional Indoor Football League took down the Knoxville Nighthawks 64-59.
With a large number of visitors in the Columbus area for the yearly "ËThunder in the Valley Air Show', the Lions, Nighthawks put on an air show duel with quarterbacks Randy Hippeard and Tony Colston combining to toss 12 touchdowns and 496 yards in Saturdays contest.
Despite falling behind early, the Lions rallied to take a 10-6 lead opening up with a Hippeard touchdown pass to Gerald Gales along with a couple of huge special teams plays which included a fumble recovery for a touchdown by Justen Rivers on an extra point attempt along with a Ryan Gates Uno.
Knoxville would manage to take back the lead on the first of four touchdown grabs by receiver Ryan McDaniel giving the Hawks a 12-10. That would be the last the Hawks would see of the lead as Columbus closed out the first half with two interceptions by defensive back David Smith giving them the halftime lead of 29-26
Opening up the 2nd half, needing just two plays Maurice Dupree would haul in his third of four touchdown grabs and soon after back-to-back Hippeard rushing touchdowns Columbus grabbed a sizeable 50-32 lead. From there, Nighthawks QB Tony Colston would begin his comeback bid getting his squad within five at 50-45 after a QB keeper and hook-up for a touchdown to McDaniel. Colston finished the game completing 20 of 28 passes for 305 yards to go with eight total touchdowns.
Electing to play small ball, the Hawks attempted six on-side kicks in the 2nd half but came up empty on every attempt giving the Columbus offense the short field. With 1,000 pounds on the offensive line the Lions took advantage scoring four total rushing touchdowns including one by Anthony Merritt in the final minute extending their lead to 64-52.
Knoxville would close back to within five on a 49-yard hook-up from Colston to Justin Craig, but would ultimately fall short in their comeback bid with Columbus holding on to a 64-59 final.
"Our offensive-line played well tonight and our defense came with the pressure getting three turnovers," says Columbus Lions Head Coach. "We still have some areas to work on; we did give up the ball two times and really allowed their QB a large number of big pass plays."
Next week, Columbus will head back out on the road as they travel to take on the Alabama Hammers (0-1) who lost on Saturday night 56-49 to the Louisiana Swashbucklers (1-0). Knoxville will head back out on the road and take on the Richmond Raiders (1-1) who fell to the Albany Panthers (1-0) 40-28 on Saturday.
Professional Indoor Football League Stories from March 18, 2012
- Lions Outduel Hawks In Air Show - Columbus Lions
- Swashbucklers Defeat Alabama Hammers Press Release - Louisiana Swashbucklers
- Raiders Lose 40 to 28 to 2011 League Champion Albany Panthers - Richmond Raiders
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