Free agent tryout camps don’t usually provide many ways to simulate the conditions of a CFL game, but the B.C. Lions caught a break Friday.
A bad weather break, that is.
Snow was on the ground and temperatures were in the single digits as more than 40 hopefuls took to the field at a Lions free agent camp in the Dallas suburb of Bedford, Tex.
“We’ve dealt with odd weather in the past, but this is definitely a first,” said Lions general maanger Wally Buono in a news release. “They don’t get the white stuff down here very often, so I guess it’s only fitting that a Canadian football team was clearing snow off a field prior to a workout.”
As the wily release writer noted: “The team’s first free agent camp of 2015 had a Grey Cup feel to say the least.”
Well, maybe not when you consider some of the divergent talent levels that were likely present. But, for any players that might get a contract, the weather was likely similar to what they could expect in the CFL come fall.
Lions head coach Jeff Tedford, defensive coordinator Mark Washington, offensive coordinator George Cortez and members of the club’s football operations department including Neil McEvoy, Ryan Rigmaiden and Geroy Simon evaluated the players on hand, hoping the cold could yield a hot prospect.
“The conditions weren’t ideal, but playing conditions during the season often aren’t ideal either, so we’re seeing how these guys deal with adversity at a very important time,” said Tedford, who is preparing for his first season at the B.C. helm. “The opportunity to play professional football is absolutely critical in the lives of these young men, and I was very impressed with the level of ability, execution and effort we saw today. It was a great first camp.”
It was the first of five Lions free agent camps to be held this spring. Last year, B.C. invited several such camp attendees to main training camp and one, defensive back Torri Williams, appeared in 16 games in 2014.
The Lions will host another free agent workout in Las Vegas on in Sunday and Atlanta, Washington D.C. and Seattle in coming weeks – snow or no snow. Buono and company will keep their eyes out for a defensive lineman, offensive lineman and defensive back.
Some of the better prospects will get invitations to the club's main camp in June and maybe even a contract. If anyone stays, he will get to find out what real CFL game conditions are like.
Showing posts with label B.C. Lions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label B.C. Lions. Show all posts
Friday, March 6, 2015
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Dickenson pours coldd water on speculation about Lions coaching job
Dave Dickenson has ruled himself out as the next coach of the B.C. Lions, but it probably won't take long for other candidates to emerge.
Just when speculation on the likelihood of the Calgary Stampeders offensive co-ordinator replacing the fired Mike Benevides was heating up, Dickenson threw cold water on it.
“I’m going to be back in Calgary next year,” said Dickenson during a Stamps luncheon Thursday in advance of Sunday’s Grey Cup against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
“That’s my answer to that question – and it’s going to be the same answer tomorrow, the same answer next week.”
Dickenson’s comments came a day after Calgary general manager and head coach John Hufnagel hinted that the 41-year-old Great Falls, Mont, native would be his successor. Hufnagel pointed to a new three-year contract that Dickenson signed in November 2013.
Without getting into the specific job titles, Dickenson said he planned to honour the deal, which runs until after the 2016 season, while also pointing out that he loves being the offensive co-ordinator and getting a chance to call plays, like he did as a standout quarterback with the Stampeders and Lions.
Dickenson has a strong desire to be a head coach, but he also wants to make sure that he gets the right opportunity.
“I want to be a head coach, there’s no doubt about it, but I really just want to have fun,” Dickenson said. “I want to be part of a team, I want to work with people I like and enjoy, and be part of a system and a team that’s going to win. I think we work too hard to not enjoy things. I’m not going to coach if I’m miserable. A lot of stresses come with a head coaching position. It’d be a challenge, and I love challenges.”
Stressing that he is a loyal guy, Dickenson also, basically, ruled himself out as a candidate for the head coaching post at his alma mater, the University of Montana, following the retirement of Grizzlies field boss Mick Delaney.
“I love college — I think it’s great — and I love Montana, but for me, it’s about having stability with your family, making sure you have time with your family and, basically, don’t try to put yourself above what’s important,” Dickenson said.
“Sometimes, that’s what’s important, instead of just always trying to get to the top of the ladder.”
By ending some speculation, Dickenson has likely started more.
Many observers believe that former Winnipeg Blue Bombers coach Paul LaPolice, who is working the Grey Cup for TSN, has a chance to replace Benevides. During an interview with TSN 1040 Radio on Thursday, LaPolice said he also likes being an offensive co-ordinator.
He seems a better fit for that position with the Lions, although Khari Jones still has the OC post for now.
It says here that LaPolice is not a good fit as the next head coach of the Lions. He lacks natural ties to the organization that would attract fans when it is in danger of losing season ticket holders. While he led the Bombers to the 2011 Grey Cup, which the Lions won, LaPolice lost his job the next year and reportedly turned down a chance to become B.C.’s offensive co-ordinator last season.
Despite his increased profile due to his TSN gig, LaPolice does not stand out as an icon or exceptional leader the way Calgary’s Hufnagel, Hamilton counterpart Kent Austin and Lions general manager Wally Buono do. Austin, a former Lions quarterback, would be a better fit, but he is unlikely to leave Hamilton.
Recently, I suggested that Lions defensive co-ordinator Mark Washington could be a prime candidate, and fellow former defensive back Barron Miles, an assistant with Saskatchewan, might also get serious consideration. I still think Washington is in the running, and would be a good choice. So would Miles, but I’m starting to believe the Lions will lean more to an iconic type who is not necessarily a former B.C. player or coach.
On that note, I would not be surprised if, as some have suggested, former Stampeders quarterback Jeff Garcia, who was brought to the CFL by Buono, gets on the short list. Garcia joined the Montreal Alouettes in mid-season as an assistant of sorts and, tutoring quarterback Jonathan Crompton, helped the Als get to the playoffs and hammer B.C. 50-17 before they were ousted unceremoniously by Hamilton.
Although he does not have ties to B.C. or the team itself, Garcia is a high-profile type that the Lions need and, being the son of a coach, he understands the game thoroughly.
Another possibility seems unlikely, but makes at least some sense.
Former Lions receiver Geroy Simon, now an ambassador of sorts with Saskatchewan, has a desire to run a team within 10 years. He has strong ties to B.C., living here while commuting to work for the Roughriders. Despite his lack of coaching experience, he is used to mentoring young players – of which the rebuilding Lions have many. He is also a natural leader, a fan favourite, and extremely knowledgeable about the game. Simon would likely also be willing to keep most of the current assistants, he did commendable jobs in the face of considerable adversity this season, if he were allowed to choose one or two.
Alas, Dickenson threw cold water on speculation for a while, but it won’t take long to heat up again.
Just when speculation on the likelihood of the Calgary Stampeders offensive co-ordinator replacing the fired Mike Benevides was heating up, Dickenson threw cold water on it.
“I’m going to be back in Calgary next year,” said Dickenson during a Stamps luncheon Thursday in advance of Sunday’s Grey Cup against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
“That’s my answer to that question – and it’s going to be the same answer tomorrow, the same answer next week.”
Dickenson’s comments came a day after Calgary general manager and head coach John Hufnagel hinted that the 41-year-old Great Falls, Mont, native would be his successor. Hufnagel pointed to a new three-year contract that Dickenson signed in November 2013.
Without getting into the specific job titles, Dickenson said he planned to honour the deal, which runs until after the 2016 season, while also pointing out that he loves being the offensive co-ordinator and getting a chance to call plays, like he did as a standout quarterback with the Stampeders and Lions.
Dickenson has a strong desire to be a head coach, but he also wants to make sure that he gets the right opportunity.
“I want to be a head coach, there’s no doubt about it, but I really just want to have fun,” Dickenson said. “I want to be part of a team, I want to work with people I like and enjoy, and be part of a system and a team that’s going to win. I think we work too hard to not enjoy things. I’m not going to coach if I’m miserable. A lot of stresses come with a head coaching position. It’d be a challenge, and I love challenges.”
Stressing that he is a loyal guy, Dickenson also, basically, ruled himself out as a candidate for the head coaching post at his alma mater, the University of Montana, following the retirement of Grizzlies field boss Mick Delaney.
“I love college — I think it’s great — and I love Montana, but for me, it’s about having stability with your family, making sure you have time with your family and, basically, don’t try to put yourself above what’s important,” Dickenson said.
“Sometimes, that’s what’s important, instead of just always trying to get to the top of the ladder.”
By ending some speculation, Dickenson has likely started more.
Many observers believe that former Winnipeg Blue Bombers coach Paul LaPolice, who is working the Grey Cup for TSN, has a chance to replace Benevides. During an interview with TSN 1040 Radio on Thursday, LaPolice said he also likes being an offensive co-ordinator.
He seems a better fit for that position with the Lions, although Khari Jones still has the OC post for now.
It says here that LaPolice is not a good fit as the next head coach of the Lions. He lacks natural ties to the organization that would attract fans when it is in danger of losing season ticket holders. While he led the Bombers to the 2011 Grey Cup, which the Lions won, LaPolice lost his job the next year and reportedly turned down a chance to become B.C.’s offensive co-ordinator last season.
Despite his increased profile due to his TSN gig, LaPolice does not stand out as an icon or exceptional leader the way Calgary’s Hufnagel, Hamilton counterpart Kent Austin and Lions general manager Wally Buono do. Austin, a former Lions quarterback, would be a better fit, but he is unlikely to leave Hamilton.
Recently, I suggested that Lions defensive co-ordinator Mark Washington could be a prime candidate, and fellow former defensive back Barron Miles, an assistant with Saskatchewan, might also get serious consideration. I still think Washington is in the running, and would be a good choice. So would Miles, but I’m starting to believe the Lions will lean more to an iconic type who is not necessarily a former B.C. player or coach.
On that note, I would not be surprised if, as some have suggested, former Stampeders quarterback Jeff Garcia, who was brought to the CFL by Buono, gets on the short list. Garcia joined the Montreal Alouettes in mid-season as an assistant of sorts and, tutoring quarterback Jonathan Crompton, helped the Als get to the playoffs and hammer B.C. 50-17 before they were ousted unceremoniously by Hamilton.
Although he does not have ties to B.C. or the team itself, Garcia is a high-profile type that the Lions need and, being the son of a coach, he understands the game thoroughly.
Another possibility seems unlikely, but makes at least some sense.
Former Lions receiver Geroy Simon, now an ambassador of sorts with Saskatchewan, has a desire to run a team within 10 years. He has strong ties to B.C., living here while commuting to work for the Roughriders. Despite his lack of coaching experience, he is used to mentoring young players – of which the rebuilding Lions have many. He is also a natural leader, a fan favourite, and extremely knowledgeable about the game. Simon would likely also be willing to keep most of the current assistants, he did commendable jobs in the face of considerable adversity this season, if he were allowed to choose one or two.
Alas, Dickenson threw cold water on speculation for a while, but it won’t take long to heat up again.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Buono does not let loyalty interfere with championship quest
Wally Buono proved – again – Thursday that he does not play favourites or adhere to longstanding loyalties.
The B.C. Lions general manager made the “very difficult” decision to fire coach Mike Benevides four days after the CFL team suffered a humiliating 50-17 playoff loss to the Montreal Alouettes. The setback came after a disappointing 9-9 regular season in which the Lions expected to do much better while seeking the chance to host the Grey Cup at home.
“Our football team experienced a very tumultuous season,” said Buono in a news release. “Still, we believe as an organization that the team we had assembled was capable of more than what we accomplished in the regular season and in the playoffs. In short, we underperformed and failed to meet both our own expectations and the expectations of our fans.”
Perhaps a hint of Buono’s decision came Monday when he was asked whether the team was spiralling downward. He noted that the Lions had gone from 13 to 11 to nine victories in the past three season under Benevides and added “simple math” indicated they were. Clearly, Buono does not friendships or loyalty interfere with the quest for a championship.
The timing of the firing is, perhaps, the biggest surprise because it came so soon after the conclusion of the Lions’ season. (Unlike the NHL, the CFL apparently has no qualms about teams making major announcements during the playoffs.) But the dismissal re-affirmed Buono’s decisive nature and willingness to make moves for the better of the team, even if they might make him look bad.
