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Game Overview
The BC Lions (0-1) host the Saskatchewan Roughriders (1-0) in a pivotal early season matchup to open up the Leos' regular season home schedule. After last week's 28-18 loss in Calgary, the Lions have now dropped their last two meaningful outings including 2007's West Division Final versus the Riders.
The Leos did not look like the confident veteran crew that piled-up 14 wins a year ago and head coach Wally Buono took last Thursday's defeat on himself saying, "The club was not prepared and that is my fault." With that in mind, observers at practice this week can attest to the high tempo and rededication to preparation' by Buono and his staff.
The Riders enter Friday's tilt after a convincing 34-13 win over the Edmonton Eskimos and quickly erased for now the pre-season notion that they might be battling the Eskimos for a playoff berth this fall. An 18-point fourth quarter outburst by the Roughrider offence has also given supporters of Big Green confidence that the expected drop off in production in the absence of QB Kerry Joseph may not be happening just yet. In an odd twist, first year head coaches Ken Miller, Marc Trestman, Rich Stubler and John Hufnagel all picked up their first career victories last week.
Offensively, the Lions will look to establish a more fluid offence after having to abandon the run in the face of 14-1 and 17-1 first half deficits. Starting quarterback Buck Pierce took another shot last Thursday to a throwing shoulder that has seen its share of rough treatment already this year. Pierce had decent numbers through the first half, going 9 of 14 for 160 yards with a TD but will make way for Jarious Jackson on Friday. Jackson didn't have much luck in the second half versus the Stamps and ended the night 8 of 18 for 95 yards, 1 TD and an interception.
Up front, the Lions will look to tighten things up after surrendering four sacks last week. The return of Rob Murphy has been short-lived after wife Amy summoned his return for the birth of their triplets in Florida on Tuesday night. The Lions were hoping their arrival and their father's departure would take place after Friday's West Division match-up with a Saskatchewan front four that was in Ricky Ray's face all night last week. "We will play with the players that are here and wish Rob the best,' said Buono. The Leos will also have to adjust for the absence of Sherko Haji-Rasouli after the veteran guard strained his hamstring early in the loss to Calgary - Dean Valli will fill his spot on the offensive line.
At receiver, Geroy Simon started his defence as the CFL's receiving leader with a 68-yard performance a week ago. The veteran slotback was also on the receiving end of a stiff hit delivered by Calgary's Calvin Bannister. Simon will have fond memories of his last regular season game versus Saskatchewan catching the game winning touchdown with just 33 seconds left to seal a 37-34 victory. Paris Jackson started the 2008 campaign with a five-catch, 93 yard performance including a 45-yard strike. Jason Clermont was held to just 19 yards on three receptions while second year Cory Rodgers enjoyed a career night with a three-catch, 63-yard, two touchdown performance.
At running back, Joe Smith was on track for a nice outing with 44 rushing yards on seven carries in the first half versus the Stamps, but as the scoreboard turned in Calgary's favour, the Leos moved away from the run and Smith added just 10 more yards in the second half. Establishing the running game versus Saskatchewan won't be an easy chore as the Riders come into Friday's game having given up just 59 yards on the ground.
On defence, coordinator Mike Benevides counted no less than 15 missed tackles in the loss to Calgary, a statistic that is not sitting well with his staff. Defensive linemen Brent Johnson, Tyrone Williams, Aaron Hunt and Cam Wake were held off the sack charts for the first time in recent memory and had tough time stopping a Calgary rushing attack that rolled up 197 yards including 125 by Joffrey Reynolds. They now face a Saskatchewan ground game looking to get Wes Cates even more involved after a 14-carry, 86-yard, 2 TD performance versus Edmonton. One bright note for the D-line was Brent Johnson's late interception and 20-yard ramble which gave the Leos some hope of a comeback; a sign perhaps that the slimmed-down version of the 2006 Most Outstanding Defensive Player is ready for a terrific 2008 season.
At linebacker, Javier Glatt enjoyed a good performance in his hometown with eight tackles as well as a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. McMaster-grad Jason Pottinger saw six reps as the Leos' third linebacker alongside Glatt and Otis Floyd and has shown positive development going into his third season. Jamall Johnson returns to the active roster this week for Wally Buono at the expense of Tim Goodwell who was released Tuesday. The Lions added former Rider linebacker T.J. Stancil to the practice roster on Monday.
The Lions secondary was under pressure most of the night last week with Henry Burris enjoying plenty of time to deliver the ball on time and on target. Dante Marsh seemed to attract plenty of attention last week, but his seven tackles and pass knockdown demonstrated his aggressive play still demands respect. His partners in the defensive backfield will need to tighten their game versus Saskatchewan after QB Marcus Crandell put up 278 passing yards and two TD's last week. His favourite target was newcomer Adarius Bowman who racked up 112 yards on six receptions including a 73-yard TD.
On special teams, kicker Paul McCallum was not pleased with his performance last week from a punting perspective. With a pregame windstorm and a 56 km/h breeze at kickoff, criticism may be unfair. Look for the 16-year vet to bounce back in climate-friendly BC Place. One positive note on special teams for the Lions has been the noticeable lack of flags on returns; last Thursday that meant 188 positive yards on kick returns stayed positive.
From the book on obvious, the Lions do not want to drop two games back of the Riders in the West Division and likely still have a disappointing finish to the 2007 season on their minds. It may only be the second game of a young 2008 season, but July 4th will very likely result in some fireworks on the field Friday night.
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