B.C. playing for pride and some jobs next year
KEY MATCHUP Charleston Hughes vs. Justin Renfrow
We can expand this to include the Lions’ much-maligned offensive line against the Riders’ front seven; but Hughes, still one of the league’s premier pass-rushers, tends to have a field day against the Lions. Renfrow, the Lions’ right tackle, will see a lot of Hughes on Friday night. The Roughriders defence, which features former Lions Solomon Elimimian, Loucheiz Purifoy and Mike Edem, has allowed just 16.1 points per game in its 10 wins this season. The Lions offensive line has been improved since Kelly Bates took over as the position coach six weeks ago, but will have its hands full with one of the CFL’s toughest defences.
FIVE THINGS TO WATCH
1. Will the Lions show up?
It’s been a trying year for firstyear head coach DeVone Claybrooks, but he’s maintained the players have remained invested in his program. That will be put to the ultimate test this week when the
Leos, who were eliminated from the playoff picture last weekend in Edmonton, meet the Roughriders, who still have ambitions on first place in the West. The Lions are playing for jobs next season. They might also be playing for the head coach’s job.
2.
Oh, Danny boy
Danny O’Brien, who’s been in the CFL for six seasons, makes his first career start against the Roughriders. Last week, he was rushed into the game against the Eskimos when Mike Reilly suffered a broken wrist in the second series of the game. O’Brien didn’t exactly impress in his first sustained action of the season, going 12-for-23 for 103 yards in the Lions’ 19-6 loss. He’s one of the players fighting for a job next season.
3.
Who is this guy?
Last season, Cody Fajardo was the Lions’ third-string quarterback. This season, he was given the ball in Regina when Zach Collaros went down with a concussion in Week 1 and Fajardo has emerged as the Roughriders’ leader and an MOP candidate. He’s third in the CFL in passing yards, second in quarterback efficiency and is second to Winnipeg ’s Chris Streveler in rushing among quarterbacks. Fajardo reminds you of Reilly. He isn’t the most stylish pivot, but he’s a gamer and as tough as a two-dollar steak.
4.
The case for the defence
After a woeful start to the season, the Lions defence has been solid over the last two months, surrendering an average of just over 13 points per game over its last seven outings. Shawn Lemon has helped rejuvenate the pass rush, but the Lions will be without secondary leader Aaron Grymes this week after he suffered a season-ending knee injury in Edmonton.
5.
The new guys
The Lions have some young players who merit a longer look in live action. These include running back Jamel Lyles, receiver Jevon Cottoy and defensive lineman Korey Toomer. Linebacker Kevin Haynes has also impressed in his limited playing time.