Riders ready for red-hot B.C. Lions
THE SCENARIO: The Saskatchewan Roughriders (6-6) and B.C. Lions (9-3) meet today for the third of four meetings between the teams. The teams split the first two games. Game 4 is slated for Nov. 3 in Vancouver.
LOOKING BACK: The Riders held off a fourth-quarter rally en route to a 30-25 victory over the visiting Stampeders on Sunday. The Lions roared back from a 153 halftime deficit to beat the Eskimos 19-18 on a last-minute field goal by Paul McCallum last Saturday.
LOOKING AHEAD: The Riders are in Toronto to play the Argonauts on Oct. 8. The Lions play host to the Stampeders on Oct. 6.
MAKE SOME NOISE: Riders head coach Corey Chamblin is encouraging fans to increase the noise level at today’s game. Chamblin feels the noise makes it difficult for teams to communicate. “It just takes away one part of their game plan, so if it helps us win, so be it,’’ Chamblin said.
ROARING LIONS: The Lions, the defending Grey Cup champions, have won seven of their last eight games since snapping a twogame losing streak July 28 with a 34-8 win over the Stampeders. The Riders defeated the Lions 23-20 on July 14 and the Eskimos beat B.C. 27-14 on July 10, which was the last time the Lions lost two straight.
WHERE’S KERON? Controlling defensive end Keron Williams is a key to the Riders keeping quarterback Darian Durant on his feet. Williams was tied for the league lead with eight sacks, including two in his last two games against the Riders, heading into this week’s action. The pressure is on right tackle Pat Neufeld to give Durant time while handling Williams, who boasts speed and power. Williams has been a sack machine against the Riders, recording six in six games with the Lions.
NO MITCHELL: Controversial defensive tackle Khalif Mitchell is sidelined with a thigh injury. Mitchell was also sidelined when the Riders defeated the Lions on July 14. Jabar Westerman, a rookie who has three sacks, and import Maurice Evans are to fill in for Mitchell.
LULAY IN CHARGE: B.C. quarterback Travis Lulay has completed at least one touchdown pass in each of his last 23 games. He has thrown 46 touchdown passes during the 23-game run and B.C. has gone 19-4 over that span. Montreal’s Sam Etcheverry holds the league record with 34 consecutive games with at least one touchdown pass.
DEFENSIVE SHUFFLE: The Riders are missing four starters on defence — defensive end Brent Hawkins (abdominal), halfback Eddie Russ (ankle) and defensive tackles Keith Shologan (shoulder) and Mick Williams (knee). Hawkins is out for the second game with the injury. Tearrius George moved from defensive tackle to fill in for Hawkins. George doesn’t have Hawkins’ speed, but he does have power to muscle by offensive linemen. Robert Rose (who was signed on Wednesday), Jay Alford and Regina product Zach Evans will rotate at defensive tackle. The Riders will use a rotation of Odell Willis, David Veikune and George at defensive end. Outside linebacker Shomari Williams may also be used to add some speed as a rush end.
RETURN GAME: Lions returner Tim Brown, who was third in the CFL with 1,772 combined yards heading into the weekend, is sidelined with a bruised collarbone. Rookie Anthony Stewart is to take over from Brown. Stewart is 5-foot-8 and 180 pounds and has the quickness to break open a long return.
BACKING THE BACKERS: Solomon Elimimian is to make his 2012 CFL debut after missing the first half of the season while trying out for the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns. Adam Bighill is having an all-star season at middle linebacker, but the Lions have practised with alignments with both players on the field. Either Bighill or Elimimian would play outside linebacker. Elimimian is also expected to play on special teams and as a speed rusher at defensive end.
START THE CARR: Riders receiver Greg Carr is on the active roster for the second consecutive game. At 6-foot-6, he’s an inviting target. Carr has primarily been a wide receiver with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Eskimos, but received more repetitions at slotback this week with Brooks Foster on the sidelines with an undisclosed injury. Carr is becoming more familiar with quarterback Darian Durant and the Riders have plans to include him more in offensive plays against the Lions.