Michiko Araki
After the conclusion of the 2015 Training Camp, the players, are keen to showcase their talents to the hometown crowd at their final pre-season game against the Edmonton Eskimos this Friday at David Sidoo Field at UBC Thunderbird Stadium (7:00 PT).
After testing out the rookies last week against Calgary, the team is starting to come together. On Friday, the rookies will not only have to perform, but also showcase how they can complement the veteran players.
Here’s a look at players to watch for during Friday’s matchup:
Offence:
At quarterback, Travis Lulay will get the long awaited start in front of the hometown crowd. John Beck, who has been recovering from an illness, will likely not dress for the game, allowing rookie Jonathon Jennings another shot at seeing the field after an impressive showing during last week’s game against Calgary.
For the receivers, veteran Manny Arceneaux will be seeing action on the field with the likes of fellow vets Marco Iannuzzi, Terence Jefffers-Harris, Shawn Gore, and Bryan Burnham. Newcomer Austin Collie will also likely see action on the field on Friday, while the availability of Courtney Taylor may be an on-field decision as the veteran sat out for the last several days of camp. Slotbacks Cam Morrah and AC Leonard will also be beneficial to the team’s offence, using their size, speed, and run-blocking skills to bring trouble to the opposition.
At running back, Andrew Harris will be starting for the Lions while Keola Antolin will be taking some reps on the field. 2015 Draft pick Shaquille Murray-Lawrence may also see some action on the field after making a return to practice and is itching to show fans why he’ll be an asset to the quick pace of Coach Tedford’s offence.
At fullback, Rolly Lumbala will get the start, while fellow veteran Pascal Lochard will also see action on the field along with rookie Brandon Deschamps.
For the offensive line, rookies Josh Aladenoye and Jason Foster look to solidify their starting spots on the team while veterans Kirby Fabien and Dean Valli will also be fighting to show their prowess on the field. Jovan Olafioye, who has been a consistent performer at camp at right tackle, will round out the starters on Friday. Matt Norman, who sat out for the last few days of camp due to injury, will likely not see any action during the game.
Defence:
On defence, many of the vets will be itching to make plays after holding down the fort in Kamloops last week.
Veterans Solomon Elimimian and Adam Bighill will be starting as linebackers while second year Lions Bo Lokombo and Alex Hoffman-Ellis will be second in line. Elimimian, who won the CFL awards for the 2014 Most Outstanding Defensive Player and Most Outstanding Player, will look to put on a show for the hometown fans. At the nickel spot, Josh Johnson will be expected to start while Darious Lane will see reps during the game.
For the defensive line, veterans Jabar Westerman and Khreem Smith will get the start at the end spots, while rookies Tim Jackson and Zach Minter look to make an impression in the tackle spots. Michael Brooks, who was sidelined with an injury before last week’s game, is healthy and will be seeing action on the field. Brooks has also been a consistent during camp and fans can expect some great plays from the rookie in his first ever CFL appearance.
In the secondary, veterans Ryan Phillips and Ronnie Yell will have the start, while T.J. Lee and Cord Parks will round up the starting spots at the corner and halfback sports. Newcomers Alex Tillman and Myron Lewis will be looking for some playing time at corner as well and will rotating in with Yell. At safety, Chris Rwabukamba will get the start against Edmonton.
Like last week, look out for Richie Leone and Anthony Fera to share kickoff, punt, and field goal duties on special teams. Both players have had consistent showings at camp.
During the Friday night lights showdown at David Sidoo Field, the players will give it all they’ve got against the Eskimos before the final player cuts are announced heading into the season.