Rivers, Gales re-sign with Lions - WTVM.com-Columbus, GA News Weather & Sports

Rivers, Gales re-sign with Lions

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COLUMBUS, GA -

Two of the Columbus Lions longest tenured members re-signed with the club on Wednesday with their sights set on unfinished business.

Linebacker Justen Rivers (6'1 255, Eastern Kentucky) returns to his hometown for a seventh season as the clubs all-time leading tackler (189) and sack leader (28).  In seven games last season, the Hardaway High grad posted 15.5 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and one interception.

Wide Receiver Gerald Gales (5'11 190, West Alabama) re-joins the Lions as the team's all-team leading receiver in catches (326), yards (4,205), and touchdowns (87).  Back for his sixth go round, last season Gales hauled in 72 receptions for 829 yards and 19 touchdowns.  His 829 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns were good enough for fourth overall in the PIFL.

Rivers and Gales were both vital members of the clubs championship run back in 2010.

"Having these veterans back goes way beyond the football field but extends to both the locker room and community," says Columbus Lions Head Coach Jason Gibson.  "Add to the formula that both return with a feeling of unfinished business in hopes of turning this club back into a champion."

The club also announced the return of DB Cortez Stubbs (5'9 185, Concordia), LB Jamontay Pilson (6'3 275, NW Mississippi), and OL Brandon Thomas (6'5 310, Tulsa).  Stubbs re-joins the Lions after leading the team in both tackles (39.5) and interceptions (5) earning him PIFL 2nd team honors for 2011.  Pilson led the Lions in sacks (4) while Thomas returns after playing in just six games before venturing on to the CIFL.