Panthers, Lions Both Prepare For Playoff Run
June 25, 2010 - Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL)
Columbus Lions News Release
After both clubs wrapped up the first and second seeds last weekend, the Columbus Lions (7-3) of the Southern Indoor Football League will be looking to avoid a sweep this Saturday when they host the Regular Season Champion Albany Panthers (8-2) in their season finale.
It was a huge weekend for both Columbus and Albany. In Greenville, Albany defeated the Force 66-15 to clinch the Regular Season title and the overall number one seed for the 2010 playoffs. That home field advantage has been a major striving point for all inter-SIFL games with a combined 18-5 home record. The Panthers have contributed to that record by going 6-0 in the Albany Civic Center.
Having clinched last weekend, Albany will look to rest some of their prominent starters like starting quarterback Cecil Lester and wide receiver Clenton Rafe. After building a 22-1 lead mid-way through the second quarter, back-up quarterback Dante Williams and Andrico Hines relieved Lester collecting some mop-up time. All three quarterbacks combined to throw six touchdowns and went 14 of 24 for 195 yards.
At the top of many receiving categories, Clenton Rafe was a major sticking point in the last meeting between Albany and Columbus. In route to capturing the Week 12 Offensive Player of the Week, Rafe grabbed 12 receptions for 148 yards and two touchdowns sparking Albany to a 51-45 win over Columbus. Not stopping there, in the two previous meetings, Clenton has amassed 21 receptions for 295 yards and five touchdowns.
Last Saturday, Columbus became the first and only team to come out of the Cajun Dome with a victory, winning in thrilling fashion 58-55 over the Lafayette Wildcatters. Continuing to feast on opposing defenses, Lions receiver Lonnell Dewalt captured back-to-back Offensive Player of the Week nods notching 10 receptions for 190 yards and four touchdowns in the Columbus victory.
Columbus will be looking to close out the season by avoiding an Albany sweep, losing 54-41 back in early April and early this month 51-45. In their last match-up, despite finishing the game even on turnovers, the Columbus offense failed to score any points off their turnovers with the Panthers scored 17.
Lions quarterback Chris McCoy has had a stellar 2010 season, his first as a starter. Having secured a guaranteed spot in the playoffs with no chance for advancement, like Albany Columbus might be looking to play their starters for a limited time in order to give others some mop-up duty. But in order to do, the Lions will first want to avoid a season sweep with a possible fourth meeting on the horizon in the middle of July.
The Albany Panthers and Columbus Lions will close out the 2010 regular season this Saturday June 26th in the Columbus Civic Center. To track all the action, log on to www.southernifl.com and follow the live twitter feed as both these clubs prepare for the 2010 playoffs.
Southern Indoor Football League Stories from June 25, 2010
- Force Cancels Scheduled Saturday Game - Greenville Force
- Playoff Seeds on the Line in "I-10" Rivalry - Louisiana Swashbucklers
- Panthers, Lions Both Prepare For Playoff Run - Columbus Lions
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
