In a release of some offensive frustration, the SIFL Defending Champion Columbus Lions (4-1) mauled the Mobile Bay Tarpons (2-3) behind ten passing touchdowns from quarterback Chris McCoy. "It was like getting out of bed and throwing the covers of your body as quickly as you can," says Columbus Lions wide receiver Josh Smith. "Everyone played well, Chris was lights out, protection up-front was stellar and defense once again shut the opposing team down." Indeed it was an all-around effort from the Columbus Lions as all three facets of the game played integral parts in scoring a franchise-high 106 points. Over half of quarterback Chris McCoy's 19 completions ended in touchdowns as the offense combined to net 350 yards behind just 33 plays. Wide receiver Josh Smith was the recipient of four of those touchdowns including a streak of grabbing three consecutive at one point during the game. Lion's all-time receiving leader, Gerald Gales was the main target on the evening hauling in seven receptions for 131 yards and one touchdown. The offensive line got a big boost this past week with the re-signing of both Arthur Smith and Dion Small and no one was biggest beneficiary of those additions than all-around play-maker Anthony Merritt. Merritt scampered for 53 yards on just six carries with four of them ending in a touchdown. The revamped line also did not a single sack along with the offense not committing any turnovers as well as going a perfect ten for ten in the red-zone. For the defense, it was just another night at the office combining to collect ten sacks including four by defensive lineman Chris Bradwell. 2010 SIFL Lineman of the Year Franklin Lloyd returned after sitting out last week's game in a huge way grabbing three sacks and four tackles. Lions defense combined to nab three interceptions including one each by rookies Dustin Doe and Kirkston Edwards and another by Damian "The Nighthawk" Daniels brining moving his career total to 65. Tarpons quarterback Brent Dearmon managed to complete 27 of 46 passes for 278 yards and four touchdowns. Despite running 61 offensive plays, Mobile was held to 259 yards of total offense and only managed to score on three of eight red-zone trips. Tiger Chambers pulled down ten receptions for 66 yards and one touchdown while James Matthews hauled in two touchdowns. Columbus will have a short upcoming week as they get back into action this Thursday April 21st when they travel to take division rivals Alabama Hammers. Fans can tune into the action by logging on to www.columbuslions.net and clicking on the listen live icon. Fans can also check out post-game interviews from both wide receiver Josh Smith and defensive lineman Chris Bradwell by logging on to www.columbuslions.net and viewing the Lions TV on the front page.
