September 13: B.C. Lions vs Winnipeg Blue Bombers game preview

 

JUST four regular season home games remain on the Lions’ schedule and the stretch drive to the postseason has begun with a number of key match-ups across the CFL each weekend. This week, it’s the Lions (6-4) and Bombers (6-5) looking to keep pace in a tight West Division race that sees just two wins separating second place from fifth spot with the Calgary Stampeders atop the standings at 9-1.

Halftime at Saturday’s tilt features another fan-favourite as emergency workers battle it out in their annual relay race. Cheering on police/RCMP, firefighters, ambulance drivers and paramedics from field level will be 100 children from the Children’s Hospital Foundation.

In recognition of his induction into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame next week, BC Lions VP of Football Operations and GM Wally Buono will act as the club’s honourary captain.

Veteran quarterback Kevin Glenn returns to his starting role for the Leos this week in place of the injured Travis Lulay. The Lions offence will try to get back on track versus a Winnipeg team ranked ninth against the run and fifth against the pass. Look for Winnipeg native Andrew Harris to try and spark the Lions versus his hometown team.

On defence, linebacker Solomon Elimimian continues his torrid pace with 82 tackles on the season, 33 more than the next player on the list. While Elimimian makes a case for a Most Outstanding Defensive Player nomination, the rest of the Lions defence has grown into the CFL’s most formidable cast surrendering the fewest offensive yards overall including the lowest number of passing yards to date.

Defensive coordinator Mark Washington and his crew will need to be on point Saturday as Blue Bomber quarterback Drew Willy and his pass-happy offence lead the league in yards through the air and also feature the CFL’s top rusher Nic Grigsby.

The Lions can put the Blue Bombers two games behind them in the loss column with a win Saturday, but it won’t come easy versus a scrappy Winnipeg team that has found ways to win late and can strike fast with big plays on offence and special teams.

 

GAME INFO

Saturday, September 13 – 7 p.m. @ BC Place in Vancouver