Lions Reign Supreme, 2011 SIFL South Division Champs
June 5, 2011 - Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL)
Columbus Lions News Release
COLUMBUS, GA - In the battle for Southern Division supremacy, the SIFL Champion Columbus Lions (10-1) reigned supreme on Saturday night with a 58-39 win over the Albany Panthers (9-2) giving the Lions the SIFL Southern Division Championship and the all-important top-seed throughout the Eastern Conference Playoffs.
The stars were out in full force as the Columbus Lions celebrated their 2010 SIFL Championship by handing out their rings to all the players from that memorable season. Returnee's Gerald Gales, Damian Daniels, Justen Rivers, and Chris McCoy all had big nights as the Lions bite was too much for the Panthers.
After falling behind early 13-3, Columbus poured on 36 points to close out the first half and headed into the break with a 39-19 halftime lead. Quarterback Chris McCoy finished the game completing 19 of 37 passes for 267 yards and four touchdowns while adding another two on the ground. Albany's defense was unable to come up with any turnovers, just the second time all-year in which McCoy did not throw an interception.
Wide receiver Gerald Gales hauled in six receptions hitting the century mark in yards while grabbing another three touchdowns. One of the biggest changes since that first loss to Albany back in April has been the lights-out play of the offensive line, most notably a perfect 8 for 8 in the red-zone with three touchdowns coming via the rushing attack.
On defensive side, Damian "The Nighthawk" Daniels added another four interceptions to his impressive career total that now stretches to 74 career INT's. Albany and quarterback Cecil Lester was under the gun majority of the night only managing to complete 18 of 37 passes for 204 yards and five touchdowns. Lester was brought down for three sacks while the Panthers were held to just 3 of 5 in red-zone chances.
After a sloppy third quarter that saw many of the combined 19 penalties get called in that single quarter, the Panthers started staging a comeback getting back within eight after a Antwontis Cutts 30 yard touchdown pass immediately followed up by a Larry Edwards safety. But on the ensuing drive, the Lions defense came up with a sack and a fumble recovery by Justen "Game-day" Rivers that put the icing on the cake.
From there on, Columbus would score the game's final ten points to close out the Panthers any hopes of grabbing their second consecutive division title. Both clubs have one regular season game remaining as Columbus will host the Carolina Speed (3-7) and Albany returns home to host the Alabama Hammers (3-7).
Playoff tickets for both the first and second round of the playoffs are now on sale. Season ticket holders, please contact the Lions front office at 706-322-3336 to reserve your seats now.
For post-game interviews featuring Gerald Gales, Damian Daniels, and Justen Rivers head over to www.columbuslions.net and view the Lions TV.
Southern Indoor Football League Stories from June 5, 2011
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- Hammers roll over Fayetteville in home finale at VBC - Alabama Hammers
- Lions Reign Supreme, 2011 SIFL South Division Champs - Columbus Lions
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