Davon Coleman picks up one of his three sacks against Ticats' QB Jeremiah Masoli on September 22nd/2018. Photo: Paul Yates.
As Davon Coleman prepares for his return to Hamilton, both he and his BC Lions teammates that made last year’s trek to Steeltown can’t help but feel a little nostalgic. It was on that steamy July night when Jonathon Jennings injured his shoulder on the first play from scrimmage and Travis Lulay would come in and pass for a career-high 436 yards- also CFL record for quarterbacks coming off the bench in a game- and the Lions cruised to a 41-26 victory.
Ironically, it was the last three-game winning streak they would enjoy until last week’s thriller against the same Tiger-Cat squad. Perhaps even more ironic? The man who ran into Jennings on that fateful play was none other than Coleman himself. Let’s just say it might have made for an awkward exchange when Coleman joined his new ‘mates after he arrived via trade early in training camp. Cue the Alanis Morrisette playlist.
“On my first day, Lulay broke the ice and we all made up,” laughed Coleman.
“We got that out of the way, hugged it out and we’re all good. Now he’s my teammate.”
Trust us when we say the Lions defence is better off for it. The native of Cleveland, Ohio has perhaps been one of the more impressive newcomers brought in by GM Ed Hervey. And that’s saying something. Coleman has recorded 45 defensive tackles and seven sacks, three of those quarterback takedowns coming in the first matchup with Hamilton last week. You can tell he is really starting to feel at home.
David Friederich introduced before a game against the Ottawa Redblacks on September 7th/2018. Photo: David Friederich
“I’m loving it,” said Coleman.
“Great team, great defensive line, it’s the perfect fit I’d say. It’s a brotherhood. I’d say we all just click well.”
Yet no matter how well they click on and off the field, there is nothing wrong with a little internal competition.
“He’s jacked up because he’s now one sack behind me and two sacks behind Odell,” said fellow newcomer Shawn Lemon.
“The object of us is to take off from him because he’s getting a little bit closer.”
When we alerted Coleman that his two outspoken teammates were starting to look over their shoulder, you could tell he was proud.
“Oh yeah, we’re always competing and they know I’m coming in hot now so it should definitely help our defence with them stepping it up,” added the outspoken Coleman.
A second straight matchup with Jeremiah Masoli, a quarterback known for getting the ball out quickly, should be all the motivation they need to continue padding those stats. During his time in Hamilton, Coleman practised against Masoli on a daily basis and understands what they’ll need to do to keep him in check.
“We just have to keep him in the pocket and I think we did a pretty good job of that the first time,” said the former Arizona State Sun Devil.
“He can definitely scramble and extend plays. The more we keep him in the pocket and throwing out of a tunnel, the better our defence will be. I think we’re going to come out stronger than last week.”
Like many sports-loving kids in Cleveland, football was always number one for Coleman the die-hard Browns fan. We couldn’t resist the temptation to ask him if he was wrapped up in Baker Mayfield Fever after the number one overall draft pick led them to their first victory in nearly two years.
“I definitely have Baker Mayfield fever. With Lebron leaving town, we definitely need a saviour for the city and I think Baker has enough personality and swag to do that,” said Coleman.
“The two biggest things growing up in Cleveland were football and staying warm. But I actually like playing in the cold. Some people get a little timid in the cold, I get a little harder. You see on film who doesn’t like it. Once Tyrell Sutton gets here, they won’t want to tackle him come winter time.”
One game at a time, as the old cliche goes. A trip back to the Donut Box should be all of the motivation Coleman needs this week.
“I’m pretty excited. Tim Hortons Field is an electric environment to play in, the fans are always rowdy and cheering their team on. It will definitely be a great environment.”
A similar result from last time would certainly put the league on notice. Minus the injuries of course.
Matt Baker: mbaker@bclions.com