Easy night for Lions
Gales catches five TD passes
BY LUKE BRIETZKE --
Columbus Lions receiver Gerald Gales said it took one series to realize he would have a special performance Saturday night against Fayetteville.
Actually, it took one play to be exact.
On the Lions' first offensive snap, Joey Conrad fired a 38-yard touchdown strike to Gales, setting off offensive fireworks on Military Appreciation Night.
Fayetteville couldn't find a defensive answer for Gales all night. The receiver finished with eight catches for 120 yards and five touchdowns.
"We saw their DBs stayed in their backpedal pretty long, so we decided we were going to take advantage of that and go up top a little bit," Gales said.
Columbus easily rolled to a 75-16 victory over the Guard (0-4) on Saturday night at the Columbus Civic Center. With the win, the Lions improved to 4-2 and capped a perfect homestand during which they outscored their opponents 125-41.
Gales wasn't the only offensive player to enjoy an outstanding night. Conrad completed 15-of-20 passes for 270 yards and six touchdowns -- with at least one to each receiver.
"We knew their DBs were a little suspect because we saw them on film," Conrad said. "I think (the offense) will just get better from here on out. With this being my second game back, I feel like we're just starting to get back together as an offense."
Columbus was able to throw the ball downfield at will against the Guard.
Lions coach Jason Gibson saw a glaring weakness in the Fayetteville secondary all week and wanted to exploit the defense with long passing plays.
His plan worked. The Lions completed four touchdown passes of 20 yards or more.
"I've nickel-and-dimed all year with screens," Gibson said. "I said tonight that we were going to throw deep and give (Gales) a chance. I don't think many people can cover him."
Anthony Merritt also had a big day for the Lions, hauling in six receptions for 129 yards and two touchdowns. Merritt even got in on the act of throwing touchdown passes. He threw an 8-yard scoring pass to Gales late in the fourth quarter.
Silas Daniels finished with five catches for 122 yards and two more touchdowns.
For the second straight week, the Lions defense kept its opponent completely out of sync.
Columbus forced four turnovers -- two interceptions and two fumble recoveries. Justin Rivers returned one fumble 29 yards for a defensive touchdown. It was Rivers' third defensive touchdown of the season.
The defense also recorded five sacks -- two by Elbert Shumake II. Columbus also ensured that Fayetteville quarterback Jasun Thompson struggled all night. Thompson completed just 14-of-35 passes for 155 yards.
"Defensively I thought we played well," Gibson said. "I wanted to get pressure and I thought we got pressure. I'm very happy with the defense. Now we've got to just stay injury-free."
The Guard managed just 160 yards of total offense.
Saturday at the Civic Center Fayetteville 2707--16 Columbus 17232015--75 First quarter
COL - Hunter Smith rouge, 15:00 1-0
FAY - Safety, 10:30
COL - Gerald Gales 38 pass from Joey Conrad (Smith kick), 7:25
COL - Smith rouge, 7:25
COL - Gales 4 pass from Conrad (Smith kick), 4:17
COL - Smith rouge, 4:17
Second quarter
COL - Gales 23 pass from Conrad (Smith kick), 13:38
COL - Smith 25 FG, 6:36
FAY - Jamie Deese 8 pass from Jasun Thompson (Dwane Taylor kick), 2:55
COL - Silas Daniels 24 pass from Conrad (Smith kick), 0:55
COL - Anthony Merritt 31 pass from Maurice Mullins (kick failed), 0:22
Third quarter
COL - Merritt 20 pass from Conrad (Smith kick), 9:40
COL - Gales 4 pass from Conrad (Smith kick), 4:43
COL - Justin Rivers 29 fumble return (kick failed), 1:06
Fourth quarter
FAY - Clint Cochran 1 rush (Taylor kick), 12:27
COL - Gales 8 pass from Merritt (Smith kick), 8:19
COL - Daniels 34 pass from Mullins (Smith kick), 2:19
COL - Smith rouge, 2:19
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