Sunday, March 28, 2010

SIFL: Louisiana Swashbucklers Lose League Opener to Columbus Lions

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

COLUMBUS, GEORGIA (March 27, 2010) In their first game against a SIFL team and hampered by seven turnovers and the absence of two key players, the Louisiana Swashbucklers dropped a hard fought contest 88-32 to the Columbus Lions.


The Swashbucklers, who were coming off a 88-6 trashing of the North Texas Crunch, could not repeat their offensive power of the previous week, were held scoreless in the second half.

The Lions defense held Swashbuckler quarterback Alvin Bartie to only 10 of 26 passing for 253 yards. Bartie was also sacked four times as well as throwing six interceptions.

The Swashbucklers, who trailed the entire game, closed the gap to 13 points at the half.

The absence of kicker Tommy Hebert and offensive lineman Lance Freeman hampered the Swashbuckler offense. Herbert accounted for all Louisiana’s PAT in last weeks match and Freeman provided key protection for Bartie during his passing attacks.

Both players were unavailable for the game due to prior obligations.

Shaun Samuels replaced Bartie early in the fourth quarter, throwing 3 of 7 for 53 yards while being sacked four times.

The Swashbucklers had 311 yards of total offense, with Marcos Wildridge catching seven passes for 137 yards while Sammy Knight made five catches for 140 yards.

The Lions were led quarterback Todd Switzer, who threw 17 of 31 for 224 yards and six touchdowns with one interception and Gerald Gales’ three receiving touchdowns.

The Swashbucklers are now 1-1 on the season and the Lions are 1-0.

Louisiana will get back in action on April 9 as they travel to take on the Greenville Force with Columbus will travel to Albany next Saturday April 4 to tackle the Panthers.

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