Benevides, who compiled a 33-21 record as a head coach, had worked with Buono for more than a decade in B.C. and Calgary. Buono gave him his first coaching job, an assistant’s position which earned no pay because of the Stampeders’ financial difficulties. Then Buono brought Benevides with him to B.C.,and promoted him through the ranks before promoting him to head coach after stepped down following the Lions’ 2011 Grey Cup victory.
He also gave Benevides, who aspired to be the team’s GM one day, a two-year contract extension prior to this season.
If any coach deserved the benefit of the doubt for a sub-par season, Benevides did. The Lions suffered numerous injuries to key players, including running backs Andrew Harris and Stefan Logan, and receiver Courtney Taylor, and their valiant, but injury-riddled offensive line was a patchwork quilt at the best of times. Most significantly, starting quarterback Travis Lulay missed most of the season after he was slow to recover from off-season shoulder surgery was injured again in the lone game he played – a storm-interrupted 7-5 win over Ottawa. Then Lulay suffered another relapse during the warmup before Sunday’s debacle in Montreal.
But these factors did not sway Buono, whose decision came after fans were quick to blame Benevides for the mediocre regular season and playoff mauling.
Now, Buono must find a successor, and he has one readily available in defensive co-ordinator Mark Washington, who built a standout defence that dominated for most of the season before struggling late in the season. Fatigue, from being on the field too long as the offence failed to put up points consistently, and injuries undoubtedly explained part of the defence’s woes.
Washington is widely expected to become a head coach somewhere in the not-too-distant future, and Buono stressed earlier in the week that’s it’s critical to have continuity in the club. The defensive co-ordinator’s promotion would allow for that continuity, and he would likely keep most of the assistants, who did a commendable job under the circumstances. Offensive co-ordinator Khari Jones appears likely to depart after the offence continued to show a lack of creativity that was evident under his predecessor Jacques Chapdelaine.
Former Lions defensive back Barron Miles, an assistant with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, could be another worthy candidate, and Lions running backs coach Kelly Bates might also merit an interview.
Some media types have speculated that Calgary offensive co-ordinator Dave Dickenson, a former Lions quarterback who was brought to the CFL by Buono, could be a frontrunner for the position. But Dickenson has strong family ties in Calgary and appears the likely successor to general manager and coach John Hufnagel. Dickenson’s promotion could be expedited if the Stampeders do not parlay their 15-3 regular season into a playoff berth.
Buono has ruled out returning to the coaching ranks, because he believes that the CFL’s version of football is a young man’s game. So the new Lions coach will likely be in his 30s or early 40s. He will also likely have an existing relationship with Buono, who prefers to hire people he knows.
But the new coach should not expect any longstanding ties with Buono to enhance his job security.
The B.C. Lions general manager made the “very difficult” decision to fire coach Mike Benevides four days after the CFL team suffered a humiliating 50-17 playoff loss to the Montreal Alouettes. The setback came after a disappointing 9-9 regular season in which the Lions expected to do much better while seeking the chance to host the Grey Cup at home.
“Our football team experienced a very tumultuous season,” said Buono in a news release. “Still, we believe as an organization that the team we had assembled was capable of more than what we accomplished in the regular season and in the playoffs. In short, we underperformed and failed to meet both our own expectations and the expectations of our fans.”
Perhaps a hint of Buono’s decision came Monday when he was asked whether the team was spiralling downward. He noted that the Lions had gone from 13 to 11 to nine victories in the past three season under Benevides and added “simple math” indicated they were. Clearly, Buono does not friendships or loyalty interfere with the quest for a championship.
The timing of the firing is, perhaps, the biggest surprise because it came so soon after the conclusion of the Lions’ season. (Unlike the NHL, the CFL apparently has no qualms about teams making major announcements during the playoffs.) But the dismissal re-affirmed Buono’s decisive nature and willingness to make moves for the better of the team, even if they might make him look bad.
Benevides, who compiled a 33-21 record as a head coach, had worked with Buono for more than a decade in B.C. and Calgary. Buono gave him his first coaching job, an assistant’s position which earned no pay because of the Stampeders’ financial difficulties. Then Buono brought Benevides with him to B.C.,and promoted him through the ranks before promoting him to head coach after stepped down following the Lions’ 2011 Grey Cup victory.
He also gave Benevides, who aspired to be the team’s GM one day, a two-year contract extension prior to this season.
If any coach deserved the benefit of the doubt for a sub-par season, Benevides did. The Lions suffered numerous injuries to key players, including running backs Andrew Harris and Stefan Logan, and receiver Courtney Taylor, and their valiant, but injury-riddled offensive line was a patchwork quilt at the best of times. Most significantly, starting quarterback Travis Lulay missed most of the season after he was slow to recover from off-season shoulder surgery was injured again in the lone game he played – a storm-interrupted 7-5 win over Ottawa. Then Lulay suffered another relapse during the warmup before Sunday’s debacle in Montreal.
But these factors did not sway Buono, whose decision came after fans were quick to blame Benevides for the mediocre regular season and playoff mauling.
Now, Buono must find a successor, and he has one readily available in defensive co-ordinator Mark Washington, who built a standout defence that dominated for most of the season before struggling late in the season. Fatigue, from being on the field too long as the offence failed to put up points consistently, and injuries undoubtedly explained part of the defence’s woes.
Washington is widely expected to become a head coach somewhere in the not-too-distant future, and Buono stressed earlier in the week that’s it’s critical to have continuity in the club. The defensive co-ordinator’s promotion would allow for that continuity, and he would likely keep most of the assistants, who did a commendable job under the circumstances. Offensive co-ordinator Khari Jones appears likely to depart after the offence continued to show a lack of creativity that was evident under his predecessor Jacques Chapdelaine.
Former Lions defensive back Barron Miles, an assistant with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, could be another worthy candidate, and Lions running backs coach Kelly Bates might also merit an interview.
Some media types have speculated that Calgary offensive co-ordinator Dave Dickenson, a former Lions quarterback who was brought to the CFL by Buono, could be a frontrunner for the position. But Dickenson has strong family ties in Calgary and appears the likely successor to general manager and coach John Hufnagel. Dickenson’s promotion could be expedited if the Stampeders do not parlay their 15-3 regular season into a playoff berth.
Buono has ruled out returning to the coaching ranks, because he believes that the CFL’s version of football is a young man’s game. So the new Lions coach will likely be in his 30s or early 40s. He will also likely have an existing relationship with Buono, who prefers to hire people he knows.
But the new coach should not expect any longstanding ties with Buono to enhance his job security.
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Glenn comes up big as Lulay watches
The stage was set for a change in command, but Kevin Glenn never let it happen.
Glenn ran for a touchdown, threw for another and passed for more than 400 yards Friday night as the B.C. Lions beat the pesky Hamilton Tiger-Cats 36-29. He helped the Lions post their second-consecutive win and improve to 4-3 on the season, ensuring that the Lions did not need nominal No. 1 quarterback Travis Lulay as he dressed for his first game of the season following off-season shoulder surgery.
“It was a big, big team-character win,” said Glenn, who completed 22 of 36 passes for 407 yards, his highest yardage output as a Lion. “It was one of those things where you could tell in the guys’ eyes on the field when I was calling the plays. It didn't matter what the down and distance was. We were going to out there and fight and try and get it. When you see that in the guys' eyes, that means a lot."
It was also a big character performance from Glenn, who helped the Lions build an early 17-3 lead and then rally back after Hamilton managed to come back and take a 19-17 lead in the second quarter on a Brandon Banks touchdown off a 97-yard punt return and a pair of Justin Medlock field goals.
The second field goal came after Glenn threw his first of two interceptions on which he could not really be faulted. Defensive lineman Arnaud Gascon-Nadon was able to snare the ball after fellow lineman Bryan Hall knocked down a Glenn pass.
The second interception, which did not result in points thanks to a tenacious B.C. defence, came in the third quarter after Frederic Plesius caught a fortuitous bounce off B.C. receiver Emmanuel Arceneaux. But Glenn did not let the interceptions get him down.
“Ticked balls are killing me,” said Glenn, whose 11 interceptions well exceed the seven he threw in all of 2013 with Calgary. “It's one of those things that happens. As a QB, you have to be able to get over it. It’s going tohappen. You don't want it to happen as much as it has been happening. What I think the biggest thing is, what you do when you come back out. You overcome it. I'm not going to be afraid to throw the next one.”
The Ticats were left to lament a series of miscues and penalties that enabled B.C. to take an insurmountable lead on an Andrew Harris four-yard touchdown run with about 10 minutes gone in the third quarter. But the Ticats still managed to pull within a point on two occasions, trailing 27-26 at the end of the third quarter and 30-29 in the fourth. Ultimately, B.C. secured the win with a strong passing display from Glenn in the fourth quarter, which enabled Paul McCallum to kick the final two of his five field goals on the night.
The decisive field goal came after Glenn threw his longest pass of the night, 43 yards to Shawn Gore. But Glenn, who ran for 19 yards for his touchdown in the first quarter, downplayed the strong personal showing – and kept the team’s task first.
“It’s not like this game was the Grey Cup,” he said. “It's not. It was the next game and an important game. It was important because of the way the West is shaping up. We have to make sure we keep going with all these guys. All these teams in the West are winning games. We have to make sure we are winning games, too."
Thanks to Glenn’s effort Friday, the Lions are winning. But they still face difficulties. Harris and offensive guard Jemarcus Hardrick went down with injuries Friday. Depending on how long Harris is out, his absence could put more pressure on Glenn to excel more often through the air.
But at least the Lions can rest assured that, with Glenn playing like he did Friday, they can take their time with Lulay’s recovery.
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Lions showing improvement as Lulay returns to roster
With a third of the season now complete, the B.C. Lions are finally starting to look like a possible Grey Cup contender.
The Lions (3-3) head into Friday’s home game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1-4) still buzzing from a victory over the previously undefeated Calgary Stampeders last week.
An improving offence shows signs of getting even better as quarterback Travis Lulay returns to the roster after coming off the six-game injured list due to a shoulder that was slow to recover from off-season surgey. Lulay’s presence in a backup role adds strength to the quarterbacking position in case Kevin Glenn, the scheduled starter, continues his trend of hot-and-cold performances.
He fared well in wins over Saskatchewan and Montreal, but struggled in a loss to Winnipeg and then rebounded in a late comeback win over Calgary.
But Glenn, who has been the consummate professional while stepping into the fire with a new club and system, has not been entirely to blame for B.C.’s inconsistency. Although has already thrown nine interceptions after only being picked off seven times with Calgary last season, he had a ready-made excuse in a rebuilding, rotating and injury-riddled offensive line. But to Glenn’s credit, he chose not to use it, repeatedly stressing that it was up to him to “make plays.”
Now, with former NFLer Jemarcus Hardrick starting at left guard and rookie Canadian Hunter Steward at left tackle, Glenn is finding more time to throw. And, running back Andrew Harris, who leads the CFL in yards from scrimmage (722) and ranks first in rushing yards (381) and second in receiving yardage (341 yards), has received the blocks he needs to tear up turf.
“I think we started to solidify some things (on the offensive line), obviously, and then the last two weeks stayed consistent,” said Lions coach Mike Benevides after a walk-through Thursday. “Now, we’re at a place where, I think, Jemarcus (Hardrick) brings a level of physicality and athleticism inside right now that we can’t get the young guys to get to yet because they’re not healthy. And, Hunter (Steward) is playing outstanding ball.
“So I think we’re where we need to be in terms of personnel. We have to be better, we have to grow but, certainly, those guys have given us a chance to accumulate some yardage and also protect the quarterback.”
The offence should get better in the near future as the line continues to improve and Lulay returns to a starting role. If B.C.’s defence continues to perform as it has been and kicker Paul McCallum displays his usual consistency on field goals, the Lions should be much better off in the final two-thirds of the season.
“We’re growing, we’re getting better, but we’re not there yet,” said Benevides.
The Lions (3-3) head into Friday’s home game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1-4) still buzzing from a victory over the previously undefeated Calgary Stampeders last week.
An improving offence shows signs of getting even better as quarterback Travis Lulay returns to the roster after coming off the six-game injured list due to a shoulder that was slow to recover from off-season surgey. Lulay’s presence in a backup role adds strength to the quarterbacking position in case Kevin Glenn, the scheduled starter, continues his trend of hot-and-cold performances.
