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June 24, 2016

Game Day! Lions and Stampeders Clash In Season Opener

B.C. Lions quarterback Jonathon Jennings passes against the Calgary Stampeders during the first half of a pre-season CFL football game in Vancouver, B.C., on Friday June 17, 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

The race to the 104th Grey Cup officially begins Saturday at BC Place when the BC Lions welcome in the Calgary Stampeders for the first of three regular season meetings. It also marks a rematch of last week’s exhibition tilt where Calgary prevailed 31-21. Now the clubs are playing for keeps and it’s a chance for Wally Buono and company to set the tone early in what should be tight battle from top to bottom in the West Division. The CFL’s all-time winningest sideline boss is back for his first meaningful game action since prevailing over Winnipeg in the 2011 Grey Cup. Although it may seem like a big deal, the Lions boss insists it’s business as usual. “The first two games ( pre-season) were meaningful too,” Buono insists. “I enjoyed the experience. It’s been a month now that we’ve been working at this and obviously this is an important game. It’s important to win a game against a very football team and it’s important to win at home.” Redemption is no doubt on their minds after the Lions dropped all four meetings to Calgary in 2015, including the Western Semi-Final in November.  Jonathon Jennings gets the first opening week start of his young pro career and if one thing is apparent, the 23-year old is taking nothing for granted after earning top spot on the depth chart. “He’s got a persona that you want quarterbacks to have,” Buono said. “He interacts and gets along well with everybody, yet he’s not afraid to take responsibility or to be a leader.”

Other storylines to watch for on Saturday:

Team ‘100’ is back:

After sitting out both pre-season contests, Solomon Elimimian officially returns to his home alongside Adam Bighill after missing the final 12 games last year due to his ruptured Achillies tendon. While many athletes lose a step following such a serious injury, Elimimian looks primed to repeat his heroics of 2014 where he became the first on defence to ever win the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player Award. He says starting off against the Stampeders will be a great test. “We don’t like them, they don’t like us,” Elimimian said. “The most physical team is going to win. I’m excited to suit up. Any time you don’t play, you miss it. I think we have the best linebackers in the CFL.”

 

Meet the new nickel:

Who was the most impressive Lions rookie through camp and pre-season? There are a few candidates, but one who can certainly lay claim is Loucheiz Purifoy. The Florida Gators product suited up for 11 games with the Indianapolis Colts in 2014 before a brief stint on the Seattle Seahawks roster. The 24-year old has enjoyed learning the Canadian game and taking reps at the nickel position. “It’s kind of different,” Purifoy said. “Certain times i’m in the box and certain times i’m covering. You have to have the mindset of a linebacker and a DB.” Buono feels he is up for the challenge. “The thing about him he’s, he makes plays,” the head coach said. “The more play makers you have, especially in the secondary, those are things that help you win the game.” With Ronnie Yell and TJ Lee looking stronger than ever during week one preparations and the ageless Ryan Phillips primed for another big year, the Lions secondary promises to be one of the more dynamic in the CFL.

Johnson starts at right tackle:

The right side of the offensive line is getting younger by the day as newcomer Antonio Johnson suits up at tackle while Levy Adcock recovers from pneumonia. Johnson, who will lineup alongside 2016 1st rounder Charles Vaillancourt, plans on making the most of the opportunity. “I’m here to help this team get to the Grey Cup. It takes one win at a time,” Johnson said. “I give the Canadian game a lot of respect because there is a lot of things you have to change techniques for. When it comes down to football there are great players up here.”  The native of Dibboll, Texas says he has also relied on Vallaincourt to teach him a few things about Canadian culture he did not know, including a little French. “Don’t test me yet,” Johnson added with a laugh. The two youngsters have been preaching Buono’s message on the importance of owning both sides of the line of scrimmage. 57 Johnson Antonio 6

Other tidbits:  Travis Lulay will dress for his 100th career game. Although he admits it would have been nice if injuries didn’t prevent him from hitting the number sooner, it is still a remarkable fit for the kid from Montana State who showed up to his first training camp in 2009. “It makes me feel a little old,” Lulay said of the feat. “I’m having as much fun as i’ve ever had. It’s something I cherish and it’s a pretty cool benchmark.”.. While Buono’s last coaching experience with something on the line was the 99th Grey Cup victory, his last regular season game was pretty significant too: A 43-1 thrashing of the Montreal Alouettes in the regular season finale to lock up first place in the West…. Speaking of key moments in that magical year, if Paul McCallum doesn’t hit a 53-yard field goal to beat Calgary as time expires in week 15, the Lions would not have had home field advantage in those playoffs. McCallum and fellow recent retiree Dean Valli will serve as honorary captains and also be honoured with a video tribute on Saturday.. Halftime entertainment will be provided by country singer Madeline Merlo. The Maple Ridge native was the 2015 CCMA Rising Star and BC CMA Female Vocalist of the Year.

Download Saturday’s roster and depth chart here.

Fan Poll
What are you most excited about for Saturday's regular season opener?
The return of 'Team 100'
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The Manny Show
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Jonathon Jennings
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New Rookies
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New Orange Jerseys And Black Helmets
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Other
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Matt Baker: mbaker@bclions.com