|
|
Lions Dispose of Force in Exhibition Contest |
|
By: Matthew Hester
Media Relations Director
Southern Indoor Football League
COLUMBUS, GA (March 9, 2010) – Led behind newcomer Preston McGann’s two touchdown performance , the Columbus Lions of the Southern Indoor Football League defeated the Greenville Force 63-6 in a exhibition contest that took place Monday night at the Columbus Civic Center.
With only one regular starter in the line-up Monday night, many first-year players got the opportunity to perform for the Lions coaching staff on game playing basis. Lions Quarterback Todd Spitzer, the lone regular starter, led Columbus to three scoring drives before turning it over to back-up Chris McCoy midway through the second quarter.
 With the very first play the Lions passing offense showed glimpses of what fans should expect for the 2010 season, as Spitzer hit Wide Receiver Joshua Haney for a 28-yard pass capped off by a 32 yard field goal by Kicker Trey Crum. Offensively, the star of the night was first-year player Preston McGann finishing the contest with five receptions for 113 yards and two touchdowns.
“McGann has always been told that lack of experience is the only thing holding him back,” says Columbus Lions Head Coach Jason Gibson. “I have to say tonight he showed up some of those critics by making the big plays over the middle along with catching the deep pass.”
The lone score for the Force came late in the first quarter as Greenville Quarterback Mark Logan hooked up with Willie Idlette for a 23-yard score. Much like Columbus, Greenville sat out many of their starters including Quarterback Andrew Webb and Wide Receiver Isaac West. Without some of their playmakers, the Force offense lacked rhythm as the Lions defense capitalized on nine sacks and three turnovers.
With newcomers making their presence on offense, the defense was led by three veterans in linebackers Justen Rivers, Ryan Babb and defensive lineman Franklin Lloyd. Babb hauled in two interceptions including returning one for a touchdown while Rivers and Lloyd both brought down the quarterback two times a piece.
“Knowing that some of their best players didn’t play, it’s difficult to judge how well some of these first-year players performed,” continues Lions Coach Jason Gibson. “Were just going to have to look at the film real hard and watch each player individually.”
The Lions will open the season on Saturday March 27th as they host the defending SIFL Champion Louisiana Swashbucklers while the Force begin the season a week earlier on Sunday March 21st against the Lafayette Wildcatters.
For more information from around the Southern Indoor Football League, log on to www.southernifl.com.
|
|
|