He fared well in wins over Saskatchewan and Montreal, but struggled in a loss to Winnipeg and then rebounded in a late comeback win over Calgary.
But Glenn, who has been the consummate professional while stepping into the fire with a new club and system, has not been entirely to blame for B.C.’s inconsistency. Although has already thrown nine interceptions after only being picked off seven times with Calgary last season, he had a ready-made excuse in a rebuilding, rotating and injury-riddled offensive line. But to Glenn’s credit, he chose not to use it, repeatedly stressing that it was up to him to “make plays.”
Now, with former NFLer Jemarcus Hardrick starting at left guard and rookie Canadian Hunter Steward at left tackle, Glenn is finding more time to throw. And, running back Andrew Harris, who leads the CFL in yards from scrimmage (722) and ranks first in rushing yards (381) and second in receiving yardage (341 yards), has received the blocks he needs to tear up turf.
“I think we started to solidify some things (on the offensive line), obviously, and then the last two weeks stayed consistent,” said Lions coach Mike Benevides after a walk-through Thursday. “Now, we’re at a place where, I think, Jemarcus (Hardrick) brings a level of physicality and athleticism inside right now that we can’t get the young guys to get to yet because they’re not healthy. And, Hunter (Steward) is playing outstanding ball.
“So I think we’re where we need to be in terms of personnel. We have to be better, we have to grow but, certainly, those guys have given us a chance to accumulate some yardage and also protect the quarterback.”
The offence should get better in the near future as the line continues to improve and Lulay returns to a starting role. If B.C.’s defence continues to perform as it has been and kicker Paul McCallum displays his usual consistency on field goals, the Lions should be much better off in the final two-thirds of the season.
“We’re growing, we’re getting better, but we’re not there yet,” said Benevides.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Stamps rookie kicks win away from Lions
What a difference a week makes for Rene Paredes.
Around this time last week, the 25-year-old Toronto product was a kicker without a team. But Friday night, the rookie kicked the first two field goals of his Canadian Football League career to give the Calgary Stampeders a 34-32 victory over the B.C. Lions at Empire Field.
Paredes’ first attempt was a 50-yarder. Talk about a rude introduction to the pro ranks. But he made it with a few yards to spare.
“Actually, I didn’t know how far it was,” he said. “I was asking everybody after and found out it was a 50-yarder.”
The field goal, with 4:20 left in the game, was the longest of his career. He kicked a 49-yarder with his Concordia Stingers squad last season.
“You see all the teammates happy, and they were cheering for me, so it was exciting,” he said.
But the second one, from 25 yards with 2:05 remaining, proved to be more important. because it gave the Stamps a 34-26 lead before the Lions rallied for a late touchdown, only to fail on the two-point convert attempt.
Parades, who is originally from Caracas, Venezuela and was a soccer player until his Miami, Fla., football team needed a kicker, also made a touchdown-saving tackle as Tim Brown returned his opening kick-off. Not a bad performance.
Especially when you consider that he was released by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers after their training camp and only got the call to Calgary after second-year incumbent Rob Maver suffered a quadriceps injury in its season-opening loss to Toronto.
“I was back home in Toronto just hanging out with some guys,” said Paredes, who was also working in a paint shop. “My agent called me and said, ‘Get ready, you’ve gotta go.’ ”
The Stamps signed him after a tryout Sunday in which he made a 55-yarder – after he had taken a week off from kicking.
“The whole week, I just relaxed,” he said. “I had a month in Winnipeg, so I was just relaxing.”
And what would he be doing if he had not received the call from Calgary?
“I was planning to go back to school and finish my fifth year, but I got the call so I’m here,” said Paredes.
But now he has a new team and a new nickname – the Matador – courtesy of long snapper Randy Chevrier, who had never heard of him before.
“When Maver went down, it was very upsetting,” said Chevrier. “I mean, Maver’s a great guy. But it’s pro sports and you’ve gotta find a replacement pretty quick. Luckily, the Matator from Venezuela came to town and he did the job. That’s what you need in pro sports. Someone’s gotta step up when someone goes down. Thankfully, he showed up for us tonight and made some huge kicks at the end.”
If anyone is unhappy, it’s probably Maver’s old coach at Concordia, because his university career is over. By playing Friday, he is no longer eligible for the Canadian university ranks.
But new CFL adventures are just beginning.
Around this time last week, the 25-year-old Toronto product was a kicker without a team. But Friday night, the rookie kicked the first two field goals of his Canadian Football League career to give the Calgary Stampeders a 34-32 victory over the B.C. Lions at Empire Field.
Paredes’ first attempt was a 50-yarder. Talk about a rude introduction to the pro ranks. But he made it with a few yards to spare.
“Actually, I didn’t know how far it was,” he said. “I was asking everybody after and found out it was a 50-yarder.”
The field goal, with 4:20 left in the game, was the longest of his career. He kicked a 49-yarder with his Concordia Stingers squad last season.
“You see all the teammates happy, and they were cheering for me, so it was exciting,” he said.
But the second one, from 25 yards with 2:05 remaining, proved to be more important. because it gave the Stamps a 34-26 lead before the Lions rallied for a late touchdown, only to fail on the two-point convert attempt.
Parades, who is originally from Caracas, Venezuela and was a soccer player until his Miami, Fla., football team needed a kicker, also made a touchdown-saving tackle as Tim Brown returned his opening kick-off. Not a bad performance.
Especially when you consider that he was released by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers after their training camp and only got the call to Calgary after second-year incumbent Rob Maver suffered a quadriceps injury in its season-opening loss to Toronto.
“I was back home in Toronto just hanging out with some guys,” said Paredes, who was also working in a paint shop. “My agent called me and said, ‘Get ready, you’ve gotta go.’ ”
The Stamps signed him after a tryout Sunday in which he made a 55-yarder – after he had taken a week off from kicking.
“The whole week, I just relaxed,” he said. “I had a month in Winnipeg, so I was just relaxing.”
And what would he be doing if he had not received the call from Calgary?
“I was planning to go back to school and finish my fifth year, but I got the call so I’m here,” said Paredes.
But now he has a new team and a new nickname – the Matador – courtesy of long snapper Randy Chevrier, who had never heard of him before.
“When Maver went down, it was very upsetting,” said Chevrier. “I mean, Maver’s a great guy. But it’s pro sports and you’ve gotta find a replacement pretty quick. Luckily, the Matator from Venezuela came to town and he did the job. That’s what you need in pro sports. Someone’s gotta step up when someone goes down. Thankfully, he showed up for us tonight and made some huge kicks at the end.”
If anyone is unhappy, it’s probably Maver’s old coach at Concordia, because his university career is over. By playing Friday, he is no longer eligible for the Canadian university ranks.
But new CFL adventures are just beginning.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Buono faces tough cutdown decisions
It's never wise to make predictions after the pre-season.
But you can probably bet on this one: The B.C. Lions will not start the Canadian Football League season 1-7 like they did a year ago.
For proof, see the Lions' 34-6 victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the final exhibition game for both teams Wednesday night.
The Lions were in control from start to finish, and the final score might have been more lopsided if second-year quarterback Mike Reilly had been allowed to play for more than the final five minutes. Reilly threw two touchdown passes and had a perfect eight-for-eight passing night and also ran once for 17 yards.
The 26-year-old Kennewick, Wash., native followed up on a strong showing a week earlier as the Lions went undefeated in two pre-season contests.
"I always feel good after a win, especially one that you know you helped contribute to," said Reilly. "Two good performances in a row. I was happy that I was able to get out. I wasn't sure how much playing time I was going to get."
Reilly signed with the Lions last July after four unsuccessful tryouts in the NFL with Pittsburgh, Green Bay, St. Louis and Seattle. He opted to sign with B.C. rather than accept another tryout with the New York Jets, because he was tired of riding the NFL "roller-coaster and wanted to stay with a team on a long-term basis.
"I felt like this was a really important game," said Reilly. "We had talked with coaches earlier this week. We have a lot of good quarterbacks on the team. Myself and Corey (Leonard) they hadn't seen too much of, because we're both fairly new here. So I knew it was going to be a big night to go out and take a real turn to show why I should be part of the team and how I can be an asset."
Reilly saw mostly scout-team duty last season while the Lions dealt with injuries and the Casey Printers sideshow that eventually saw the former No. 1 released. Although he is No. 3 on the depth chart behind starter Travis Lulay and Jarious Jackson, Reilly feels the experience gained last season has helped him immensely.
Which brings us back to our prediction. Many other Leos, notably the offensive line, also gained invaluable experience as B.C. started 1-7 and finished 7-3 before losing to Saskatchewan in the Western Conference semi-final.
"The team's playing more confident from the get-go," said Lulay, anticipating good things early in the campaign.
Lions general manager Wally Buono almost went out on a limb by suggesting his club will have a better start this time round. But he declined to offer insight on just how ready his team is. But he noted his players understand the system better and almost all facets -- offence, defence and special teams -- have been playing well.
"When you look it, we should be a better football team," said Buono.
And you can take that to the bank.
But don't bet on the Lions' final roster just yet. You can count on rookie running back and returner Tim Brown staying after he caught a four-yard Reilly touchdown pass and also romped for 88 yards on punt and kick returns. But other newcomers won't make Buono's final roster cutdowns easy.
"I think (Wednesday's game) actually confused me a little bit more than I originally thought," he said. "I said it two weeks ago and I say it again: We're going to let some good football players go whether we like it or not."
You can bet on that, too.
But you can probably bet on this one: The B.C. Lions will not start the Canadian Football League season 1-7 like they did a year ago.
For proof, see the Lions' 34-6 victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the final exhibition game for both teams Wednesday night.
The Lions were in control from start to finish, and the final score might have been more lopsided if second-year quarterback Mike Reilly had been allowed to play for more than the final five minutes. Reilly threw two touchdown passes and had a perfect eight-for-eight passing night and also ran once for 17 yards.
The 26-year-old Kennewick, Wash., native followed up on a strong showing a week earlier as the Lions went undefeated in two pre-season contests.
"I always feel good after a win, especially one that you know you helped contribute to," said Reilly. "Two good performances in a row. I was happy that I was able to get out. I wasn't sure how much playing time I was going to get."
Reilly signed with the Lions last July after four unsuccessful tryouts in the NFL with Pittsburgh, Green Bay, St. Louis and Seattle. He opted to sign with B.C. rather than accept another tryout with the New York Jets, because he was tired of riding the NFL "roller-coaster and wanted to stay with a team on a long-term basis.
"I felt like this was a really important game," said Reilly. "We had talked with coaches earlier this week. We have a lot of good quarterbacks on the team. Myself and Corey (Leonard) they hadn't seen too much of, because we're both fairly new here. So I knew it was going to be a big night to go out and take a real turn to show why I should be part of the team and how I can be an asset."
Reilly saw mostly scout-team duty last season while the Lions dealt with injuries and the Casey Printers sideshow that eventually saw the former No. 1 released. Although he is No. 3 on the depth chart behind starter Travis Lulay and Jarious Jackson, Reilly feels the experience gained last season has helped him immensely.
Which brings us back to our prediction. Many other Leos, notably the offensive line, also gained invaluable experience as B.C. started 1-7 and finished 7-3 before losing to Saskatchewan in the Western Conference semi-final.
"The team's playing more confident from the get-go," said Lulay, anticipating good things early in the campaign.
Lions general manager Wally Buono almost went out on a limb by suggesting his club will have a better start this time round. But he declined to offer insight on just how ready his team is. But he noted his players understand the system better and almost all facets -- offence, defence and special teams -- have been playing well.
"When you look it, we should be a better football team," said Buono.
And you can take that to the bank.
But don't bet on the Lions' final roster just yet. You can count on rookie running back and returner Tim Brown staying after he caught a four-yard Reilly touchdown pass and also romped for 88 yards on punt and kick returns. But other newcomers won't make Buono's final roster cutdowns easy.
"I think (Wednesday's game) actually confused me a little bit more than I originally thought," he said. "I said it two weeks ago and I say it again: We're going to let some good football players go whether we like it or not."
