Lions, Panthers Back At It Again This Saturday
March 14, 2013 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Columbus Lions News Release
COLUMBUS, GA (March 13, 2013) - Indoor football biggest in-state rivalry resumes this Saturday night when the Columbus Lions (1-0) of the Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL) head south to take on the defending PIFL Champion Albany Panthers (1-0).
Saturday's game in Albany will be the first of three regular season meetings but if the past is any indicator we are likely in for a potential fourth meeting with the stage being the playoffs. For the past two seasons this rivalry has extended into the playoffs with the Panthers getting the best of the Lions including last season's 60-36 win in route to the inaugural PIFL Championship.
For the most part, Albany returns an entire squad hell bent on making a Chicago Bulls type three-peat run at another title. Back for another shot includes offensive stars QB Cecil Lester and WR Antwone Savage and of course on defense they are led by former Columbus Lions DB Damian Daniels who continues his quest at indoor infamy just nine interceptions from the all-time indoor record.
Last Saturday, the journey for a three-peat began with a dominating 50-41 victory over the Swashbucklers. Not once did the Panthers trail with QB Cecil Lester completing 26 of 39 passes for 269 yards and five touchdowns in route to earning the Week 1 PIFL Offensive Player of the Week.
Unlike their counterparts, Columbus won their opening game over Knoxville thanks in large part to a strong defensive showing mixed in with some key special team's plays. In addition to creating three turnovers, Lions LB Justen Rivers blocked a field goal try and returned it for a touchdown helping him earn the Week 1 PIFL Defensive Player of the Week.
The strong showing on defense was a nice change of pace considering how much that side of the ball struggled in 2012. It was also necessary considering the Lions offense stalled in key moments as QB Garrett Sutphen completed just 10 of 23 passes for 135 yards throwing three interceptions.
"All three facets of the game played well enough to win," said Columbus Lions Head Coach Jason Gibson. "Consisting primarily of vets who know their roles and know what it takes to win a title, this week is a crucial growing period for some of our guys to learn and step-up."
After Saturday, Columbus and Albany will not see each other again until the season's third and final week of the season so getting an early key win could prove vital for both in the standings.
To follow all the action, log on to www.columbuslions.net and click on the "Listen Live" icon. Coverage will begin at 7:20 PM and be sure to "Like" the Columbus Lions on Facebook.
Professional Indoor Football League Stories from March 14, 2013
- Panthers Announce "Clear Channel Night" for the Home Opener on March 16th - Albany Panthers
- Lions, Panthers Back At It Again This Saturday - Columbus Lions
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