Charles County Lions experience first loss

Friday, April 4, 2008

The Punishers, who were also undefeated going into the game, had not allowed anyone to score against them yet this season. The Lions however ended that streak on their second drive when Tyler McConnell passed to Greg Bowman for a touchdown.

The Lions scored again with a run by Travis McConnell for their second and last touchdown of the day. Travis Savoy kicked both extra points for the Lions, bringing the score to 14-0 in the first quarter. The Punishers answered the Lions in the second quarter, scoring two touchdowns and a two-point conversion, tying the score as the game went into halftime.

In the third quarter, the Punishers received the ball on their own 25-yard line, but the Lions defense stopped their fourth down attempt on the Lions’ 45. The Lions took over the ball and drove down the field to the 18, when the ball was fumbled. The Punishers offense took the field and scored seven plays later, then passed the ball in for the two-point conversion, bringing the score to 22-14.

This is the Punishers’ ninth season and they went 7-3 last year and were the Central Division champions of the Diamond Football League’s Mid-Atlantic Region. The Lions performed well against them in this their rookie season even though the Lions were missing several key players due to injury.

The Lions offense had 131 rushing yards and 75 passing yards for a total of 206 yards. Standouts on defense were Dennis Williamson with four tackles and two assists, and Cedric Thomas with seven tackles, one assist and one sack.

The Lions will face the Punishers again at 2 p.m. April 5 at the Lions’ home field on Sub-Station Road in Waldorf. They will also be collecting canned goods for the W.M. Lord Led Ministry, which feeds up to 40 Charles County families each week from its food pantry. Bring canned goods to the Lions Pride wear stand at the field.