Brian Helberg
Move over Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez because there is a new squad in town, and the only things these explosive pass-catchers shake off are would-be tacklers.
Emmanuel Arceneaux, Bryan Burnham and Shawn Gore all exited the BC Lions’ lopsided victory on Friday night against the Montreal Alouettes with over 600 yards receiving this season. In doing so, the Lions became the first team in the Western Division to have three different receivers eclipse the 600-yard mark in 2016.
“It’s really just going out and making a play when my number is dialed,” said Arceneaux. “It’s just making the most of my opportunities and carrying out my role.” Manny also heaped praise on his fellow receivers suggesting that the “entire receiving core is producing and making plays” this season.Arceneaux is having another fantastic season with the Leos, recording 60 receptions for 792 yards and five touchdowns. Jonathon Jennings looks Manny’s way early and often, as he leads the Leos with 97 targets in 2016. Arceneaux is on pace to snag 98 passes this season for 1,296 yards.
Success is nothing new for the 28-year-old slotback, as he has been wreaking havoc on opposing defenses ever since his rookie season in 2009. After starring on the field and in the classroom for the Alcorn State Braves, Manny made a quick transition to the Canadian game. Arceneaux combined to catch 130 passes for 1,972 yards and 12 touchdowns during his first two seasons in BC.
Those numbers were enough for Arceneaux to earn an opportunity down south. After playing two seasons in the National Football League, ‘The Manny Show’ returned to the CFL and the BC Lions in 2013. Last year was arguably his best, as Arceneaux was named a CFL All-Star after catching 76 passes for 1,151 yards while crossing the goal line 9 times.
The Alexandria, LA product plays hard on every snap and his effort has not gone unnoticed by his teammates. “Manny is a guy that leads by example,” Burnham said of his mentor. Bryan stressed Arceneaux’s commitment, saying that “[Manny] is the first guy in the locker room and the last guy to leave”. Gore was quick to point out Arceneaux’s cerebral approach to the game, describing him as “intelligent” and “full of wisdom”.
Manny’s combination of size, speed and strength make him one of the more versatile threats in the game. He can beat defenders deep with his legs, or muscle his way out of a tackle to pick up extra yards on a key second down. Arceneaux is a force on the field and his presence makes everyone around him better.
Burnham, affectionately referred to as ‘Bernie’ by his teammates, is the youngest member of this talented threesome. He has compiled the fifth most receiving yards in the CFL this season and appears to have unlimited potential.
“I’m in my third season with Gore and Manny, my second year with Jennings, and we’re finally starting to get that chemistry,” Burnham said about his comfort level in the Lions’ scheme. Bryan attributes his progression this season to the “trust” Jennings has shown “giving [Burnham] a chance to make a play” on deep routes.
The Moorestown, NJ native has reeled in 47 balls for 848 yards and two touchdowns thus far in 2016. Those numbers already represent career highs for Burnham and it is only September. The lanky
wideout is on pace to have 77 catches worth a whopping 1,388 yards when the final curtain closes in November.
Burnham has burned defences all season with his jets and he is quickly getting a reputation as one of the premier deep threats in the CFL. Bernie is averaging 18.0 yards per catch in 2016 and he is tied for the league lead with 10 catches of at least 30 yards.
Gore describes Burnham as a “phenomenal player” and said that he expected the 26-year-old would have a breakout campaign in 2016. Arceneaux has also been impressed with the youngster this season, saying that “[Burnham’s] making the most of his opportunity.”
What is most surprising about the Tulsa University alum is the fact that he was not utilized as a wide receiver until his junior year of college. “I came in as a safety and I also played some outside linebacker,” Burnham said of his first two seasons at Tulsa. Bryan indicated that the time he spent playing defence makes reading different coverages much easier.
Gore adds the Canadian flavour to this receiver stew. The veteran has registered 48 receptions for 648 yards and a pair of scores this season. Gore is on pace to haul in 79 passes for 1,060 yards in 2016. Both tallies would shatter his career highs.
“[Gore] is having an excellent year, and his confidence is right where it needs to be,” Arceneaux said of his long-time teammate’s play in 2016. Manny went on to say that “as long as Gore can stay healthy, he can have some of the best numbers of his career [in 2016].”
After tearing up the CIS as a member of the Bishop’s Gaiters, Gore joined the Leos midway through the 2010 season. He has carved out a nice career with BC, amassing 3,672 yards on 292 receptions while hitting pay dirt 19 times. Gore’s best season with the Lions came back in 2011 when he snared 60 passes for 836 yards and one touchdown.
“It’s pretty special,” Gore said about being a Canadian star in the CFL. “All my friends and family are up here. I’m from Toronto, so they’re all watching back home.” Shawn appreciates the tradition of the Canadian game, saying the league “has a strong history,” and the CFL will always be part of him.
The 29-year-old oozes charisma, and he brings the fun factor every day at practice. Gore is liked and respected by his teammates and coaches, and his signature sparkling smile has helped make him a fan favourite in Vancouver. He plays the game the right way, but more importantly, Gore treats people the right way.
The inspiring play of BC’s receivers has provided fans with plenty to cheer about in Lions land this season. Arceneaux, Burnham and Gore are all on pace to eclipse the 1,000-yard plateau in 2016. If that happens, they will be the first trio of receivers to do so in a Leos’ uniform since Geroy Simon, Jason Clermont and Ryan Thelwell did it back in 2005.
Sitting in second place in the West at 8-3, the BC Lions are playing like Grey Cup contenders this season. Having Arceneaux, Burnham and Gore firing on all cylinders come playoff time would make the Lions a very difficult team to defend against. Hopefully Jennings will continue to spread the ball around and the Leos will be playing football deep into November.