You can bet on that, too.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Darkness lifting on Lions' dismal season
The conclusion to Saturday afternoon’s game between the B.C. Lions and Toronto Argonauts was unlike any other at Empire Field this season.
The fans gave the Lions a rousing send-off after they handily beat the Argos 36-17 before a crowd of 22,703. As the Lions exited the field and walked up a ramp to their makeshift dressing room, fans gave them high-fives and loud ovations.
As he opened the door to the trailer that serves as a temporary dressing room, B.C. coach Wally Buono angrily looked for late arrivals to the post-game meeting. But, after witnessing the throng of fans giving Sanchez and Simon their due, Buono was not complaining.
“(The win) means a lot to the guys, but also it means a lot to our fans,” said Buono. “We’ve disappointed our fans for about four or five weeks now. To win a game like this at home with some excitement and some big plays obviously helps our players but also helps our fans, which is important.”
The Lions (3-7) posted their second straight victory after seven consecutive losses. Unlike during his other post-game scrums at Empire this season, Buono stood and answered questions in daylight following their first home win. All of his other sessions were after losses at night.
The scene was symbolic, because the darkness on B.C.’s dismal season is lifting. But as the overcast sky above Buono also symbolized, clouds still lurk on the Lions’ ability to salvage a playoff spot in either of the Canadian Football League's two divisions.
“It’s an indication that we’re getting better,” said Buono of the upswing. “I don’t want to downplay anything, but there’s still a lot of room for improvement. There’s still a lot of room for correction. The thing is, we’re going in the right direction.”
Quarterback Casey Printers and rookie running backs Jerome Messam and Yonus Davis kept the Lions going the right way in the air and along the ground. Printers threw for two touchdowns as he completed 25 of 39 passes for 302 yards.
“We’re trying to make the playoffs, and this is a great win for us,” said Printers.
Messam ran for two short-yardage touchdowns on eight carries and also caught a pair of passes in what he called his best game as a pro.
“I definitely feel like it’s my breakout game,” said Messam, who helped B.C. overcome an early 8-0 deficit. “(Jamal Robertson) went down with his rib injury (suffered in a game against Montreal) and I got an opportunity and came in and tried to do my best to help the team win.”
Davis scampered for 52 yards on 13 carries and also caught a four-yard touchdown pass. He left the Argos lunging in vain at his slippery moves as he repeatedly helped the Lions get into the red zone and then the end zone.
Messam praised the patch-work offensive line for opening holes.
You never would have known B.C. surrendered eight sacks, because Printers had much more time than in previous games to do his work. One of his finest plays came as he turned around and threw to Davis as he stood all alone just over the goal line.
Printers picked up his first regular-season win since re-joining the Lions late last season while they were dealing with injuries to three quarterbacks.
“I thought, overall, he made some great plays,” said Buono. “He made some great throws. The game is going to get better and slower, because you have to, maybe, at times slow down.
“This is Casey. He’s an excitable guy … With time, with more games under his belt, with more comfort with the protection … That’s a very good team out there. They got into it. They got after us pretty good and yet we scored … 37 points.”
Meanwhile, B.C.’s defence racked up six sacks and defensive back Korey Banks continued his fine play with a fumble recovery. But the Lions’ best fumble recovery came early in the fourth quarter after Toronto defensive end Ron Flemon took a loose ball away from Pinters, romped untouched toward the end zone and then dropped it just before crossing the goal line.
Rookie B.C. receiver Steve Black pounced on it and the Lions preserved a 34-15 lead.
"It just slipped out of my hands," Flemons said dejectedly. "I was just trying to reposition it because it was in my left hand.
"I felt awful because it could have been a big momentum-changing play. It happens. You just move on."
Buono and Simon said the Lions would not have caught such a break earlier in the season.
“They made some mistakes and we capitalized on those,” said Simon, who caught seven passes for 133 yards. “That’s the sign of a good team, when you capitalize on the other team’s mistakes.”
The veteran receiver, who moved into fifth place among all-time B.C. receivers, was full of praise for his club after often accusing it of causing its own demise earlier in the campaign.
“We’re starting to come together as a team and you’re seeing that the talent is starting to show,” said Simon. “We feel good about the direction we’re going in.”
NOTES: Black caught B.C.’s other touchdown pass while Paul McCallum booted three field goals … The Argos (5-5) lost top running back Corey Boyd to a concussion as they suffered their third straight loss … B.C.’s Rolly Lumbala, playing his first game back with the Lions after being cut by the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, was dominant on special teams as he made a number of tackles ... B.C. lost recently-signed defensive end Jeremy Geathers to a knee injury that is expected to keep him out for an extended period ... The Lions are still trying to woo defensive lineman Ricky Foley back to the fold after he was cut by the NFL's Seattle Seahawks and New York Jets.
The fans gave the Lions a rousing send-off after they handily beat the Argos 36-17 before a crowd of 22,703. As the Lions exited the field and walked up a ramp to their makeshift dressing room, fans gave them high-fives and loud ovations.
As he opened the door to the trailer that serves as a temporary dressing room, B.C. coach Wally Buono angrily looked for late arrivals to the post-game meeting. But, after witnessing the throng of fans giving Sanchez and Simon their due, Buono was not complaining.
“(The win) means a lot to the guys, but also it means a lot to our fans,” said Buono. “We’ve disappointed our fans for about four or five weeks now. To win a game like this at home with some excitement and some big plays obviously helps our players but also helps our fans, which is important.”
The Lions (3-7) posted their second straight victory after seven consecutive losses. Unlike during his other post-game scrums at Empire this season, Buono stood and answered questions in daylight following their first home win. All of his other sessions were after losses at night.
The scene was symbolic, because the darkness on B.C.’s dismal season is lifting. But as the overcast sky above Buono also symbolized, clouds still lurk on the Lions’ ability to salvage a playoff spot in either of the Canadian Football League's two divisions.
“It’s an indication that we’re getting better,” said Buono of the upswing. “I don’t want to downplay anything, but there’s still a lot of room for improvement. There’s still a lot of room for correction. The thing is, we’re going in the right direction.”
Quarterback Casey Printers and rookie running backs Jerome Messam and Yonus Davis kept the Lions going the right way in the air and along the ground. Printers threw for two touchdowns as he completed 25 of 39 passes for 302 yards.
“We’re trying to make the playoffs, and this is a great win for us,” said Printers.
Messam ran for two short-yardage touchdowns on eight carries and also caught a pair of passes in what he called his best game as a pro.
“I definitely feel like it’s my breakout game,” said Messam, who helped B.C. overcome an early 8-0 deficit. “(Jamal Robertson) went down with his rib injury (suffered in a game against Montreal) and I got an opportunity and came in and tried to do my best to help the team win.”
Davis scampered for 52 yards on 13 carries and also caught a four-yard touchdown pass. He left the Argos lunging in vain at his slippery moves as he repeatedly helped the Lions get into the red zone and then the end zone.
Messam praised the patch-work offensive line for opening holes.
You never would have known B.C. surrendered eight sacks, because Printers had much more time than in previous games to do his work. One of his finest plays came as he turned around and threw to Davis as he stood all alone just over the goal line.
Printers picked up his first regular-season win since re-joining the Lions late last season while they were dealing with injuries to three quarterbacks.
“I thought, overall, he made some great plays,” said Buono. “He made some great throws. The game is going to get better and slower, because you have to, maybe, at times slow down.
“This is Casey. He’s an excitable guy … With time, with more games under his belt, with more comfort with the protection … That’s a very good team out there. They got into it. They got after us pretty good and yet we scored … 37 points.”
Meanwhile, B.C.’s defence racked up six sacks and defensive back Korey Banks continued his fine play with a fumble recovery. But the Lions’ best fumble recovery came early in the fourth quarter after Toronto defensive end Ron Flemon took a loose ball away from Pinters, romped untouched toward the end zone and then dropped it just before crossing the goal line.
Rookie B.C. receiver Steve Black pounced on it and the Lions preserved a 34-15 lead.
"It just slipped out of my hands," Flemons said dejectedly. "I was just trying to reposition it because it was in my left hand.
"I felt awful because it could have been a big momentum-changing play. It happens. You just move on."
Buono and Simon said the Lions would not have caught such a break earlier in the season.
“They made some mistakes and we capitalized on those,” said Simon, who caught seven passes for 133 yards. “That’s the sign of a good team, when you capitalize on the other team’s mistakes.”
The veteran receiver, who moved into fifth place among all-time B.C. receivers, was full of praise for his club after often accusing it of causing its own demise earlier in the campaign.
“We’re starting to come together as a team and you’re seeing that the talent is starting to show,” said Simon. “We feel good about the direction we’re going in.”
NOTES: Black caught B.C.’s other touchdown pass while Paul McCallum booted three field goals … The Argos (5-5) lost top running back Corey Boyd to a concussion as they suffered their third straight loss … B.C.’s Rolly Lumbala, playing his first game back with the Lions after being cut by the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, was dominant on special teams as he made a number of tackles ... B.C. lost recently-signed defensive end Jeremy Geathers to a knee injury that is expected to keep him out for an extended period ... The Lions are still trying to woo defensive lineman Ricky Foley back to the fold after he was cut by the NFL's Seattle Seahawks and New York Jets.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Stamps prevail as B.C. offence fizzles until late in second half
For 2 1/2 quarters, the B.C. Lions had a quarterback and a defensive secondary that they could almost count on. But then Calgary running back Jon Cornish, a native of the Vancouver suburb of New Westminster, bolted for a 51-yard gain to set up the decisive touchdown as the Stampeders handily beat the B.C. Lions 48-35. The Lions suffered their seventh straight CFL loss as they dropped to 1-7 while the Stampeders improved to 7-1. Calgary coach John Hufnagel claimed his ninth straight win over B.C. boss Wally Buono, who mentored him while he was in Calgary. “I think we played well in all three phases (offence, defence and special teams),” said Hufnagel.
Despite some rust and inconsistency after missing four games, quarterback Casey Printers kept the score close and the defensive backs provided three interceptions in the first half, two by rookie Stanley Franks and one by veteran Dante Marsh. Franks' picks did not produce any points, but Marsh set up a one-yard touchdown run by Jamal Robertson late in the first half to draw the Lions within four points at 24-20. But receiver Arjei Franklin's three-yard touchdown on a reverse running play after Cornish's big gain early in the third quarter, which put the Stamps ahead 34-20, erased any doubt. The quick turning point spoiled an improved offensive effort, strong defensive play and excellent punt and kick-off returns by rookie Yonus Davis, who repeatedly gave the Lions good field position, although he fumbled a missed field goal that led to Calgary’s first touchdown.
"We were able to overcome some adversity,” said Calgary quarterback Henry Burris, who threw two touchdown passes and ran for another. “Some things happened, it's nothing to worry about. We will get those things right. We will get better."
Burris has now thrown a league-leading 12 interceptions. Hufnagel praised Marsh for making a great play, but the coach was not willing to give Burris the benefit of the doubt on Franks’ picks until he had seen the video.
“I think Henry Burris is a professional,” said Hufnagel. “He won the game. That’s all I ask him to do.”
“We had a few turnovers, but we were able to persevere and put points on the board,” said Calgary running back Joffrey Reynolds.
Printers impressed at times in the early going, despite completing just six of 14 passes in the first half, when he also plunged in for a touchdown. But he fizzled in the third and fourth quarters, resulting in a tired B.C. defence that was kept on the field way too long. As a result, backup Calgary quarterback Drew Tate provided two insurance touchdowns that the Stamps wound up needing as he plunged for one major and threw 19 yards to Ken Yon Rambo for another.
"I don't think we played to the highest of our ability," said Rambo, who made two touchdown catches. "We still have to be better yet."
Printers made the score more respectable as connected with Emmanuel Arceneaux for a late 54-yard touchdown that was a gift as a Calgary defensive back missed an easy tackle. Then B.C. backup Travis Lulay connected with Geroy Simon on a 38-yard TD and a successful two-point conversion attempt to make the score closer than it should have been.
“We looked good at times and at times we didn’t execute like we should have,” said Printers.
He felt there were plenty of reasons for optimism. But Simon, one of the better Lions on the night, was less than impressed.
