13 years ago, Wally Buono was lured away from Calgary to help turn the BC Lions franchise around, on and off the field. His first significant move was signing Dave Dickenson after the QB elected to return north from the NFL. The rest as they say, is history: Four straight first place finishes in the West Division and the club’s fifth Grey Cup championship in 2006. On Friday, another chapter in the Buono/Dickenson relationship starts as the two will square off as head coaches for the first time. Including next week’s regular season opener, this will mark the first of four meetings between the two clubs between now and August 19th. “I’m happy for players that played for me succeeding whether that’s been inside or outside the football world,” Buono said. “We always felt he would be a good coach. He’s got an edge to him even though you don’t see it often. He’s been a great player, he’s paid his dues and when you look at the individual and the character you would think he will handle it very well.”
After being part of a successful organization in Calgary, Buono knew what he had to do upon being handed the keys to the Lions operation in 2003. Despite having all-time great Damon Allen and being just three years removed from a Grey Cup title, change was needed. “In fairness to Damon, he had a great career here and did wonderful things but the fans and corporate community wanted a change. Myself, Bob Ackles and David Braley were fortunate to be able to go after Dave. The fact I had a relationship with Dave was beneficial.”
Dickenson acknowledged his former coach played a huge role in helping him continue his football career after hanging up the cleats. “What can I say about Wally? He’s one of the best and he’s a man I have always respected. Wally has the ability to take athletes and get the most out of them.” Despite their mutual respect for each other, you can bet once the ball is kicked off they will both make sure they do whatever is needed to come out with a victory.
Other storylines to watch for on Friday.
Week One Preview:
It’s not often you face the same squad in the final exhibition game and week one of the regular season. The Stampeders will be back at BC Place on June 25th to kick things off for real. As always, the usual questions about schemes and not wanting to show too much have come up, but Marco Iannuzzi is viewing this as more of an opportunity than a dilemma. “We have to send a message to Calgary,” Iannuzzi said. “We want to show them we’ve had a productive camp and that we’re here to smash heads. I always love playing in front of our fans. We hear from them a lot on social media so it will be nice to show them what we’ve been working at.”
Backfield Battle:
The Lions were able to establish a running game in the second half in Regina and it went a long way toward tilting the field position and chewing up the clock. Jeremiah Johnson averaged 7.5 yards per carry while newcomer J.C .Coleman chipped in with 32 yards on seven carries. Anthony Allen is back in the lineup after healing from a knee injury and is excited to prove he will still be a factor in the final decisions. “I’m just trying to show that I am consistent and can take what I do on the practice field and take that to the game field and help the team out,” Allen said. The Super Bowl champion with the Baltimore Ravens also insists there is no extra pressure to perform after sitting out last week. “When you put extra pressure on yourself, then you are trying to overcompensate. I have never worn orange before so it’s definetly exciting to wear a new colour. I’m so excited that I hope I don’t pull a hamstring trying to run so fast. Out offence is lightyears ahead of where we were to start camp.”
New-look Offensive Line:
One of the surprises from day one of camp saw Cody Husband take reps. at first-team centre with veteran Tim O’Neill working at left guard. The New Westminster Hyacks product has embraced the role. “Playing different positions is something I have always had to do,” Husband said. “It’s just about making sure I know the offence more than I usually do. With the new offensive line it’s been nice because we’ve had mostly the same guys throughout the whole camp so we’ve been able to mesh and learn together.” One of the other developments in camp was the emergence of first-round pick Charles Vaillancourt who, for now, is expected to start at right guard ahead of incumbent Kirby Fabien. Â “Charles has been pretty good so far,” Husband said. “There is small things you have to correct him on but he is going to learn and be ready for the regular season.”
Ball Hawks Make Home Debut
Consensus in Kamloops is this is the deepest defence the Lions have had in quite some time. You can bet some of the newcomers in the secondary like Loucheiz Purifoy, Chandler Fenner as well as defensive end Darius Allen and linebacker Dyshawn Davis should have a little more pepper in the soup as they will want to impress the locals. Getting a chance to face the likes of Bo Levi Mitchell and Drew Tate will no doubt be a good test for them. “Not only does Calgary have great quarterbacks but they also have great receivers and a great system,” Buono added. “I am happy we are playing these guys. It’s going to be a true test of how good our guys are.”
Other Tidbits:
Buono expects Jonathon Jennings and Travis Lulay will see the most action at quarterback… The Lions will once again wear their orange jerseys with orange helmets. The traditional black home helmets will be worn for next week’s regular season opener… Local country singer Madeline Merlo will perform at halftime.
On the air: You can catch Friday’s game on TSN 1040 with Scott Rintoul and Giulio Caravatta. Pre-game is at 5:00, kickoff at 7:00.
Download the full roster and depth chart here.
Matt Baker: mbaker@bclions.com