Lions’ coach considers tonight to be a playoff ‘dress rehearsal’
B.C. in tough against Riders at rowdy Regina
SURREY — B.C. Lions coach Wally Buono knows his club will be heading into a “tough environment” when they visit the Saskatchewan Roughriders tonight. “You’re on the road. You know it’s going to be really loud, they’re going to be really aggressive. So it’s a fun game,” said Buono.
Both the Riders (11-6) and Lions (9-7) have already earned playoff spots, but the final two weeks of the regular season could sway the standings.
A win or tie for Saskatchewan tonight would also guarantee the team home-field advantage.
The intensity of the Lions-Riders matchup may be a hint at what’s to come, Buono said.
“I’ve already sold this game as a dress rehearsal for the playoffs,” he said, noting that his squad may well face a tough road game to kick off the post-season.
The Riders are the only team the Lions have yet to win against this year, and the only squad that has beat B.C. in Vancouver.
The two teams met on Aug. 25, when Saskatchewan snatched a 24-21 win.
Buono said after that game that he may not have the right players to win.
The Lions have only dropped one game since.
The team has been playing with playoff-level intensity for the last seven or eight weeks, said quarterback Travis Lulay.
“Every game has felt like it’s the biggest game of the year. So that works in our favour in terms of preparing for a high-pressure game,” Lulay said.
Saskatchewan’s known to get between the quarterback and the ball, with defensive lineman Charleston Hughes leading the league with 15 sacks.
Hughes missed last week’s game after he was charged on Oct. 11 with impaired driving and failing to supply a breath sample for analysis.
He told reporters this week that he’s “embarrassed” by the situation and trying to keep his “mind in the right place.”
Hughes is due in court on the charges on Wednesday, but could be back in the lineup tonight.
Lulay said the Lions are ready for the Riders’ defence.
B.C.’s Shawn Lemon said the Lions’ defence is focused on making Riders quarterback Zach Collaros uncomfortable.
“They’re a very good team. They’ve been winning their past few games. They’re a playoff team, so I think it’s a good test for us,” said the defensive lineman.