1. 2015
ROAR IN REVIEW
In 2015, the Columbus Lions Professional Indoor Football team propelled their way
to their second league championship in five seasons. The Lions finished the season
8-3, and with a 7-game home winning streak, including the playoffs.
The season began on Sunday, March 29 at the Columbus Civic Center in Columbus,
GA, against the Lions eventual championship game opponent, Richmond Raiders.
With a crowd of nearly 3,200 devoted fans,the Lions were able to slip by the Raiders
52-50. Victory however came at a cost, as starting QB Antwon Young, from
Villanova was lost for the season. Rookie QB, Casey Kacz,from Buffalo State
stepped up in the game, and the remainder of the season. The second week of the
season saw the Lions score a total of 10 touchdowns against Trenton, and a season
high of 371 yards of total offense. In week 3 the Lions again took down Richmond in
another nailbiter 47-43. After suffering a heartbreaking loss at home against the
Nashville Venom, the Lions rebounded by hammering the Alabama Hammers,74-53.
After dropping another heartbreaker to the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks on the road, the
Lions went on a four game winning tear,in a stretch which they surrendered less than
41 PPG. The Lions scored their season high 81 points in a lopsided victory over the
Erie Explosion. The Lions finished the regular season losing another game by less than 4
points, however their sights were already set on their overall goal. In the playoffs the Lions
downed Lehigh Valley, and beat Richmond for the third time in the season,to become what
they had set out to become back in March…Champions!
Kacz,who went 9-3 as a starter,finished the season passing for
over 2,300 yards, 52 touchdowns, and a 102.9 QBR. Kacz’s
hard work paid off, earning him league Offensive Rookie of the
Year. He also led the team in rushing yards (158), and rushing
touchdowns (5). WR standout Terrence Ebagua, from Florida
State, had 1,070 receiving yards, and 26 touchdowns, on his way
to being named league MVP. The Lions offense tallied 611
points on the season, and the defense allowed only 509 points.
Damian “Night Hawk” Daniels, Indoor Football’s All-Time
Interception Leader,and seasoned Lions veteran, added to his
total, which now stands at 106. The team’s defense snatched 16
interceptions, for 4 touchdowns, and 4 fumble recoveries, all for touchdowns.
What was it that drove the 2015 Columbus Lions team to a championship
season? Was it the guidance and mentorship of the teams only-ever Head
Coach Jason Gibson? Was it the loyalty of Damian Daniels, who chose to
return for chance at another championship. Was it “Mighty Casey”,who unlike his literary counterpart,
stepped up, and led his team to victory? Ultimately it was the hard work, dedication, and commitment of a
team, and of a region that has embraced the game of indoor football.
ROAR LIONS ROAR!!!
By: MATTHEW S HOOKS
HC JASON GIBSON
W/ QB CASEY KACZ
WR
TERRENCE
EBAGUA
DB DAMIAN
“NIGHTHAWK”
DANIELS