Lions Top Force 60-39
May 1, 2010 - Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL)
Columbus Lions News Release
GREENVILLE, SC (April 30, 2010) - In one of the most physical games seen this season, the Columbus Lions (4-1) of the Southern Indoor Football League defeated the Greenville Force (2-3) on Friday night 60-39.
With quarterback Chris McCoy taking over the reins as Lions starter, wide receiver Tirone Morris has been the beneficiary of three huge games. Against Greenville, Morris collected 11 receptions for 151 yards and four touchdowns while McCoy completed 28 of 44 passes for 341 yards and six touchdowns. Despite throwing his first two interceptions as a starter, McCoy continued to show great patience in the pocket spreading the ball to his four receivers as all they all hauled in at least four passes.
Friday night's game could be split in two different stories, as the Greenville offense appeared to have their way with the Lions defense for much of the first half. At the break, the Force compiled 216 yards of total offense with quarterback Andrew Webb completing 11 of 19 passes for 206 yards. Thanks to a three-play drive strung together by McCoy and a last second blocked field goal by Lonnell Dewalt, Columbus managed to go into the break tied with Greenville despite getting out hit and maneuvered on the field.
Even with Greenville scoring first on a blocked field goal return by Isaac West, the second half was a total domination by the Columbus Lions defense. After starting out with 206 passing yards in the opening half, Force QB Andrew Webb finished 18 of 34 with 279 yards two touchdowns and three interceptions. Linebacker Justen Rivers collected an interception off a tipped pass by linebacker mate Ryan Babb and returned it for a score giving Columbus an 11 point edge going into the final quarter.
"Justen played his butt off tonight," says Columbus Lions Head Coach Jason Gibson. "That interception for a touchdown was the back-breaker that put us over the hump."
Greenville did manage to crawl back within six but a touchdown from McCoy to Morris on the ensuing drive and a safety by Lions linebacker Leon Foster quickly saw that margin jump to 15. Columbus would tact on another Morris touchdown pass, his fourth, and become the first visiting team in the Southern Indoor Football League to come away with a victory.
Special teams played another vital role in the Columbus victory with kicker Trey Crum adding two more uno's, bringing his season total up to 11. Another huge facet the Lions success on Friday was due to the return game. Combined Lions returnees managed 101 yards while Greenville never managed to have better starting field position past their own five off any kickoffs.
Next weekend, both Columbus and Greenville will enjoy a bye week before once again meeting up on Saturday May 15th at the Bi-LO Center. For all the action around the Southern Indoor Football League, stay tuned to www.southernifl.com.
Southern Indoor Football League Stories from May 1, 2010
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- Lions Top Force 60-39 - Columbus Lions
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