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ALBANY, GA -- The Albany Panthers return to the Civic Center on Saturday night for a divisional match-up against the Columbus Lions. The 7-0 Panthers rested and relaxed during last week’s bye, but the team won't have any time for a post-holiday hangover. 

The Columbus Lions bring its 7-1 record to the Panther pit, and are only a half-game back of the Panthers for tops in the Southern Division. The only stain on the Lion’s record is a 46-26 week three loss in Albany.

With a win, the Panthers would have the tiebreak over Columbus with only four games left in the regular season.  

The Albany defense has sent messages to its opponents all year by the performance on the field. Opponents are averaging 35 points a game which is third in the league.

However, this week the defense has a pregame message for the Lions. Linebacker Larry Edwards sums up all the feelings that the team has for Columbus.

“We don’t like them, so that’s enough already. That’s enough said…it’s Columbus,” Edwards said. “We’re on a mission right now. We’re real determined. We’re real focused to get to that mission, and they’re just another obstacle in our way.”

“We’re coming all out, we’re bringing everything. Everybody has to be on their A game because that is our biggest rival. And if we do win, we’re two games up on them…and we control our own destiny,”