Defensive Coordinator Brandon Reed wins Assistant Coach of the Year
Along with Jason Gibson taking home Coach of the Year, Brandon Reed has won the NAL Assistant Coach of the Year award. Reed was born and raised in Columbus and has been with the Lions for nine seasons.
He was returning this season as the defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach and led the best defense in the NAL. The Lions defense is first in the NAL in points allowed per game (38.7), sacks (18), interceptions (18) and fumble recoveries (13). The defense’s 31 combined turnovers are 12 more than any other team in the NAL.
The defense is second in only two categories, yards allowed per game (215.7) and tackles per game (34.6). They are also third in the NAL in defensive touchdowns with 2 this season. They have held opponents to 43 points or less in seven of their nine games this season, including 30 or less in three games.
The Lions defense under Reed has been one of the best in NAL history and the dominance in the turnover margin has been crucial in the Lions’ success this season. They average 3.44 turnovers a game which is the most in NAL history.
This Saturday, Reed and the Lions will face the one team that has found major success against them this season, the Albany Empire. The Empire are the only team in the NAL to score more than 43 points against the Lions defense this season. The Empire have the best offense in the NAL and will be facing the best scoring defense in the NAL.
Kickoff for 2021 NAL Championship game is set for 7 p.m EST on August 14. The game can be watched live with CTV Beam, at https://www.nationalarenaleague.com/home or on the NAL’s official Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSzSD8STXiEVPVtUDO9juhA.
ABOUT THE COLUMBUS LIONS
The Columbus Lions are members of the National Arena League (NAL). Founded in 2007, the Columbus Lions are starting their 15th season in 2021. The Lions are a 3x league champion and 13 playoff appearances in their rich history. The Lions play their home games at Hughston Field in the Columbus Civic Center. Lions Season Ticket Memberships are on sale now call (706) 322-3336 or visit columbuslions.com. Follow the Lions on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Lionsfootball/, twitter @columbuslions and instagram.com/Columbuslions.
ABOUT NATIONAL ARENA LEAGUE
The National Arena League was founded in 2016 and hosted its inaugural season in 2017 as the premier league in arena football. The National Arena League will kick off its fifth season in 2021. For more information regarding expansion opportunities or partnerships, contact Commissioner Chris Siegfried at chris@nationalarenaleague.com For more information about the NAL visit www.nationalarenaleague.com, facebook.com/nationalarenaleauge, twitter.com/NALfootball, Instagram.com/nationalarenaleague.