The B.C. Lions will remember on Friday night, while the Winnipeg Blue Bombers will try to remember to forget, as the teams play for the second time in as many weeks.
The Lions play at BC Place for the first time since the July 6 heart attack death of president Bob Ackles, who spent parts of five decades with the organization.
The Lions are expecting a big turnout for the game, which will include a moment of silence, tributes to Ackles throughout the night and a commemorative giveaway for fans.
Mayor Sam Sullivan has declared Friday as Bob Ackles Day in Vancouver.
It will be up to the B.C. players to remember the actual game is also important, but they'll have to avoid being overconfident after trouncing Winnipeg 42-24 last week.
Linebacker Javier Glatt, who recorded two interceptions and tied with Otis Floyd for a team-leading six tackles last week, said Thursday focusing like it was any other week in a long CFL season is key.
"That's the mental level you have to be in for a situation like this," said Glatt. "What happens between the white lines is no different. No one's going to feel sorry for us, no one's coming in saying it's Bob Ackles night so we better take it easy on them."
The offence will guard against overconfidence. Jarious Jackson shook off two subpar outings to throw for 340 yards and five touchdowns against Winnipeg last week, two each to Geroy Simon and Clarence Coleman, and one to Rolly Lamabala.
Stefan Logan added 140 yards on the ground while subbing for 2007 CFL leading rusher Joe Smith, and will get the start again on Friday behind an offensive line bolstered by the return of veteran Rob Murphy. The import, who can play tackle or guard, is returning after his wife gave birth to triplets.
The task for the winless Bombers is simply put if not simple: Forget just about everything that has brought them to 0-3.
The statistics are ugly. Winnipeg has allowed 10 touchdown passes and 100 points in three games.
QB still not up to formQuarterback Kevin Glenn has yet to display the form he displayed much of last season, throwing one touchdown and five interceptions. With the Bombers usually trailing early in games this year, running back Charles Roberts has been limited to 110 yards on 27 carries.
Winnipeg committed six turnovers in the dismal home loss last week.
"It has nothing to do with the offensive line's lack of experience or my running ability," Roberts told the Winnipeg Sun. "We were just doing things the hard way. We're going to try to simplify them, and hopefully it works."
Six separate Bombers have reached double digits in receptions in the absence of future Hall of Famer Milt Stegall, but only Derick Armstrong has reached the end zone.
Tom Canada, Gavin Walls, Doug Brown and Jerome Haywood will try and up the pressure on the Lions to take the heat off their beleaguered secondary. Winnipeg recorded three sacks last week — Canada had two — but went large stretches without adequate pressure.
Each team will play at home in Week 5. Winnipeg hosts the Calgary Stampeders on July 24, with the Lions at BC Place the following night to play the Montreal Alouettes.
Indians re-acquire speedy Lofton
The Texas Rangers kicked off what could be a busy few days leading to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline by dealing Kenny Lofton to the Cleveland Indians on Friday.
Rangers pursuing free agent Sundin: report
After signing free agent Markus Naslund this off-season, the New York Rangers might be prepared to add his friend, former Toronto Maple Leaf Mats Sundin, the New York Post reported on its website Sunday.
Managers Maddon, Piniella tops in AL, NL
Tampa Bay's Joe Maddon and Chicago's Lou Piniella were named Wednesday as AL and NL managers of the year, respectively, in balloting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America.
Contact Us About Us HomeThursday, January 8th, 2009