The National Arena League (NAL) has just one more game until a champion is announced. In National Arena Bowl II, the Columbus Linos will be welcomed by the Carolina Cobras. How will the Columbus Lions come up with a victory in their second consecutive National Arena Bowl appearance?
The Top 5 Reasons the Columbus Lions will win National Arena Bowl II
No. Five: The Rushing Game
The Lions all season have been impressive with their offense. They are able to have a good run game and a pass game at the same time. This is very rare in arena football and is very tough to do. Fullback Quayvon Hicks currently sits in second place in the league with the total number of rushing yards (306). He is in first when it comes to the average number of yards per game at 23.54 yards per game. The Cobras defense, who sits in third place in the NAL, allows 22.3 yards per game.
No. Four: Improving Quarterback
Lions Quarterback Jeremy Johnson had a rough start since Mason Espinosa left due to a sprain. In that game where Espinosa went down, Johnson was 6-of-18 for 80 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. In his first start after Espinosa’s injury, he had a major improvement to 16-of-36 for 206 yards, and four touchdowns. Last week against the Massachusetts Pirates, Johnson 23-of-29 for 234 yards and one touchdown. While his passing touchdowns isn’t where they should be, he did rush for four touchdowns. In total since Espinosa’s injury, Johnson is 45-of-83 (54.22%) for 520 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions. Don’t expect Johnson to slow down now, especially when he is making major improvements as the weeks progress.
No. Three: Head Coach Jason Gibson
While it is a no-brainer that a head coach is a major key in a championship game, Jason Gibson brings a ton of talent to the table. This season, he refused to finish a game with a challenge available. This can be frustrating for many, but logical for others. This season, Gibson has taken advantage of challenging missed penalties. It has worked many times and will most likely work in the championship game. Gibson has dealt with a hefty losing streak late in the season. The Lions showed up against the Pirates last week to prove that they are capable of doing anything.
No. Two: Jarmon Fortson (if he plays)
Wide Receiver Jarmon Fortson is a major key to this Columbus Lions offense. He is currently facing a two game suspension and might not play in the championship game. Right now, Fortson is in first place in the league with 113 receptions and 31 receiving touchdowns. He is also in first place in the receiving yards category with 1,128 yards. If Fortson’s suspension isn’t upheld, this will be a major issue for the Lions.
No. One: Time of Possession
While the Lions and Cobras are fifth and sixth, respectfully, in the time of possession, the Lions still have the Cobras beat. If the Lions can keep the Lions defense on the field, that will be a major deciding factor on who the winner will be. Last week against the Pirates, the Lions were driving down the field on their first few drives. That made the defense tired for the rest of the game. While the defense is tired on the field, the Cobras offense can’t be on the field to score any points. While kicking the ball off to start the game is the way to go, it isn’t so bad in this case if they’re trying to make the defense tired early.
National Arena Bowl II
The National Arena Bowl is in Greensboro, North Carolina in the Greensboro Coliseum. This game against the Cobras will be on Monday, August 27 at 7:00 pm (E.T.).
