Lions Return This Week Against First-Place Hammers
Published on May 16, 2013 under Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Columbus Lions News Release
COLUMBUS, GA (May 16, 2013) - Returning after a bye week, the Columbus Lions (3-4) of the Professional Indoor Football League face an uphill battle this week when they host the first-place Alabama Hammers (5-2) this Saturday at 7:30 PM on "Adopt-A-Pet" Night.
Sometimes bye weeks come at a best time of season but this isn't one of those cases. Losers of two straight the Lions went into the bye week slumping losing two close games with their game against Lehigh two weeks ago down to the final play of the game.
"You never want to lose a game the way we did two weeks ago," says Columbus Lions Head Coach Jason Gibson. "Since then I have not slept well and things don't get an easier."
Things don't get any easier part consist of the first-place Alabama Hammers flying into town who come in well-rested having two consecutive byes. One part that bodes well for Columbus is PIFL teams that re-enter play after having two consecutive byes are 0-3 in their first game back.
The last meeting against the Hammers still doesn't sit well with Coach Gibson either. Columbus lost 72-45 in what was the worst loss in terms of point differential in franchise history. Columbus was one of the teams returning off two consecutive bye weeks and played like it showing loads of rust and ineptitude. It was the coming out party for the current PIFL receiving touchdown leader WR Mico McSwain who torched the Lions defense scoring five touchdowns.
"That was an ugly game and McSwain had a field day against us," continues Gibson. "We played like crap, no other way to describe it."
Another reason for the extra steam coming out of Gibson's ears is how the team finished in their last contest two weeks ago against Lehigh. Leading for majority of the game, the Lions blew a ten point 4th quarter lead ultimately losing on potential game-winning field goal in the game's final seconds on a botched snap.
In an effort to spark the offense Columbus will start their fourth different quarterback with new signal-caller Lee Chapple (6'1 200, North Alabama) getting the nod this week. As a Harlon Hill Finalist as the nation's top division II player he lit up the record books setting a number of different passing records for North Alabama. Chapple has plenty of next-level promise having previously been signed by the AFL's Jacksonville Sharks and invited to private workouts with the NFL's Atlanta Falcons and CFL's Montreal Allouette's.
Chapple will make his Lions debut with what looks like a full healthy squad as both FB Gerald Harris and OL Arthur Smith look to make returns this week. Harris has been out almost a month with a rib injury and Smith missed the Lehigh game two weeks ago with a lingering injury he sustained trying to make a tackle on an interception return.
With most of the attention being paid to McSwain, the Lions defense which sports a league-leading 14 interceptions will have loads of opportunity to add to that total considering Hammers QB Russell Hill is second in the PIFL with nine interceptions thrown, three of which came in the last meeting against Columbus.
If they plan on extending their playoff appearance streak to seven, this week's contest against the Hammers could be a make or break situation. Especially considering their remaining opponents combined current record is 17-12 with two meeting against in-state rival Albany looming to close out the season.
"It doesn't get any easier for us after this week," says Gibson. "Just have to take each week one game at a time and get ready to strap on our big boy pants and do some work."
Sponsored by East Alabama Humane Society, Saturday is "Adopt-A-Pet" Night. Gates will open at a special 5:30 time with ticket holders being treated to a special concert in what is being served as a welcome home party for the Third Brigade Infantry Division.
Kickoff is at 7:30 PM and you can also follow all the action by logging on to www.columbuslions.net and clicking on the Listen Live icon.
Professional Indoor Football League Stories from May 16, 2013
- Lions Return This Week Against First-Place Hammers - Columbus Lions
- Panthers Take on Steelhawks Saturday, May 18th in Lehigh Valley, PA - Albany Panthers
- Raiders Return to Action Saturday - Richmond Raiders
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