Rodney Hall Jr. wins NAL Defensive Player of the Week for the second time
For the second week in a row, Columbus Lions defensive back Rodney Hall Jr. has earned the NAL Defensive Player of the Week award. Hall followed up a stellar performance against the Flight over one week ago with an even better showing, intercepting two passes from Predators quarterback Patrick O’Brien in one quarter. Hall finished the game with the two interceptions, 3 total tackles and one pass breakup as the Lions defeated the Predators 61-43 and advanced to the NAL Championship game.
Hall’s interceptions in the first quarter of Saturday’s game halted the Predators offense and gave momentum back to the Lions, allowing them to take advantage and extend the lead in the second quarter.
The Lions defense as a whole put on a dominant performance in the first half, holding the Predators to zero points and coming up with multiple goal line stands. While the Predators did attempt to comeback in the second half, outscoring the Lions 18-0 in the third quarter, the shutout by the Lions defense in the first half made the deficit too great to overcome.
Hall and the defense will travel to Albany this week to take on the Empire for the third time this season. In nine games, the Lions defense has only allowed 60 or more points twice, both times to the Empire, and both times the Lions lost. The defense will be looking to slow down Tommy Grady and Darius Prince in this pivotal third matchup, with the NAL Championship on the line.
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.