“We still have a long season left but it’s getting shorter and shorter every week,” said Simon. “I don’t know when we as a team are going to say we are tired of losing, we’re tired of mistakes. We played Calgary, but the B.C. Lions beat B.C. again.”NOTE: Darius Passmore was wheeled off the field on a stretcher and taken to hospital after colliding with a sign on Calgary's sideline. Both Stamps and Lions training and medical staff attended to Passmore, who lunged for a pass that went incomplete. Passmore gave cheering fans the thumbs-up sign as he was taken to an ambulance … The Stamps lost receiver Romby Bryant after he was upended by Davis Sanchez in the third quarter.
Despite some rust and inconsistency after missing four games, quarterback Casey Printers kept the score close and the defensive backs provided three interceptions in the first half, two by rookie Stanley Franks and one by veteran Dante Marsh. Franks' picks did not produce any points, but Marsh set up a one-yard touchdown run by Jamal Robertson late in the first half to draw the Lions within four points at 24-20. But receiver Arjei Franklin's three-yard touchdown on a reverse running play after Cornish's big gain early in the third quarter, which put the Stamps ahead 34-20, erased any doubt. The quick turning point spoiled an improved offensive effort, strong defensive play and excellent punt and kick-off returns by rookie Yonus Davis, who repeatedly gave the Lions good field position, although he fumbled a missed field goal that led to Calgary’s first touchdown.
"We were able to overcome some adversity,” said Calgary quarterback Henry Burris, who threw two touchdown passes and ran for another. “Some things happened, it's nothing to worry about. We will get those things right. We will get better."
Burris has now thrown a league-leading 12 interceptions. Hufnagel praised Marsh for making a great play, but the coach was not willing to give Burris the benefit of the doubt on Franks’ picks until he had seen the video.
“I think Henry Burris is a professional,” said Hufnagel. “He won the game. That’s all I ask him to do.”
“We had a few turnovers, but we were able to persevere and put points on the board,” said Calgary running back Joffrey Reynolds.
Printers impressed at times in the early going, despite completing just six of 14 passes in the first half, when he also plunged in for a touchdown. But he fizzled in the third and fourth quarters, resulting in a tired B.C. defence that was kept on the field way too long. As a result, backup Calgary quarterback Drew Tate provided two insurance touchdowns that the Stamps wound up needing as he plunged for one major and threw 19 yards to Ken Yon Rambo for another.
"I don't think we played to the highest of our ability," said Rambo, who made two touchdown catches. "We still have to be better yet."
Printers made the score more respectable as connected with Emmanuel Arceneaux for a late 54-yard touchdown that was a gift as a Calgary defensive back missed an easy tackle. Then B.C. backup Travis Lulay connected with Geroy Simon on a 38-yard TD and a successful two-point conversion attempt to make the score closer than it should have been.
“We looked good at times and at times we didn’t execute like we should have,” said Printers.
He felt there were plenty of reasons for optimism. But Simon, one of the better Lions on the night, was less than impressed.
“We still have a long season left but it’s getting shorter and shorter every week,” said Simon. “I don’t know when we as a team are going to say we are tired of losing, we’re tired of mistakes. We played Calgary, but the B.C. Lions beat B.C. again.”NOTE: Darius Passmore was wheeled off the field on a stretcher and taken to hospital after colliding with a sign on Calgary's sideline. Both Stamps and Lions training and medical staff attended to Passmore, who lunged for a pass that went incomplete. Passmore gave cheering fans the thumbs-up sign as he was taken to an ambulance … The Stamps lost receiver Romby Bryant after he was upended by Davis Sanchez in the third quarter.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Buono continues search for the right quarterback
Wally Buono finds himself in an unusual position, but the same old questions persist about the B.C. Lions' quarterbacking.
For the first time in his career, the Canadian Football League's all-time winningest coach finds his team 1-5 after Saturday's 27-22 loss to the visiting Calgary Stampeders at Empire Field.
All but one of the losses have been close, but late breakdowns and inconsistent quarterbacking continue to cause difficulties.
“If you were getting blown out every week and you weren’t even in the game every week, I guess it would maybe be not so confusing,” said Buono. “But when you look at what goes on at times, you’re very encouraged. At other times, you just shake your head.”
Especially with the quarterbacks.
Starter Travis Lulay looked strong at times and weak at others, notably when he threw a third-quarter interception that Dwight Anderson returned to the B.C. 10-yard line, setting up Ryan Thelwell's game-winning touchdown.
"Obviously, it's disappointing," said Lulay, who completed 15 of 28 passes for 159 yards. "You're trying to win the football game. It seems we had a little bit of momentum there after a defensive turnover and, obviously, that kind of died and we gave them a short field."
Lulay's interception spelled the end of his night.
Jarious Jackson took over and struggled while impressing at times. He completed eight of 17 passes for 99 yards in his first serious game action since last September. He spent training camp, the preseason and the early part of the regular season recuperating from off-season shoulder surgery to repair rotator cuff damage.
“When the balls are high, you can tell right away that he’s struggling,” said Buono, explaining his decision to pull Lulay. “Jarious had a good week … His quick release was good, but other times you can see why he’s still not 100 per cent.”
Now, with a short week before a game in Regina against the powerhouse Saskatchewan Roughriders, Buono has to decide whether to go back to the sophomore Lulay or gamble on Jarious Jackson or nominal starter Casey Printers, who has dressed as the third-stringer the past three games due to a sore knee.
“If the medical staff clears (Printers) to play, then we’ll have to consider it,” said Buono. “But if they don’t, I think there’s way too much at stake. Between Jarious (Jackson) and Travis (Lulay), we should find one that’s ready to go.”
"We're not going to quit," said Lulay. "It's still early in the season. Obviously, we're in a little bit of a whole ... All we can do is fight and give ourselves a chance to win."
After Buono suffered his eighth straight loss to his former Calgary understudy John Hufnagel, questions arose about the Lions' mental toughness. Receiver Paris Jackson said the Lions have to change their mentality and make sure that losing does not become contagious, although with five straight losses, it might already be.
But, noting that the Leos kept fighting back, Buono insisted his players are mentally tough. He does not plan to make major changes as the changes as he rebuilding club tries to get in position for a playoff spot.
“It’s gonna test our character,” said Buono. “It’s gonna test my character. This is not something I’m enjoying. But I don’t believe that there’s a divine right for winning. I’ve always felt that each week, each win, is tough, and I think my experience and my past are going to keep the waters calm and keep the ship going in the right direction."
That task will be easier if he can find the right quarterback to take the helm.
For the first time in his career, the Canadian Football League's all-time winningest coach finds his team 1-5 after Saturday's 27-22 loss to the visiting Calgary Stampeders at Empire Field.
All but one of the losses have been close, but late breakdowns and inconsistent quarterbacking continue to cause difficulties.
“If you were getting blown out every week and you weren’t even in the game every week, I guess it would maybe be not so confusing,” said Buono. “But when you look at what goes on at times, you’re very encouraged. At other times, you just shake your head.”
Especially with the quarterbacks.
Starter Travis Lulay looked strong at times and weak at others, notably when he threw a third-quarter interception that Dwight Anderson returned to the B.C. 10-yard line, setting up Ryan Thelwell's game-winning touchdown.
"Obviously, it's disappointing," said Lulay, who completed 15 of 28 passes for 159 yards. "You're trying to win the football game. It seems we had a little bit of momentum there after a defensive turnover and, obviously, that kind of died and we gave them a short field."
Lulay's interception spelled the end of his night.
Jarious Jackson took over and struggled while impressing at times. He completed eight of 17 passes for 99 yards in his first serious game action since last September. He spent training camp, the preseason and the early part of the regular season recuperating from off-season shoulder surgery to repair rotator cuff damage.
“When the balls are high, you can tell right away that he’s struggling,” said Buono, explaining his decision to pull Lulay. “Jarious had a good week … His quick release was good, but other times you can see why he’s still not 100 per cent.”
Now, with a short week before a game in Regina against the powerhouse Saskatchewan Roughriders, Buono has to decide whether to go back to the sophomore Lulay or gamble on Jarious Jackson or nominal starter Casey Printers, who has dressed as the third-stringer the past three games due to a sore knee.
“If the medical staff clears (Printers) to play, then we’ll have to consider it,” said Buono. “But if they don’t, I think there’s way too much at stake. Between Jarious (Jackson) and Travis (Lulay), we should find one that’s ready to go.”
"We're not going to quit," said Lulay. "It's still early in the season. Obviously, we're in a little bit of a whole ... All we can do is fight and give ourselves a chance to win."
After Buono suffered his eighth straight loss to his former Calgary understudy John Hufnagel, questions arose about the Lions' mental toughness. Receiver Paris Jackson said the Lions have to change their mentality and make sure that losing does not become contagious, although with five straight losses, it might already be.
But, noting that the Leos kept fighting back, Buono insisted his players are mentally tough. He does not plan to make major changes as the changes as he rebuilding club tries to get in position for a playoff spot.
“It’s gonna test our character,” said Buono. “It’s gonna test my character. This is not something I’m enjoying. But I don’t believe that there’s a divine right for winning. I’ve always felt that each week, each win, is tough, and I think my experience and my past are going to keep the waters calm and keep the ship going in the right direction."
That task will be easier if he can find the right quarterback to take the helm.
Defence struggles as Lions lose fifth straight
For a change, it was the defence that let the B.C. Lions down Saturday night.
But the offence also contributed to a 27-22 loss to the Calgary Stampeders at Empire Field.
The Stamps improved to 5-1 while the Lions dropped to 1-5 after suffering their fifth consecutive loss.
With the B.C. defensive line failing to mount consistent pressure, veteran Calgary quarterback Henry Burris took advantage of a secondary that hurt itself by taking untimely penalties.
The telling blows came late in the third quarter as Calgary linebacker Dwight Anderson intercepted a deflected Travis Lulay pass and ran the ball back to the B.C. 10-yard-line. The pick came two plays after Lions rookie defensive back Stanley Franks had intercepted Burris.
Franks, who has been victimized a few times this season, was then the goat as he blew coverage on Ryan Thelwell in the end zone and Burris tossed an easy touchdown strike from the 10. The major gave the Stampeders an insurmountable 27-16 lead.
“We’ve gotta get a (defensive) turnover or two,” said Lions coach Wally Buono. “We got one, it would have been nice to get one or two more.”
Lulay, starting his third straight game in place of the injured Casey Printers (knee), fared well against a relentless Calgary pass rush, but struggled to get the Lions into the end zone. Jarious Jackson, seeing his first action of the season in relief of Lulay in the fourth quarter, could not do much.
Still the game might have gone a different way if Calgary coach John Hufnagel had not won an appeal of an apparent Paris Jackson catch that would have given B.C. the ball on the Calgary 27-yard-line. Although the replay indicated the ball contacted the ground, Jackson had arm firmly wrapped around it when he turned over.
The Lions caught a break when Deon Murphy fumbled a Paul McCallum punt in the late going. But Jarious Jackson threw an interception to nullify the Lions' victory hopes.
"That's the one I wish I could have had back," said Jarious Jackson, who felt he threw the ball well at times.
B.C. did manage a late major by Jamal Robertson -- his second of the game -- in the final minute after a Calgary pass interference penalty in the end zone gave B.C. the ball on Calgary's one-yard line.
But Lions failed to make good on the two-point conversion attempt as Jarious Jackson's pass intended for Paris Jackson went incomplete.
The loss spoiled a stellar effort by Paris Jackson, who made a number of tough catches, and a total of six for 76 hard-earned yards, while absorbing bone-rattling hits that left him shaken up a couple of times.
"It felt good, but at the same time, we didn't win," said Paris Jackson. "It doesn't matter how many catches I get, how many yards I get. The whole thing is about touchdowns ... and making sure we walk off that field with a W and winning."
But the offence also contributed to a 27-22 loss to the Calgary Stampeders at Empire Field.
The Stamps improved to 5-1 while the Lions dropped to 1-5 after suffering their fifth consecutive loss.
With the B.C. defensive line failing to mount consistent pressure, veteran Calgary quarterback Henry Burris took advantage of a secondary that hurt itself by taking untimely penalties.
