B.C. Lions’ all-star linebacker returns for CFL East semifinal
B.C. getting back star linebacker, Elimimian, for East semifinal in Hamilton on Sunday
SURREY — Solomon Elimimian has spent much of the CFL season watching his teammates on the B.C. Lions’ defensive line first struggle, then surge.
After notching 26 defensive tackles in the team’s first four games, Elimimian was sidelined by a wrist injury in B.C.’s win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on July 14.
“When the team has success without you, you have to put your pride aside,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot this year.” Now the four-time All-Star linebacker is ready to get back on the field. Elimimian expects to be in the starting lineup on Sunday when the Lions (9-9) face off against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (8-10) in the East Division semifinal.
B.C. struggled to start the season, going 3-6 in the first half before winning 5-of-6 in September and October.
A powerful defensive line was key to the turn in fortunes.
It took some time for the coaching staff to figure out what the defence was good at, said Lions head coach Wally Buono.
“When you look at the transformation since then, it’s been good, it’s been strong, it’s been aggressive,” Buono said. “We’ve shut down some very good offences, and most of the time it’s been because we’ve been able to man cover them.”
Despite his injury, Elimimian was able to contribute. The 32-year-old continued showing up to practices and even travelled with the team to away games, taking on a mentorship role with younger players and helping the coaches wherever possible.
“I’m proud of myself that I was still part of it,” Elimimian said. “I wasn’t on the outside looking in. I was still able to help.”
Putting in that kind of work also eased the transition back to playing.
“It kept me into it, it kept me engaged,” Elimimian said. “We all say we’re in this together, but it’s hard to feel like that when you’re not part of things like travelling or helping out.”
Having him back will “lift the group,” not only because of his physicality, but because of his leadership both on and off the field, said veteran B.C. quarterback Travis Lulay.
Elimimian practised with his teammates this week and Lulay said he found himself smiling as they lined up for a snap.
“Solomon just plays with such emotion that it can’t help but rub off in a positive way,” Lulay said.
Now in his ninth year with the Lions, Elimimian brings “a shot of adrenalin” to the lineup with confidence and good communication, Buono said.
“The whole idea of defence is getting guys in the right position,” the coach said. “He’s very good that way, all the guys trust him, they believe in him.”
Elimimian is looking forward to his return, but knows Sunday’s match-up will be a challenge.
“(Hamilton) is a formidable team, a good team, a well-coached team,” Elimimian said. “(Jeremiah) Masoli is a good QB and they have weapons on the offensive side of the ball. So it’s going to take every single man in there to know their role and do their role effectively.”
Both the Lions and Ticats head into the playoffs looking to snap a three-game losing streak in order to keep their season alive.
B.C. and Hamilton split their regular-season series, but the Lions will have a number of fresh faces on the roster come Sunday.
They include Lulay, who missed both previous meetings with Hamilton due to injury, and running back Tyrell Sutton, who was traded to the Lions from the Montreal Alouettes in late September.
Buono expects both teams to put forward intense, exciting performances.
“You’re going to have to take advantage of opportunities, you’re going to have to eliminate any major or big mistakes. And if you don’t, then obviously you’re not going to come out a winner,” Buono surmised.
Eskimos’ coach, Maas, to return next season
EDMONTON — Jason Maas will return for a fourth season as Edmonton Eskimos head coach.
Maas’s return was in question after the
Eskimos finished the season at 9-9 and missed the playoffs. The disappointing season was compounded by the fact that Edmonton is hosting the Grey Cup later this month.
The Eskimos also announced that offensive quality controller Kelly Bates, special teams co-ordinator Dave Jackson, receivers coach DJ McCarthy and defensive quality controller Rob Payne will not return for the 2019 season.
The team clarified those changes to the coaching staff on Thursday.