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July 6, 2016

Lions look to sink Boatmen Tonight At BC Place

2007. That’s how far you have to travel back to find the last time the BC Lions  started their season 3-0. The latest test comes this evening when Ricky Ray and the Toronto Argonauts make their lone visit to the west coast in 2016. Defence ruled the day in last week’s impressive 28-3 victory in Hamilton and Wally Buono believes contributions from everybody has made them so stout on that side of the ball. “We’re a multiple defence, we rely on more than just our 12 starters,” Buono said. “We have different packages with different personnel groupings and the guys have really taken a liking to it. They play with speed, they play with aggression and when you have those combinations on defence it usually bodes well.”  Containing the likes of Ray, running back Brandon Whitaker and receivers such as Vidal Hazelton and Tori Gurley will be a new challenge for the Lions defence, but one they certainly will be up for. The Argos have some momentum following a 30-17 win in Saskatchewan to improve their record to 1-1. The Boatmen opted to stay west and practice in Regina before arriving in Vancouver on Tuesday evening.

Here are some other storylines to watch for in this week three showdown:

Allen Looks To Shine In Backfield:

All signs point toward Anthony Allen making his Lions debut in the backfield after Jeremiah Johnson tweaked an ankle against the Ticats. With the club on a short week and then not hitting the field again until July 16th, resting Johnson and giving Allen some looks appears to be the logical choice. The former Super Bowl champion with the Baltimore Ravens is relishing the opportunity after dealing with an injury of his own for the bulk of training camp. “I’ve been trying to stay locked in and ready. I’m excited about this week,” Allen said. “The fact that I made the 46-man roster despite being on IR shows that they wanted me. I love how Khari runs this offence. We have so many weapons, we have a great quarterback so I am excited to get in there with the guys.” Allen was signed in free agency following two productive years in Saskatchewan where he rushed for 1,505 yards and eight touchdowns in 28 appearances.

Phillips vs. Ray :

After his big interception in the win over Hamilton, Ryan Phillips he is four shy of breaking Larry Crawford’s all-time club record of 51. He will look to inch closer against one of the better quarterbacks to grace this league since the turn of the century. Phillips admits facing Ray is always a nice measuring stick. “When you want to pride yourself on being the best in the league, you have to go against the best” Phillips said. “Anytime you can face those guys and try and make big plays against them, that kind of establishes yourself in this league. I’ve seen him tear teams apart. I think he doesn’t get enough credit for being able to escape the pocket and still throw the ball downfield.” Despite the 2-0 start and stellar defensive performance, the twelve-year vet knows you have to treat every week like a new season. “We still have a lot of room to grow, “Phillips added. “The more we win, the more we are going to have a target on our backs.”

Canadian Armed Forces Night:

The football club is proud to hold Canadian Armed Forces night for Thursday’s contest. Servicemen and servicewomen who otherwise would not be able to attend a game will be given free tickets. In addition, soldiers will take part in the usual in game promos and contests and there will be an obstacle course at halftime with members from of the army, navy and air force. Beforehand, lieutenant colonel Robin Steward, father of Lions offensive lineman Hunter Steward, will take part in the coin toss with Rear Admiral Gilles Couturier.

READ: Canadian Armed Forces Night Has Big Impact On Two Lions

Century Mark For Gore:

Shawn Gore will suit up for career game number 100. Another feel good story is the fact he leads all Lions receivers in reception yards through two games. “That’s football. Sometimes you’re really involved  in helping the team get a win, sometimes less involved, but it always feels good to help the team get that victory,” Gore said. Despite the number of games on his resume, Gore appears to be rejuvenated based on his play on the field. Last week was his first 100 yard performance since 2014.

Other Tidbits:

The Lions and Argos split two meetings last season, with the road team winning each time. The Leos prevailed 27-25 in their final ever appearance at Rogers Centre October 25th. That victory helped them lock up a spot in the playoffs for a 19th straight season… A couple more lineup notes: Bryant Turner Jr. makes his debut on the Lions defensive line in place of Mic’hael Brooks, (ankle) while Kirby Fabien starts at right guard with Charles Vaillancourt  going through concussion protocol… You can catch tonight’s contest on TSN 1040 with Scott Rintoul and Giulio Caravatta. Pregame is 5:00, kickoff at 7:00. In addition, you can watch on TSN and for viewers south of the border, the game is on ESPN 2.

You can download Thursday’s depth chart and roster here.

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Matt Baker: mbaker@bclions.com