Lions like what they see as ‘ B’ team rookies win late over Eskimos

EDMONTON — The Canadian Football League pre- season quarrel between the B. C. Lions and Edmonton Eskimos Friday night was a clash of coaching philosophies.

First- year head coach Chris Jones of the Eskimos emptied his roster and played much of his first- team defence well into the second quarter.

“We’re going to do everything in our power to win the football game,” he said.

If it was supposed to be a statement game for the Eskimos, it was more so for the young Lions. B. C. defeated Edmonton 14- 11 with a “B” team, made up largely of rookies and missing no less than 22 players who were starters in the CFL last season.

Steven Shott’s game- winning field goal with eight seconds left was the difference. But clearly, Lions coach Mike Benevides had other objectives than simply winning a non- counter. He was more interested in assessing talent and working on the future configuration of his roster. He had to be encouraged by what he saw.

Among the young Lions who made an impression were running back/ returner Keola Antolin, nickelback Josh Johnson, wide receiver Stephen Adekolu, linebacker Alex Hoffman- Ellis, defensive tackle David Menard and quarterback Travis Partridge, who fashioned the Lions’ only touchdown on a 23- yard fourth- quarter pass to Bryan Burnham.

An unheralded, undrafted wide receiver from Bishop’s, Adekolu made five catches, including a sensational circus grab in the second quarter, and gave the coaching staff much food for thought.

With Stefan Logan and Andrew Harris left behind in Kamloops, the shifty Antolin demonstrated that the Lions could be three deep in quality running backs.

Johnson, a rookie from Purdue, has staked an early claim to the nickelback spot vacated by Korey Banks.

He looks as if he’s not ready to give it up.

And Hoffman, a relentless defender, had a late- game fumble recovery that led to Shott’s decisive 37- yard kick. It made the Lions winners.