Charles County Lions shut out Laurel in season opener

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Despite the rain, over 150 fans came out to watch the contest and the Lions did not disappoint in a 27-0 victory over the Laurel Nightmare.

The Lions first possession yielded seven points after a 28-yard drive for the end zone. Tyler McConnell threw a 20-yard pass to Arturo Gabledon for the touchdown.

Later, Laurel got the ball back after a Lions failed field goal attempt and proceeded to throw an interception to the Lions linebacker Clyde Jones. The Lions then drove the ball 26 yards and Brandon Watson ran it in for their second score of the day. The Nightmare's next possession ended when they threw another interception to Jones and the Lions led 13-0 at halftime.

The Lions received the ball to start out the second half and had a 61-yard drive that ended in a pass from Tyler McConnell to Steven Nutter for the Lion's third score of the day.

The Lions' next possession only yielded five yards offense, but on the punt return, the Nightmare fumbled the ball, which was picked up by Lions wide receiver Greg Bowman and ran into the end zone for the team's fourth and final score for the day.

The Lions defense played exceptionally well, holding the Nightmare to only 50 yards total offense.

Standouts on defense were Jones with his two interceptions and many tackles and assists from Justin Kelly, Travis McConnell, Cameron Fuller and T. J. Riley.

Many of the Lions veterans from 2008 have returned and have been joined by many new recruits.

The Lions have joined a different league this year, the East Coast Football Association. They have many more teams and play a 10-game schedule with playoffs beginning in June.

The Lions traveled to Butler on Saturday to take on the Baltimore Bulls. Their next home game will be at 2 p.m. March 28 when they play the Prince George's Knights.