The telling blows came late in the third quarter as Calgary linebacker Dwight Anderson intercepted a deflected Travis Lulay pass and ran the ball back to the B.C. 10-yard-line. The pick came two plays after Lions rookie defensive back Stanley Franks had intercepted Burris.
Franks, who has been victimized a few times this season, was then the goat as he blew coverage on Ryan Thelwell in the end zone and Burris tossed an easy touchdown strike from the 10. The major gave the Stampeders an insurmountable 27-16 lead.
“We’ve gotta get a (defensive) turnover or two,” said Lions coach Wally Buono. “We got one, it would have been nice to get one or two more.”
Lulay, starting his third straight game in place of the injured Casey Printers (knee), fared well against a relentless Calgary pass rush, but struggled to get the Lions into the end zone. Jarious Jackson, seeing his first action of the season in relief of Lulay in the fourth quarter, could not do much.
Still the game might have gone a different way if Calgary coach John Hufnagel had not won an appeal of an apparent Paris Jackson catch that would have given B.C. the ball on the Calgary 27-yard-line. Although the replay indicated the ball contacted the ground, Jackson had arm firmly wrapped around it when he turned over.
The Lions caught a break when Deon Murphy fumbled a Paul McCallum punt in the late going. But Jarious Jackson threw an interception to nullify the Lions' victory hopes.
"That's the one I wish I could have had back," said Jarious Jackson, who felt he threw the ball well at times.
B.C. did manage a late major by Jamal Robertson -- his second of the game -- in the final minute after a Calgary pass interference penalty in the end zone gave B.C. the ball on Calgary's one-yard line.
But Lions failed to make good on the two-point conversion attempt as Jarious Jackson's pass intended for Paris Jackson went incomplete.
The loss spoiled a stellar effort by Paris Jackson, who made a number of tough catches, and a total of six for 76 hard-earned yards, while absorbing bone-rattling hits that left him shaken up a couple of times.
"It felt good, but at the same time, we didn't win," said Paris Jackson. "It doesn't matter how many catches I get, how many yards I get. The whole thing is about touchdowns ... and making sure we walk off that field with a W and winning."
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Check out my new Twitter page
I've just launched a new Twitter page -- Stewart On Sports.
Watch for links to sports articles that I write for this blog as well as The Canadian Press, NHL.Fanhouse.com, Insurance West Magazine and other publications.
The articles will include blogs, game stories and features on NHL, WHL, CFL and other athletes.
Click on the link to check out the Twitter page: www.twitter.com/StewartOnSports.
Watch for links to sports articles that I write for this blog as well as The Canadian Press, NHL.Fanhouse.com, Insurance West Magazine and other publications.
The articles will include blogs, game stories and features on NHL, WHL, CFL and other athletes.
Click on the link to check out the Twitter page: www.twitter.com/StewartOnSports.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Printers frustrates fans again as Lions lose
Casey Printers tormented more than 27,000 B.C. Lions fans on Friday night.
The B.C. quarterback performed brilliantly at times and dreadfully at others as the Lions fell 16-12 to the Montreal Alouettes at Empire Field.
“It was a game that we coulda won, shoulda won let get away,” said B.C. coach Wally Buono, whose team is now 1-2 on the season. “We had opportunities to get points on the board and we didn’t do that.”
Late in the second quarter, Printers looked like the quarterback who was chosen the Canadian Football League’s outstanding player in 2004 as he rallied the Lions from a 6-2 deficit to a 9-6 advantage. With two Montreal defensive lineman running straight at him, he connected with Jamal Robertson on a screen pass for a 14-yard touchdown.
He also took charge in the third quarter as the Lions built a 12-6 lead on a Paul McCallum field goal. But in the final 10 minutes, he suffered a meltdown, overthrowing and underthrowing open receivers as Montreal’s Damon Duval booted three field goals and a punt single to put the Als ahead.
The Lions’ shoddy fourth quarter spoiled a strong effort from a rookie-laden defensive backfield and a rebuilt D-line.
“There was a lot of concern about five rookies on defence,” said Buono. “They didn’t cave. There was a lot of concern about our offensive line, and I thought overall they did a good job.”
But with the game on the line in the closing minutes, Printers tossed three straight incomplete passes, one to Emanuel Arcenaux and pair to O’Neil Wilson. The B.C. quarterback caught a break as Montreal was called for pass interference on second attempt to Wilson, putting the ball on the B.C. 48-yard line.
On the very next play, Printers threw the ball behind Paris Jackson and Montreal defensive back Jerald Brown hauled it in to preserve the victory.
“There was miscommunication with the receivers,” said Buono. “You can’t put the onus just on the quarterback and you just can’t put the onus on the receivers. That’s a part of working together and making sure that … the receiver has an option. The quarterback has to see the same thing. Tonight, too often, that wasn’t the case.”
As a result, the Lions lost a regular season game at home to Montreal for the first time in 10 years – while holding one of the league’s best offences without a touchdown.
Printers completed 20 of 40 passes for a modest 253 yards and the lone touchdown while also tossing two interceptions.
“Everybody played their tails off, and it’s just too bad we came up short,” said Printers.
It might have been a different story if Robertson had not fumbled in the third quarter to set up Duval’s game-tying field goal early in the fourth. But the bottom line is that Printers had to be better.
Fortunately, he did not use a quadriceps injury suffered against Saskatchewan on Saturday as an excuse, noting it slowed him down at times but was fine at others. But he also could have accepted more responsibility for his mistakes.
“You’ve gotta watch the field,” said Printers. “It’s tough to sit back and say what we coulda did and what we shoulda did … It’s just a growing process and we’ll get it together.”
Sooner rather than later.
The B.C. quarterback performed brilliantly at times and dreadfully at others as the Lions fell 16-12 to the Montreal Alouettes at Empire Field.
“It was a game that we coulda won, shoulda won let get away,” said B.C. coach Wally Buono, whose team is now 1-2 on the season. “We had opportunities to get points on the board and we didn’t do that.”
Late in the second quarter, Printers looked like the quarterback who was chosen the Canadian Football League’s outstanding player in 2004 as he rallied the Lions from a 6-2 deficit to a 9-6 advantage. With two Montreal defensive lineman running straight at him, he connected with Jamal Robertson on a screen pass for a 14-yard touchdown.
He also took charge in the third quarter as the Lions built a 12-6 lead on a Paul McCallum field goal. But in the final 10 minutes, he suffered a meltdown, overthrowing and underthrowing open receivers as Montreal’s Damon Duval booted three field goals and a punt single to put the Als ahead.
The Lions’ shoddy fourth quarter spoiled a strong effort from a rookie-laden defensive backfield and a rebuilt D-line.
“There was a lot of concern about five rookies on defence,” said Buono. “They didn’t cave. There was a lot of concern about our offensive line, and I thought overall they did a good job.”
But with the game on the line in the closing minutes, Printers tossed three straight incomplete passes, one to Emanuel Arcenaux and pair to O’Neil Wilson. The B.C. quarterback caught a break as Montreal was called for pass interference on second attempt to Wilson, putting the ball on the B.C. 48-yard line.
On the very next play, Printers threw the ball behind Paris Jackson and Montreal defensive back Jerald Brown hauled it in to preserve the victory.
“There was miscommunication with the receivers,” said Buono. “You can’t put the onus just on the quarterback and you just can’t put the onus on the receivers. That’s a part of working together and making sure that … the receiver has an option. The quarterback has to see the same thing. Tonight, too often, that wasn’t the case.”
As a result, the Lions lost a regular season game at home to Montreal for the first time in 10 years – while holding one of the league’s best offences without a touchdown.
Printers completed 20 of 40 passes for a modest 253 yards and the lone touchdown while also tossing two interceptions.
“Everybody played their tails off, and it’s just too bad we came up short,” said Printers.
It might have been a different story if Robertson had not fumbled in the third quarter to set up Duval’s game-tying field goal early in the fourth. But the bottom line is that Printers had to be better.
Fortunately, he did not use a quadriceps injury suffered against Saskatchewan on Saturday as an excuse, noting it slowed him down at times but was fine at others. But he also could have accepted more responsibility for his mistakes.
“You’ve gotta watch the field,” said Printers. “It’s tough to sit back and say what we coulda did and what we shoulda did … It’s just a growing process and we’ll get it together.”
Sooner rather than later.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Lulay says he'll be ready to play if Printers can't go
The 2010 CFL season has barely begun, but the B.C. Lions already have questions about their quarterbacks.
Casey Printers’ playing status is in doubt after he was sidelined with a quadrcips injury with 22 seconds left in the first half as the Lions lost their home opener 37-18 to the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Printers said he injured his quad just before he was by Brent Hawkins.
“We’ll see,” said Printers when asked if he could play Friday against the Montreal Alouettes. “I just can’t give you a solid answer right now. Something weird kind of popped. It’s just kind of frustrating.”
Printers completed 10 of 14 passes and threaded a 32-yard touchdown pass between two defenders to Geroy Simon in the first half as the Lions trailed just 13-10 at half-time. But backup Travis Lulay, playing behind a new offensive line that struggled, could accomplish little in the second half until he unleashed a 98-year touchdown pass – the longest of his career – to Simon just over two minutes left in the game.
“We got the loss, but I’m not going to pick on myself,” said Lulay. “I’m confident that if I’m up next week, I’ll be good to go.”
Lulay’s long TD pass to Simon was the most electric play of the night and came after some adversity. A few minutes earlier, he had fumbled while being sacked by Hawkins and the defensive lineman recovered the ball and ran for a 40-yard major. Then Lulay was sacked on his next play from scrimmage. But he got up and threw the TD on the following snap.
“The thing that I thought was good about it you got veteran downs,” said Lulay. “You’re finishing the game with a high. That shows you’re not going to quit, that shows some resilience, and that was good to see.”
Especially considering that he might have to start against the defending Grey Cup-champion Als.
“Every week, I’ve been checking all the stats, because you never know what could happen,” said Lulay. “I’ll prepare the same way this week.”
Casey Printers’ playing status is in doubt after he was sidelined with a quadrcips injury with 22 seconds left in the first half as the Lions lost their home opener 37-18 to the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Printers said he injured his quad just before he was by Brent Hawkins.
“We’ll see,” said Printers when asked if he could play Friday against the Montreal Alouettes. “I just can’t give you a solid answer right now. Something weird kind of popped. It’s just kind of frustrating.”
Printers completed 10 of 14 passes and threaded a 32-yard touchdown pass between two defenders to Geroy Simon in the first half as the Lions trailed just 13-10 at half-time. But backup Travis Lulay, playing behind a new offensive line that struggled, could accomplish little in the second half until he unleashed a 98-year touchdown pass – the longest of his career – to Simon just over two minutes left in the game.
“We got the loss, but I’m not going to pick on myself,” said Lulay. “I’m confident that if I’m up next week, I’ll be good to go.”
Lulay’s long TD pass to Simon was the most electric play of the night and came after some adversity. A few minutes earlier, he had fumbled while being sacked by Hawkins and the defensive lineman recovered the ball and ran for a 40-yard major. Then Lulay was sacked on his next play from scrimmage. But he got up and threw the TD on the following snap.
“The thing that I thought was good about it you got veteran downs,” said Lulay. “You’re finishing the game with a high. That shows you’re not going to quit, that shows some resilience, and that was good to see.”
Especially considering that he might have to start against the defending Grey Cup-champion Als.
“Every week, I’ve been checking all the stats, because you never know what could happen,” said Lulay. “I’ll prepare the same way this week.”
Empire Field home opener mixes old and new
Empire struck back Saturday night.
For many fans and scribes of a certain vintage, the B.C. Lions’ 2010 CFL regular season home opener against the Saskatchewan Roughriders evoked memories of Empire Stadium.
With BC Place getting a new retractable roof and out of commission until 2011, the Lions are playing this season at temporary Empire Field, where Empire Stadium once stood. It was the Lions’ first outdoor home regular season game since November 6, 1982.
The first thing you noticed, aside from the scorching sun in the early going and clear blue sky until darkness fell, was the missing scoreboard. It used to hang over the south end stands and even, in the stadium’s final years, had a replay screen that was dodgy but ahead of its time. Now, the replay screen is of much better quality and rests over the north seats.
