Lions punish the Punishers

Team avenges previous defeat

Friday, April 11, 2008

Click here to enlarge this photo Submitted photo Tyler McConnell completed 13 of 20 passes for a total of 198 yards in Saturday’s victory, 137 of those yards to receiver Greg Bowman. E-Mail This Article | Print This Story

The atmosphere before the game was quiet, slightly tense. The Lions were much focused, intent on playing well and not experiencing another loss to this team. As play began, the Punishers seemed less confident than the previous encounter March 29 when they were scored upon for the first time this season.

The first quarter of the game brought an exchange of fumbles, one particularly heartbreaking for the Lions with first and goal on the 2-yard line, and then a punt to the Lions to bring the quarter to a close.

The Lions began the second quarter on their own 46 and fought their way down the field to score their first touchdown of the game. It took six plays, one three-yard run by quarterback Tyler McConnell and one extra point kick by Travis Savoy to bring the score to 7-0.

In the third quarter, the Lions were attempting a punt from their own 15 when the Punishers blitzed the Lions from getting it off and took over on the Lions 17.

This put them in great field position, and the Punishers passed the ball in for a touchdown four plays later. Their extra point was no good and the score going into the fourth quarter was 7-6, Lions.

The Lions first drive in the fourth began on their own 45. Travis McConnell, who had 92 yards for the day, ran the ball four yards, then Tyler McConnell passed to Greg Bowman for a 51-yard touchdown. The extra point was no good, leaving the score at 13-6.

The Lions defense held the Punishers to 160 yards in total offense.

It was virtually impossible for the Punishers to rack up any rushing yards. T.J. Riley, Chris Adams and Cedric Thomas kept constant pressure on the Punishers’ quarterback, shaking his confidence even more. Donald Knight and Averill Butler also stood out defensively, while Dennis Williamson picked up a fumble in the first quarter.

Tyler McConnell completed 13 of 20 passes for a total of 198 yards, 137 of those yards to Bowman.

Stephen Nutter also helped out this week and last week, with two catches for this game and several last week. The Lions have proven again to have quite the depth talent wise. With their two starting running backs injured, the team still got 109 yards rushing.

The Lions are now gearing up to play the Delaware County Cowboys (0-6), at 2 p.m. Saturday at Chaney Field, aka the Lions’ Den on Sub-Station Road in Waldorf.

The schedule gets really tough when the Lions go on the road for their last two regular season games against the Jersey Shore Bullsharks (2-3) and then the Gloucester County Generals, who are undefeated to date.

The Generals have not yet faced the Lions or the Punishers and are the team the Lions tied with for first place at the Jamboree back in February.

The Bullsharks are not to be scoffed at either. The Lions played them in their season opener and only won by one point. It looks like it’s going to be a nail biting end to the regular season.

The Lions food drive to benefit the W.M. Lord Led Ministry has had quite a response.

Bring your canned goods to the Lions Pride Wear stand at the game.