THE BATTLE OF OHIO, WARRIORS AND LIONS

It’s all business as the Warriors are set to battle with the mighty Lions.

By Joel Renner

Lima Warriors Chief Staff Reporter

The undefeated Lima Warriors are out to prove again that they’re worthy of being considered among the nation’s elite programs when they host the Cleveland Lions at Lima Stadium Saturday.

Coming into their impressive 30th season of amateur football, the Lions have a great tradition of winning and look to knock off the Warriors at their home field after they posted an impressive 47-0 win over Northwest Ohio at Clyde, Oh., on Saturday.

The Lions have amassed a combined overall record of 209-79 and a winning percentage of .725 in their existence. The Warriors hope the home crowd is electric for the Lion’s first action of the year.

With a win over Cleveland, the Warriors could emerge as the top-rated team in Ohio and a favorite to represent the United States Football Alliance in Florida for the National Championship game.

But the Lions are pumped up to spoil those plans before a large crowd and a national audience listening to Warrior’s broadcaster Aaron Matthew’s during his live webcast.

"No matter who you face or what you are facing, remember that David took down Goliath with one tiny, little, well aimed stone," Brock Hartman, former president of the Warriors said to the players. "When nobody believed he could; when everyone else was scared to even look at Goliath; a little warrior took down a Giant."

Some are billing this game as the biggest in Ohio Semi-pro history due to the quality of play and the tradition of the two opponents. Despite Lima’s early success, coach Parkins will be preparing a game plan all week to knock off the Lions.

"It’s all business because Cleveland’s a good team and there’s no question about it," Parkins said. "Cleveland’s going to come in here with the confidence that we travel with."

The Warriors ran all over the previously unbeaten Akron Jagz two weeks ago at Lima Stadium and need to replicate that effort against the Lions squad.

Lima’s defense has shut down every opponent this year, still not allowing a single point on the scoreboard. The Lion’s experienced roster includes such players as Lawrence Vickerstaff who played tailback at Ohio State, Casey Krehbiel of Miami University and Donnie Waters of USC.

Lima has allowed only 45 yards rushing total in three games and look to shut down the Lion’s running attack.

Veteran’s Justin Henderson and Kaene Runion hooked up for two early scores and Joe Butcher caught a 20-yard pass from Henderson to give the Warriors a big first-half lead on their way to a 47-0 blowout of the Raiders a week ago.

This may be a game that people will talk about for years to come and the anticipation is killing both sides to strap up and show their talent.

"It’s up to us to execute and play perfect football for four quarters," Parkins said. "If we do that, it’s going to be a good game."

The Warriors players are embracing the rare underdog role.

"We are the underdog and I love it," offensive lineman John Lance said. "It’s time to step it up and the Warriors will leave it all on the field."

Hartman would rather be at Lima Stadium to watch the hometown heroes face Cleveland but will be sure to listen to Matthew’s live broadcast of the game starting at 6:30 p.m. He also mentioned to the players that the same David who took down goliath also managed to kill a bear and a "lion".