Other observations: The track, on which Britain’s Roger Bannister edge Australian John Landy ran their Miracle Mile at the 1954 Empire Games, is also gone, the dark green field was as flat as the Saskatchewan prairie – not like the old one with the crown in the middle and slight slopes on each side.
The end zones are much smaller and the fans much closer as a result. But roof support beams on each side still block views, making it difficult for Saskatchewan’s radio crew.
More seats spell higher stands in the north end zone, obstructing views of the North Shore mountains.
And, all of the seats have backs while all of the ones in Old Empire consisted of bleachers. But while Old Empire had a sense of openness, New – crammed – Empire feels like you’re sitting in a giant Bento box.
However, portable stands and all, the new place has an indescribable charm and an old-time aura of a packed house that the former facility failed to produce often – especially after the weakened east stands were condemned in its final years.
A lot has happened in the CFL since then. Don Matthews, first with B.C. and then with a host of other clubs, and Wally Buono, first with Calgary and then B.C. set all-time coaching records. Most of the league’s players careers came and went and a new generation of players merely entered the world. Many of Saturday’s participants were not born or were mere toddlers when the Lions last play outdoors at home.
However, as the presence of Dal Richards and his orchestra might have shown (although the Beefeater Band was nowhere to be seen), Saturday’s game at the New Empire was a testament – yet again – to the endurance of the CFL.
As occurred in the early 1980s, fathers took their sons to games, some moms and daughters went, too – along with grandparents. Next year, the new stadium will be gone – or maybe it won’t be, if political leaders wisen up to the importance of a large outdoor community facility on the PNE grounds.
Sometime in the future, kids will tell their kids about the year they went to New Empire one Saturday night, and something purely personal and highly meaningful happened. They will forget that the Lions played poorly in a 37-11 setback, although it will take Buono a while to get over the chance to win on an historic occasion.
“When you have a game like this in front of a sellout crowd, first game at Empire …,” he lamented afterwards.
Eventually, the bad plays will be erased by time, but the tradition of families going to games together will continue.
And, years from now, enabling that to happen, by mixing old and new with a special twist, will be New Empire’s biggest contribution to the B.C. Lions and CFL in 2010.
For many fans and scribes of a certain vintage, the B.C. Lions’ 2010 CFL regular season home opener against the Saskatchewan Roughriders evoked memories of Empire Stadium.
With BC Place getting a new retractable roof and out of commission until 2011, the Lions are playing this season at temporary Empire Field, where Empire Stadium once stood. It was the Lions’ first outdoor home regular season game since November 6, 1982.
The first thing you noticed, aside from the scorching sun in the early going and clear blue sky until darkness fell, was the missing scoreboard. It used to hang over the south end stands and even, in the stadium’s final years, had a replay screen that was dodgy but ahead of its time. Now, the replay screen is of much better quality and rests over the north seats.
Other observations: The track, on which Britain’s Roger Bannister edge Australian John Landy ran their Miracle Mile at the 1954 Empire Games, is also gone, the dark green field was as flat as the Saskatchewan prairie – not like the old one with the crown in the middle and slight slopes on each side.
The end zones are much smaller and the fans much closer as a result. But roof support beams on each side still block views, making it difficult for Saskatchewan’s radio crew.
More seats spell higher stands in the north end zone, obstructing views of the North Shore mountains.
And, all of the seats have backs while all of the ones in Old Empire consisted of bleachers. But while Old Empire had a sense of openness, New – crammed – Empire feels like you’re sitting in a giant Bento box.
However, portable stands and all, the new place has an indescribable charm and an old-time aura of a packed house that the former facility failed to produce often – especially after the weakened east stands were condemned in its final years.
A lot has happened in the CFL since then. Don Matthews, first with B.C. and then with a host of other clubs, and Wally Buono, first with Calgary and then B.C. set all-time coaching records. Most of the league’s players careers came and went and a new generation of players merely entered the world. Many of Saturday’s participants were not born or were mere toddlers when the Lions last play outdoors at home.
However, as the presence of Dal Richards and his orchestra might have shown (although the Beefeater Band was nowhere to be seen), Saturday’s game at the New Empire was a testament – yet again – to the endurance of the CFL.
As occurred in the early 1980s, fathers took their sons to games, some moms and daughters went, too – along with grandparents. Next year, the new stadium will be gone – or maybe it won’t be, if political leaders wisen up to the importance of a large outdoor community facility on the PNE grounds.
Sometime in the future, kids will tell their kids about the year they went to New Empire one Saturday night, and something purely personal and highly meaningful happened. They will forget that the Lions played poorly in a 37-11 setback, although it will take Buono a while to get over the chance to win on an historic occasion.
“When you have a game like this in front of a sellout crowd, first game at Empire …,” he lamented afterwards.
Eventually, the bad plays will be erased by time, but the tradition of families going to games together will continue.
And, years from now, enabling that to happen, by mixing old and new with a special twist, will be New Empire’s biggest contribution to the B.C. Lions and CFL in 2010.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Lions evoke memories of 2001 Stamps
The B.C. Lions got what they deserved Sunday.
A solid 34-27 overtime CFL Eastern semi-final victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
The Lions played with the desperation that they have lacked at other times this season. Their starting quarterback managed to play a full game, and their defence held up in overtime, despite the usual meltdown in the final minute of the fourth quarter.
As a result, B.C. handed Hamilton a heart-breaking loss in its first home playoff game since 2001 and first playoff appearance in five seasons. Now, the Lions are evoking memories of an 8-10 Calgary team that Buono coached to the 2001 Grey Cup title after it also had injuries to its key quarterbacks.
Buono and his then Calgary coaching staff, many of whom are now with the Lions, managed to inject enough confidence in journeyman QB Marcus Crandell that he played like the second coming of Johnny Unitas. Casey Printers does not lack confidence, and he has much more ability than Crandell, who never showed the same magic again. Which suggests the Lions will give the Montreal Alouettes a run for their money in next weekend's Eastern Final.
Talent-wise, says Buono, this Lions club is much better than his 2001 Stamps. And, now, a B.C. club that began the season 1-4 and suffered three straight losses before Sunday is one win away from the Grey Cup.
A championship game berth would be a fitting finish for the underdog Lions. They have used five quarterbacks, including four starters, while also battling major injuries to running back Martell Mallett, kicker Paul McCallum and centre Angus Reid, among others.
How much whackier can their season get? We're about to find out.
A solid 34-27 overtime CFL Eastern semi-final victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
The Lions played with the desperation that they have lacked at other times this season. Their starting quarterback managed to play a full game, and their defence held up in overtime, despite the usual meltdown in the final minute of the fourth quarter.
As a result, B.C. handed Hamilton a heart-breaking loss in its first home playoff game since 2001 and first playoff appearance in five seasons. Now, the Lions are evoking memories of an 8-10 Calgary team that Buono coached to the 2001 Grey Cup title after it also had injuries to its key quarterbacks.
Buono and his then Calgary coaching staff, many of whom are now with the Lions, managed to inject enough confidence in journeyman QB Marcus Crandell that he played like the second coming of Johnny Unitas. Casey Printers does not lack confidence, and he has much more ability than Crandell, who never showed the same magic again. Which suggests the Lions will give the Montreal Alouettes a run for their money in next weekend's Eastern Final.
Talent-wise, says Buono, this Lions club is much better than his 2001 Stamps. And, now, a B.C. club that began the season 1-4 and suffered three straight losses before Sunday is one win away from the Grey Cup.
A championship game berth would be a fitting finish for the underdog Lions. They have used five quarterbacks, including four starters, while also battling major injuries to running back Martell Mallett, kicker Paul McCallum and centre Angus Reid, among others.
How much whackier can their season get? We're about to find out.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Many Lions facing last game together
The B.C. Lions caught a break Sunday. For a change, it wasn't a fractured limb.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats did the Lions a favour by beating Winnipeg 39-17, eliminating the Blue Bombers and putting the hard-luck Lions in the CFL playoffs.
Just how the Lions will fare against the Ticats is anybody's guess, but it was good to see the Leos get a reprieve after their embarrassing 45-13 loss to the Edmonton Eskimos on Friday. The one-sided setback was a gift to the Eskimos as both starting quarterback Casey Printers and nominal backup Buck Pierce went down with injuries.
"I tried to do everything in my power to go back out there on the field and put some drives together but, physically, I just couldn’t do it,” said Pierce, who re-entered the game briefly in the second half. “You can kind of feel how we feel right now. It’s hard to process right now what we just went through. A lot of guys in this locker room have never experienced something like this – so many times this year."
Often through no fault of their own as bizarre injuries took their toll.
Pierce showed his character as he put his shoulder pads back on after taking a couple of injections and undergoing treatment to loosen up his arm.
“It’s been a tough year,” said Pierce. “This shoulder thing, it’s worn me out emotionally and physically.”
His season is, almost certainly, over. Buono will likely go with Printers, who was showing signs of early recovery from a jammed thumb, rookie Travis Lulay, almost fully recovered from a shoulder injury, and Zac Champion, the only other available quarterback.
“It’s unbelievable,” said dejected receiver Geroy Simon. “We can’t keep a quarterback healthy to save our lives. This is amazing. It’s like we’ve never even played football before.
“How many quarterbacks do we need to go through in a season?”
As it turns out, five.
“This (Edmonton) game is the story of our season,” said Simon. “It’s the biggest game of the year and we don’t show up to play."
You can bet the Lions will show up next Sunday as they get an opportunity to avenge two earlier losses to Hamilton. It's a question of whether the quarterbacking carousel starts to pay off now or later.
Eventually, the use of five quarterbacks will benefit B.C., presuming some can stay healthy. The pivots' experience makes them marketable assets in a leage that has trouble recruiting pivots with extensive pro playing time. Buono, who spent this season rebuilding the offence, can deal some QBs as part of his inevitable defensive remake in the coming off-season.
Say what you will about the quarterback troubles, the defence is largely to blame for this whacky 8-10 Lions season. If the defenders could have held the Calgary Stampeders for a minute and 35 seconds, the Lions would be hosting a playoff game, not playing as the crossover team in the East.
Despite a dominant front four, the defence continued a trend, started last season, of allowing big gains at critical times. For all his bravado, mid-season middle linebacker pick-up JoJuan Armour has had little effect, especially against the run. Meanwhile, the veteran secondary, which includes Barron Miles, Dante Marsh and Korey Banks, has lost its former magic. Its extreme makeover is imminent.
Whatever happens against the Ticats, the Lions should enjoy the semi-final. For many of them, it could be their last game in a Lions uniform.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats did the Lions a favour by beating Winnipeg 39-17, eliminating the Blue Bombers and putting the hard-luck Lions in the CFL playoffs.
Just how the Lions will fare against the Ticats is anybody's guess, but it was good to see the Leos get a reprieve after their embarrassing 45-13 loss to the Edmonton Eskimos on Friday. The one-sided setback was a gift to the Eskimos as both starting quarterback Casey Printers and nominal backup Buck Pierce went down with injuries.
"I tried to do everything in my power to go back out there on the field and put some drives together but, physically, I just couldn’t do it,” said Pierce, who re-entered the game briefly in the second half. “You can kind of feel how we feel right now. It’s hard to process right now what we just went through. A lot of guys in this locker room have never experienced something like this – so many times this year."
Often through no fault of their own as bizarre injuries took their toll.
Pierce showed his character as he put his shoulder pads back on after taking a couple of injections and undergoing treatment to loosen up his arm.
“It’s been a tough year,” said Pierce. “This shoulder thing, it’s worn me out emotionally and physically.”
His season is, almost certainly, over. Buono will likely go with Printers, who was showing signs of early recovery from a jammed thumb, rookie Travis Lulay, almost fully recovered from a shoulder injury, and Zac Champion, the only other available quarterback.
“It’s unbelievable,” said dejected receiver Geroy Simon. “We can’t keep a quarterback healthy to save our lives. This is amazing. It’s like we’ve never even played football before.
“How many quarterbacks do we need to go through in a season?”
As it turns out, five.
“This (Edmonton) game is the story of our season,” said Simon. “It’s the biggest game of the year and we don’t show up to play."
You can bet the Lions will show up next Sunday as they get an opportunity to avenge two earlier losses to Hamilton. It's a question of whether the quarterbacking carousel starts to pay off now or later.
