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Turnovers Burn Fire In 63-41 Loss To Lions

April 26, 2014 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL) News Release


COLUMBUS, GA - In a re-matchup pitting inter-state divisional rivals, the Georgia Fire (1-2) of the Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL) drop their second consecutive road contest once again losing to the Columbus Lions (3-2) 63-41.

For the second time in three weeks the Fire was unable to protect the ball down the stretch turning the ball over three times in the second half including career interceptions 100 and 101 for Lions all-time interception leader defensive back Damian Daniels.

Sparked by the return of quarterback Cecil Lester, the Fire opened the contest to an early 21-14 lead behind three touchdowns one each by receivers John Harris, Johnny Lester and Antwontis Cutts. Georgia maintained that early momentum until a failed 4th and Goal decision late in the 2nd quarter followed up with Columbus capitalizing on a Antwon Young QB keeper just as the half closed giving the Lions a 27-21 lead at the break.

Johnny Lester opened the 2nd half with his second touchdown grab knotting the game at 27. The game remained tied for the better part of the 3rd quarter until the turnover bug began nipping the Fire in the rear. In a stretch that began late in the 3rd and into the 4th, the Lions scored 22 unanswered points thanks in large part to the defense picking off three Cecil Lester passes.

Lions WR Jarmon Fortson was the top receiving target on the night passing the century mark in yards with 109 including an incredible 42-yard touchdown catch at the end of the 3rd quarter igniting that streak of 22 unanswered points. Fire QB Cecil Lester, who missed the previous meeting two weeks ago, completed 23 of 39 passes for 281 yards and six touchdowns but once the three key second half interceptions proved to be the biggest downfall for the club down the stretch.

The ESPN highlight machine, WR Johnny Lester, followed up his Sportscenter filled contest from two weeks ago hauling in five passes for 58 yards and three touchdowns on Saturday while teammates John Harris and Antwontis Cutts combined to bring in the other three receiving scores.

In addition to the three turnovers, the Georgia offense went 6 for 9 in red zone opportunities as well as just 2 for 6 on 3rd down. Meanwhile the defense was able to create one turnover, a fumble recovery, and four sacks but could not rattle Lions QB Antwon Young who completed 20 of 27 passes for 256 yards and five touchdowns as well as two rushing scores.

For the first time in close to a month the Fire will return home next Saturday to host the idle Nashville Venom (3-0). Kickoff is at 7:30 PM, to secure your single-game tickets the Fire online at www.georgiafire.us.



Professional Indoor Football League Stories from April 26, 2014


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