CFL B.C. Lions

Lions Host Eskimos in Preseason Finale Tonight

June 21, 2013 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
B.C. Lions News Release


The BC Lions host the Edmonton Eskimos in their second and final pre-season tilt before kicking off the regular season next week in Calgary. The Lions come into tonight's game after wrapping up a three-week training camp in sunny Kamloops on Wednesday.

Head coach Mike Benevides is likely the envy of a number of CFL coaches as he decides who will make the grade among some significant depth at a host of key positions.

After close to a month of practices, meetings and one preseason win, the 2013 version of the BC Lions is ready to roll but will first have to face an Eskimo club with a familiar face at quarterback as former Lions back-up Mike Reilly returns as the Esks' starting pivot.

Reilly's close friend, Travis Lulay, enjoyed one of his finest training camps as a Lion and will see action well into the third quarter of tonight's regular season primer. The two-time West Division All-Star was crisp during his time in Kamloops and has a stable of receivers that could be the toast of the CFL.

In addition to solidified starting roles for Nick Moore and Courtney Taylor, the Lions offensive attack also features speedy Canadians Shawn Gore and Marco Iannuzzi and of course, the return of Emmanuel Arceneaux. Look for plenty of fireworks out of the Leos as they look to set the groundwork for a quick start to the 2013 campaign.

Keeping Lulay standing will be the key to the club's success on offense and fans will get a glimpse of the future as second-year Lion Matt Norman steps in at centre in place of veteran Angus Reid. Beside Norman at guard is 2012 first-round draft selection Kirby Fabien who was nothing short of dominant in training camp.

Running back Andrew Harris has added some bulk to his frame after a season as the club's feature back. The Lions sat the crafty ball carrier for its first preseason tilt last week in Calgary, but look for Harris to get a steady diet of carries before giving way to fullback Rolly Lumbala and fellow running backs Tim Brown and newcomer Isi Sofele.

On defence, the CFL's stingiest group of 12 from a year ago returns most of its moving parts, but also includes two new faces in the secondary. Newcomer Cord Parks appears to be a quick study out on the corner beside veteran Ryan Phillips while second-year Leo Josh Bell assumes a halfback spot on the other side of the field beside Dante Marsh. Veteran safety J.R. LaRose also returns to fulltime defensive duty with local product Matt McGarva as his understudy.

At linebacker, the terrible twosome of Bighill and Elimimian coupled with Korey Banks who returns to his nickel position give the Leos plenty of stopping power, not to mention some veteran instincts. Look for Canadians Jason Arakgi and Joash Gesse to see some defensive reps as well as coordinator Rich Stubler makes sure everyone is on the same page heading into 2013.

The Lions will be a nasty bunch along the defensive line too, as sack leader Keron Williams rotates from his end position to tackle alongside Eric Taylor with local junior Steven Doege and second-year lineman Brandon Jordan sharing duties outside at one end and veteran Khreem Smith effective as ever at the other.

On a team that appears set on offence and defence, the drama may come on special teams with third-year Lion kicker Hugh O'Neill pushing for a fulltime gig. Consistent and confident, don't expect Paul McCallum to relinquish the reins without making a compelling argument that he's still got game.

Among the returners, rookie Korey Williams' 105-yard kickoff return in Calgary was the spark in the team's comeback win and certainly didn't go unnoticed. He'll get another chance to shine tonight on the fast track of BC Place.

The Lions kick off the 2013 campaign with a preseason tilt versus the Edmonton Eskimos on Friday, June 21 at 7:00 pm presented by Save-On-Foods. The first 10,000 fans through the gates receive the first in a series of four commemorative mini-helmets courtesy of Save-On-Foods.

Tickets in the Gemstone Gridiron Deck ($30) and Family Zone ($25) are available at Ticketmaster.ca.

The BC Lions begin their regular season home schedule on Thursday, July 4 at 7:00 pm versus the reigning Grey Cup champion Toronto Argonauts presented by TELUS.

The BC Lions celebrate 60 Seasons of Pride in 2013. For season ticket information call 604.589.ROAR. For more information on the BC Lions Football Club visit bclions.com.

Check out the B.C. Lions Statistics



Canadian Football League Stories from June 21, 2013


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