Eventually, the use of five quarterbacks will benefit B.C., presuming some can stay healthy. The pivots' experience makes them marketable assets in a leage that has trouble recruiting pivots with extensive pro playing time. Buono, who spent this season rebuilding the offence, can deal some QBs as part of his inevitable defensive remake in the coming off-season.
Say what you will about the quarterback troubles, the defence is largely to blame for this whacky 8-10 Lions season. If the defenders could have held the Calgary Stampeders for a minute and 35 seconds, the Lions would be hosting a playoff game, not playing as the crossover team in the East.
Despite a dominant front four, the defence continued a trend, started last season, of allowing big gains at critical times. For all his bravado, mid-season middle linebacker pick-up JoJuan Armour has had little effect, especially against the run. Meanwhile, the veteran secondary, which includes Barron Miles, Dante Marsh and Korey Banks, has lost its former magic. Its extreme makeover is imminent.
Whatever happens against the Ticats, the Lions should enjoy the semi-final. For many of them, it could be their last game in a Lions uniform.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Printers approaching expiry date
Let's hope Casey Printers gets it this time.
"It" is the understanding that pro sports careers are fleeting at the best of times. "It" is the understanding that the opportunity to compete or just hang out with the team is priceless and time-limited.
If you talk to any athlete, he or she will tell you that the opportunity to compete at the highest level and go after a Stanley Cup, Grey Cup or even a Mann Cup makes up for any fame, or fortune, or risk. Theoren Fleury gets it. That's why he tried to resurrect his hockey career after six years away from the NHL because of substance abuse issues.
Dave Scatchard gets it. That's why he was trying out with the Vancouver Canucks after more than a season away from the NHL because of concussion problems, and was still saying all the right things as the club cut him without giving him another chance after he suffered a groin injury or whatever it was. (He wasn't saying exactly.)
Dave Dickenson got it. That's why he signed with the Calgary Stampeders after B.C. Lions general manager and coach Wally Buono chose to release him out of concern that he would suffer another concussion. That's also why Dickenson returned to the Canadian Football League when he probably could have carried a clipboard in the NFL for another season or two and made more money.
Alas, Buono's fears were realized and Dickenson's career did end prematurely, but it much longer than many other CFL quarterback hopefuls.
Printers didn't get it in his first go-round with the Lions, so he chose to bolt to the NFL, after he was offered a deal that likely would have landed him the No. 1 quarterback spot ahead of Dickenson. And, that's why he signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats after initially agreeing to terms with the Montreal Alouettes.
But maybe he gets it now, after Hamilton cut him and no other team wanted him until Buono three him a life line after Buck Pierce and Jarious Jackson came down with injury problems. Tonight, Printers will dress as the third-string quarterback as the Lions visit the Edmonton Eskimos.
Reports suggest that he has been a model teammate while biding his time on the practice roster and showing a good grasp of the playbook. He has told reporters that "it" is all about the team now. Well, Casey, cliche or no cliche, most sports always have been about the team.
Let's hope he finally realizes that athletes have short shelf lives. Sometimes that shelf life can last 20 seasons. Sometimes the expiry date comes after 20 days.
Why do you think Brett Favre signed with the Minnesota Vikings?
For those who play the games at the highest level, careers never last long enough. If Edmonton Oilers coach Pat Quinn had his way, he would still be playing, even after almost three decades behind the bench.
The same likely goes for Buono.
I have seen "it" a lot over the past month or so while covering the Mann Cup lacrosse championship series, NHL preseason and the CFL. I saw it when Chris Gill of the New Westminster Salmonbellies saw his chance at a home-floor slip title away, after he had waited and hoped for 16 years, and he knew that the series would likely be his last at the senior A level.
The series showed what athletes are willing to do just to have a chance to compete and excel.
Brampton Excelsiors goaltender Anthony Cosmo flew across the country three times in the span of a week to help his team and preserve his teaching job back home in Ontario. Dan Dawson also went back and forth while trying to meet the requirements of being a rookie firefighter.
I saw "it" with Fleury in a pre-season game against the Vancouver Canucks, and I saw it with a desperate Scatchard in another exhibition tilt against Quinn's Oilers. Scatchard was one of the best players on the ice that night.
And, I saw it with Tanner Glass, a longshot to make the team, who actually beat out highly-touted rookie Cody Hodgson. And, I saw "it" when disgruntled veteran Lions kicker Paul McCallum watched on the sidelines in street clothes as rookie Sean Whyte booted the winning field goal in a victory over Saskatchewan.
Whyte got his chance to play regularly this season only after McCallum was injured while making a tackle on a return. (His desire to compete was evident there, too. As a rule, kickers do not tackle.)
Buono, somewhat surprisingly is giving McCallum another chance tonight as he replaces Whyte. McCallum, 39, will play like it is the final game of his career because, no matter what happens, he knows that the time to hang up his kicking shoe will soon come.
In theory, Printers, about a decade younger and a former CFL Most Outstanding Player award winner, should have much more time left. But he has clearly worn out his welcome.
Buono is only giving him a chance because the club lacks quarterbacking depth. Travis Lulay, tonight's backup, and Zac Champion, relegated to the practice roster, show great promise but lack pro experience. Printers should view tonight's game as one of his last.
If he does, he'll finally get "it".
"It" is the understanding that pro sports careers are fleeting at the best of times. "It" is the understanding that the opportunity to compete or just hang out with the team is priceless and time-limited.
If you talk to any athlete, he or she will tell you that the opportunity to compete at the highest level and go after a Stanley Cup, Grey Cup or even a Mann Cup makes up for any fame, or fortune, or risk. Theoren Fleury gets it. That's why he tried to resurrect his hockey career after six years away from the NHL because of substance abuse issues.
Dave Scatchard gets it. That's why he was trying out with the Vancouver Canucks after more than a season away from the NHL because of concussion problems, and was still saying all the right things as the club cut him without giving him another chance after he suffered a groin injury or whatever it was. (He wasn't saying exactly.)
Dave Dickenson got it. That's why he signed with the Calgary Stampeders after B.C. Lions general manager and coach Wally Buono chose to release him out of concern that he would suffer another concussion. That's also why Dickenson returned to the Canadian Football League when he probably could have carried a clipboard in the NFL for another season or two and made more money.
Alas, Buono's fears were realized and Dickenson's career did end prematurely, but it much longer than many other CFL quarterback hopefuls.
Printers didn't get it in his first go-round with the Lions, so he chose to bolt to the NFL, after he was offered a deal that likely would have landed him the No. 1 quarterback spot ahead of Dickenson. And, that's why he signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats after initially agreeing to terms with the Montreal Alouettes.
But maybe he gets it now, after Hamilton cut him and no other team wanted him until Buono three him a life line after Buck Pierce and Jarious Jackson came down with injury problems. Tonight, Printers will dress as the third-string quarterback as the Lions visit the Edmonton Eskimos.
Reports suggest that he has been a model teammate while biding his time on the practice roster and showing a good grasp of the playbook. He has told reporters that "it" is all about the team now. Well, Casey, cliche or no cliche, most sports always have been about the team.
Let's hope he finally realizes that athletes have short shelf lives. Sometimes that shelf life can last 20 seasons. Sometimes the expiry date comes after 20 days.
Why do you think Brett Favre signed with the Minnesota Vikings?
For those who play the games at the highest level, careers never last long enough. If Edmonton Oilers coach Pat Quinn had his way, he would still be playing, even after almost three decades behind the bench.
The same likely goes for Buono.
I have seen "it" a lot over the past month or so while covering the Mann Cup lacrosse championship series, NHL preseason and the CFL. I saw it when Chris Gill of the New Westminster Salmonbellies saw his chance at a home-floor slip title away, after he had waited and hoped for 16 years, and he knew that the series would likely be his last at the senior A level.
The series showed what athletes are willing to do just to have a chance to compete and excel.
Brampton Excelsiors goaltender Anthony Cosmo flew across the country three times in the span of a week to help his team and preserve his teaching job back home in Ontario. Dan Dawson also went back and forth while trying to meet the requirements of being a rookie firefighter.
I saw "it" with Fleury in a pre-season game against the Vancouver Canucks, and I saw it with a desperate Scatchard in another exhibition tilt against Quinn's Oilers. Scatchard was one of the best players on the ice that night.
And, I saw it with Tanner Glass, a longshot to make the team, who actually beat out highly-touted rookie Cody Hodgson. And, I saw "it" when disgruntled veteran Lions kicker Paul McCallum watched on the sidelines in street clothes as rookie Sean Whyte booted the winning field goal in a victory over Saskatchewan.
Whyte got his chance to play regularly this season only after McCallum was injured while making a tackle on a return. (His desire to compete was evident there, too. As a rule, kickers do not tackle.)
Buono, somewhat surprisingly is giving McCallum another chance tonight as he replaces Whyte. McCallum, 39, will play like it is the final game of his career because, no matter what happens, he knows that the time to hang up his kicking shoe will soon come.
In theory, Printers, about a decade younger and a former CFL Most Outstanding Player award winner, should have much more time left. But he has clearly worn out his welcome.
Buono is only giving him a chance because the club lacks quarterbacking depth. Travis Lulay, tonight's backup, and Zac Champion, relegated to the practice roster, show great promise but lack pro experience. Printers should view tonight's game as one of his last.
If he does, he'll finally get "it".
Friday, September 18, 2009
Printers not the answer to Lions' QB woes
The B.C. Lions need another quarterback.
They don't need Casey Printers to come back.
Jarious Jackson's torn rotator cuff put Lions general manager and head coach Wally Buono in a bind. With Jackson out for three to five weeks and Buck Pierce susceptible to more concussions, the Lions need another veteran quarterback. Pierce will start Saturday against the Toronto Argonauts at BC Place Stadium, but whether he will finish the game is anybody's guess.
Rookie Travis Lulay, who will serve as the backup, and sophomore Zac Champion, who moves off the taxi squad to become the third stringer, are clearly not ready for prime. The Lions (4-6) need a veteran QB who can help them have a strong finish to a troubled season -- not just a game -- as they battle for a playoff spot.
But Printers is not the answer. He has not played enough since attempting to return to the CFL from the NFL, and his poutiness makes him poison in the dressing room.
Another option could be former Winnipeg pivot Ryan Dinwiddie, who is now an assistant coach with an Idaho high school team after vowing that his playing days were done. Dinwiddie, 28, is no superstar, but he fared reasonably well as a Grey Cup fill-in starter a couple of years ago.
He would be insurance in case Pierce goes down, and there is a good chance that he will.
The trouble is, proven veteran backups, who can step in as starters, are hard to come by in the CFL. Edmonton's Jason Maas has cornered the market on the reliever role, but struggles as a starter.
It's time for player personnel director Roy Shivers to work his magic again and find a diamond in the rough -- who can start right away, if necessary.
They don't need Casey Printers to come back.
Jarious Jackson's torn rotator cuff put Lions general manager and head coach Wally Buono in a bind. With Jackson out for three to five weeks and Buck Pierce susceptible to more concussions, the Lions need another veteran quarterback. Pierce will start Saturday against the Toronto Argonauts at BC Place Stadium, but whether he will finish the game is anybody's guess.
Rookie Travis Lulay, who will serve as the backup, and sophomore Zac Champion, who moves off the taxi squad to become the third stringer, are clearly not ready for prime. The Lions (4-6) need a veteran QB who can help them have a strong finish to a troubled season -- not just a game -- as they battle for a playoff spot.
But Printers is not the answer. He has not played enough since attempting to return to the CFL from the NFL, and his poutiness makes him poison in the dressing room.
Another option could be former Winnipeg pivot Ryan Dinwiddie, who is now an assistant coach with an Idaho high school team after vowing that his playing days were done. Dinwiddie, 28, is no superstar, but he fared reasonably well as a Grey Cup fill-in starter a couple of years ago.
He would be insurance in case Pierce goes down, and there is a good chance that he will.
The trouble is, proven veteran backups, who can step in as starters, are hard to come by in the CFL. Edmonton's Jason Maas has cornered the market on the reliever role, but struggles as a starter.
It's time for player personnel director Roy Shivers to work his magic again and find a diamond in the rough -- who can start right away, if necessary.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
