Lions Outlast Panthers In 60-56 Shootout
Published on May 15, 2011 under Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL)
Columbus Lions News Release
COLUMBUS, GA (May 15, 2011) - In a battle for first place in the SIFL's Southern Division, the defending champion Columbus Lions (8-1) moved into first place for the first time this season after defeating the previously undefeated Albany Panthers (7-1) on Saturday night 60-56.
After falling behind 13-3 thanks in large part to two Levance Richmond interceptions, the Lions offense finally erupted that have been for the past month scoring on seven consecutive drives beginning with an Anthony Merritt two yard touchdown pass from Chris McCoy. Despite his two early interceptions, McCoy went on to complete 24 of 38 passes for 262 yards and five touchdowns, as the 289 yards of total offense by the Lions is the most surrendered by the Panthers defense all season.
Columbus closed out the 1st half taking a touchdown lead into the break after Anthony Merritt scored on a one-yard rushing touchdown taking a 37-30 halftime lead. To start the second half, the Lions defense stuffed Albany on four consecutive plays and the offense answered on the ensuing drive scoring the first of two quarterback keepers on the night by McCoy putting Columbus up 44-30.
Towards the end of the 3rd quarter the Lions would stretch the lead to as much as 16 when receiver Gerald Gales hauled in this third touchdown of the evening coupled up with a Trey Crum uno putting Columbus up 52-36. Albany would put together some 4th quarter magic scoring on two consecutive drives to get back within two, fullback Derrick Wimbush scored his second rushing touchdown while receiver Clenton Rafe grabbed his lone touchdown following a missed Trey Crum field goal attempt.
With 4:34 left, the Columbus offense answered right back when McCoy galloped in for his second rushing score of the night directly followed up by another Crum uno pushing the Lions lead back up to 10. The last three minutes of the game would be a wager of time between the two coaching staffs as both clubs had all three timeouts to spare.
After McCoy's score, Albany put six more points on the board when Lester threw his sixth and final touchdown of the evening hitting Antwone Savage for a nine-yard hook-up. Down by four, the Panthers elected to go to for two but the conversion failed thanks to a batted ball by linebacker Ryan Babb.
Instead of going for the onside kick, Albany elected to make Columbus play the full field and thanks to a block in the back penalty they would start out the possession on their own five-yard line. But two first downs, one thanks to an unsportsmanlike conduct call on Albany and the final on a fourth-down pass play from McCoy to Gales would seal the deal and give Columbus the 60-56 victory.
Saturday's win marks just the second time a club has walked away from the Albany Civic Center with a victory and even more gives Columbus the overall standings lead by a half game. Albany must now play their next three games on the road including a rematch with the Lions on June 4th in Columbus. After a bye week, the Lions will close out the year with their final three games all at home.
Columbus returns to action on Thursday May 26th when they play host to the Alabama Hammers. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. as the first 1,000 fans through the gate will receive a free jersey. For more information, contact the Lions front office at 706-322-3336 or log on to www.columbuslions.net.
Southern Indoor Football League Stories from May 15, 2011
- Lions Outlast Panthers In 60-56 Shootout - Columbus Lions
- Hammers destroy Mobile 94-0 for third victory - Alabama Hammers
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