Week 6 Preview: Albany Empire vs. Columbus Lions
May 28, 2022 - National Arena League (NAL)
Columbus Lions News Release
This Saturday night, the 2021 NAL Champion Albany Empire return to the Columbus Civic Center looking to maintain their grasp over the arena football galaxy. The Evil Empire has managed a 3-1 record over their first 4 opportunities to defend their championship. Their lone loss coming on opening weekend against the Carolina Cobras 59-51. More recently, the Empire rode roughshod over the dastardly Jacksonville Sharks last week 62-29. Columbus has matched the Empire's record on the season but were subject to a similar humbling the week before last at the hands of those same Jacksonville Sharks 49-20. They'll hope a bye week is enough to wash the taste out of their mouth and get the hay in the barn.
Last game featured a debut for quarterback Danny Southwick. He received little help from the 3 big men up front tasked with providing just that help. It's tough to get into a rhythm while on your back. Southwick will make his second start against the Empire and looks forward to a lot more time on his feet and in the endzone. The defense similarly struggled, though, 49 points is not a bad showing especially under so much pressure. Both units will look to improve on their latest showings and get back to form. The third unit, special teams, will receive a boost in the form of new signing Blake Erickson out of South Carolina State. Watch the battle of the trenches which will, as always, go a long way in deciding the fight. If Southwick can keep his jersey clean, don't be surprised to see the Lions light up the scoreboard.
The Empire are led by quarterback Sam Castranova who has impressed in his maiden voyage, replacing Tommy Grady who led the Empire to two league titles, including last year's infamous besting og the Lions 79-62, in three seasons as QB1. Castranova is dual threat who threw 6 touchdowns in his last outing against the Sharks. His performances are buoyed by the star play of his wideout, Darius Prince, who caught 5 of those 6 touchdown passes. The Empire defense gave up only 29 points in the last matchup but have given up 59, 60, and 61 in the games preceding the positive showing. If the Empire is going to fall, it must be a matter of out gunning their death star-level two-man team of Castranova and Prince.
Saturday night is Childhood Cancer Awareness Night and is sponsored by AFLAC. The link below takes you to an auction for Lions jerseys. All proceeds go to AFLAC Children Cancer Center. https://bit.ly/LionsJerseyAuction Gates open at 6pm, tailgating starts at 5pm.
National Arena League Stories from May 28, 2022
- Sharks Upset Cobras in 59-57 Thriller - Jacksonville Sharks
- Sharks Shatter Cobras Win Streak 59-57 - NAL
- Week 6 Preview: Albany Empire vs. Columbus Lions - Columbus Lions
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