Turnovers Costly as Hammers Fall in Home Opener
March 25, 2012 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Alabama Hammers News Release
HUNTSVILLE, AL - Arvell Nelson and Chris Mayabb combined to throw five interceptions as the Alabama Hammers dropped their home opener to the Columbus Lions 56-43 Saturday night at the Von Bron Civic Center.
The Hammers turned it over seven total times as they fall to 0-2 on the season. The win improves the Lions to 2-1 on the season.
Mayabb started the game and completed just 4-of-12 passes for 68-yards and one touchdown and one interception. Arvell entered the game at the end of the second half and finished the night completing 10-of-18 passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns but threw four costly interceptions that cut the Hammers rally short.
Lions quarterback Randy Hippeard completed 29-of-49 passes for 335 yards. He threw eight touchdown passes and just two interceptions to lead the Lions to the victory.
The Hammers fell behind early 20-6 in the first quarter before rallying in the second quarter to cut the lead to 28-26 at the half. Nelson gave the Hammers their first lead of the game with a 10-yard scoring strike to Anquez Jackson to open the second half. Whitworth's extra point gave the Hammers a 33-28 lead.
The Lions answered with two scoring drives to extend their lead to 40-33. Following an interception by Nelson, Randy Hippeard connected with London Crawford for a 45-yard touchdown strike to reclaim the lead for the Lions. Nelson then fumbled on the Hammers ensuing drive and Hippeard answered with a 27-yard touchdown pass to Gerald Gales to extend the lead to 40-33.
Nelson connected with McClain for a 36-yd touchdown strike to tie the game and Whitworth kicked a 22-yard field goal following a turnover on downs by the Lions to give the Hammers a 43-40 lead midway through the fourth quarter. The Lions responded with a four play, 42-yard drive to reclaim the lead. Anthony Merritt's two-point conversion gave the Lions a 48-43 lead.
A costly interception by Nelson set up a 14-yard scoring throw from Hippeard to Dupree to give the Lions a 56-43 lead. Nelson then threw another interception on the very next drive to seal the victory for the Lions.
Gerald Hales caught nine passes for 120 yards and three touchdowns for the Lions while Maurice Dupree added nine catches for 108 yards and two touchdowns.
Charles McClain led the Hammers with seven catches for 121 yards and two touchdowns.
The Hammers will take on the Lions once again next week in Columbus, Ga. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM.
Professional Indoor Football League Stories from March 25, 2012
- Lions Clip Hammers In 56-43 Victory - Columbus Lions
- Turnovers Costly as Hammers Fall in Home Opener - Alabama Hammers
- Knoxville Experiences Growing Pains - Knoxville NightHawks
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