By: Matthew Hester
Media Relations Director
Southern Indoor Football League

LAKE CHARLES, LA (JULY 14, 2010) – Columbus Lions linebacker Ryan Babb and Louisiana Swashbucklers defensive back Sammy Knight earned Most Valuable Player honors for their play in each of their perspective games during the Southern Indoor Football League Semi-Finals.
Thursday’s conference semi-final’s started out with a bang when Columbus Lions linebacker Ryan Babb (6’0 215, Troy) intercepted a Juan Joseph pass returning it 15-yards for a touchdown staging Columbus to 14-0 lead with the offense even touching the field.  Only Ryan was not done there, towards midway through the third he picked off his second pass this time returning 34-yards for the score making it the second time he returned two interceptions for a touchdown this season.  Babb was an advocate for a Lions defense that got a total five turnovers while collecting three sacks giving Columbus the 61-26 victory and a birth in the SIFL Championship Game.

Much like the Columbus/Lafayette game, the weekend’s finale would be decided by defense only the contest between Albany and Louisiana came down to the final seconds.  Having been proven more as an offense threat than for his defensive prowess this season, the other weekends Most Valuable Player came as a bit of surprise only because he earned it for his play on defense.  With his three interceptions, including one that iced the Swashbucklers 41-35 upset victory over Albany.  Defensive back Sammy Knight (5’9 185, Santa Monica CC) earned the Most Valuable Player Award for his game helping his club get the chance to defend their SIFL title.  Led by Knight, the Bucs left Albany feeling purple as the Panthers went 0-4 in the red-zone while also surrendering six turnovers.

Sunday marks the finale to a remarkable 2010 season, as the Defending SIFL Champion Louisiana Swashbucklers (6-6) look to make history when they travel to take on the Columbus Lions (9-3) who are looking to create a legacy of their own.  Game-time has been confirmed for 6:00 EST, and for more coverage on Sunday’s Championship Game, stay tuned to www.southernifl.com.