From the Lions' Den

In Professional Sports, there is often a task or a team that cannot be overcome it seems. No matter how well prepared you are, or how much of a disadvantage the other team is at, or how hard you play, some teams just vex you. For the BC Lions, that team is the Evil Empire, the Edmonton Eskimos.

From a frigid day at Clarke Stadium in 1977 to another Western Final at BC Place in 2005, the Eskimos have owned the Lions when it really counts. Earlier this season, a disgruntled Lions team that was having trouble finishing was trounced at Commonwealth, keeping the streak alive. Not since 2005 had the Lions bested the Esks, losing 4 straight, including the 2005 Western Final in front of the home crowd last November.

That changed on Friday last, as a confused and off-kilter Eskimo squad came back to BC Place after losing to Montreal at home. All was set for a battle to rock the ages, with Edmonton mad, and Lions just off a victory in Toronto.

But this Eskimo team bore little resemblance to the one that defeated BC in July at Commonwealth. They had trouble moving the ball against a tough BC Defence, had grief covering Geroy Simon across the middle, and were in tough against Joe Smith coming off tackle against Eskie linebackers. Tony Tompkins was held in check, while Lion returner Aaron Lockett had a runback for a TD, only to have it called back for an illegal block. Lions had great coverage on Tompkins most of the evening, and provided great blocking for Lockett on the other side of the ball.

So what is different about this Lions squad, with three straight victories under their belts, as opposed to the 30 minute team that lost in Saskatchewan, and Edmonton earlier in the season?

It apparently stems from a good, old -fashioned dressing down, delivered by Coach Ritchie, soon joined by Coach Buono. The subjects discussed ranged from intensity and desire to the need to finish a game, and assure that the opponent has little or no chance to steal victory. Whatever was said, the results speak for themselves, with the Lions climbing just above the rest of the pack in the West to 5 and 3.

There have been setbacks from last week, however. Joe Montford, in one of his last acts as an Eskimo, rolled over quarterback Dave Dickenson’s right leg, causing a High Ankle Sprain. DD was x-rayed to make sure there was no break, but backup Buck Pierce saw action in relief from late in the 2^nd quarter, until relieved by 3^rd stringer Jarious Jackson late in the 4^th quarter. Buck was able to go 11 of 14 for 181 yards and 2 TDs in his half at pivot, pleasing the crowd at BC Place. On the good side, Slotback Jason Clermont has been cleared for limited duty against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers this coming Thursday. Pierce will likely start for BC, and 32 year old Mike Quinn for Winnipeg, what with Kevin Glenn being out up to 4 weeks. The loss of Milt Stegall will be a major blow to the Bombers, who will have to depend on the speed of former Lion Chris Brazzell, and running back Charles Roberts.

Winnipeg has had their best start in years this season; if they can be had at home, this is the week for it to happen.

Section 17 will be gathered at the SOHO in Burnaby to witness the ceremony on the Prairie.