A Fan’s Guide to the Lions Regular Season Closer vs. Wheeling

Hello again, Lions fans! As I mentioned last week, many things can prevent us from avidly following every league that we love intensely, especially nowadays. Trust me…I absolutely understand, but fear not! I am once again here to tell you all about the final regular season game, playoff standings, and players to look out for when the Lions take the field in Columbus on Saturday. Let’s get into it, starting with Wheeling’s squad heading in!

Wheeling had a less than desirable week 12. The Miners were dominated thoroughly on both sides of the ball (go read Catherine’s fantastic stats breakdown of the game), and that does things to a team. We saw it with Columbus earlier this year. A 20-point loss to a team they felt they should beat propelled them to newfound success that has led them to the playoffs. Wheeling has nothing to lose, and knocking off the team that put you out of playoff contention can give them the boost of momentum heading into the offseason. Simply put, this team has a chip on its shoulder. They are going to be looking to utilize the defensive firepower they started with last week throughout the whole game, and that could spell disaster for the coveted momentum the Lions have right now. 

Speaking of, the Lions were electric on Saturday. The boys did it! They are in the National Arena League postseason off the back of an incredible performance. The offense was, to quote Catherine here (seriously…read her article about last week), superbly balanced. This is evident in the fantastic 39 point night on the road. The defense had to love the second half shutout and pick 6, too.  Now, though, the focus needs to be on keeping the momentum that has built. The game in Columbus against the Rouxgaroux was the starting point of this run, and it has led them here. This game means a lot to the Miners, and a final statement win really would help the Lions heading into the postseason. That means, though, that Columbus has to play smart and hard while STILL playing disciplined. To bring back up the Roux, Columbus got into a bit of a skirmish towards the end of that game. There was an ejection that could have caused a suspension of one of the better Shreveport linemen. Columbus, simply put, CANNOT have that at this point of their season. The Lions need everyone ready and able to play in this postseason. 

But do you know who they need more? YOU! That’s right, folks. The Lions are at home in Columbus this week, and we would LOVE to see you there. Tickets start at just $15. Come support your Lions as they march into the playoffs! Thanks so much for reading, and I hope to see you in Columbus on Saturday!

- Riley Bloodsworth (05/28/2025)