Thursday, May 27, 2004

Lions Quick to take advantage of experience

When the BC Lion Defensive ends take to the field in Kamloops for their training sessions they know they’re about to go to school. The Lions have invited Hall of Famer and nightmare of the quarterback, James “Quick” Parker to help educate the current crop of Leos in the fine art of the sack.

Parker who set a CFL record for sacks in 1984 with 26 ½ is giving his students some pointers on how to get the edge on the Offensive Line, where to angle off towards the QB and how to use their hands to make life a tad uncomfortable for the opposing QB.

The Lions recruited Parker from their own ticket staff, where Parker has been working the last few years, helping to rebuild the Lions fan base from its low bottom line. Moving over to help out coaching just seems like a no brainier; Parker who is fourth on the all time CFL sack list was renowned for his quick speed and uncanny ability to be in the right place at the right time. If he can just transfer some of that vast knowledge on to the younger generation of Lions then selling his ticket packages will suddenly get a whole lot easier. Lion fans are hoping for a return of the days of a stingy and mean defensive and an explosive and entertaining offense. Wally Buono has begun the process but it takes time, shoring up his defense is one step along that path.

If Parker wants to add a little extra motivation to his charges he should remember to bring some jewelry with him. With Five Grey Cup Rings as a testimonial to his past skills, the current D Line should take note. Studying at the school of Parker should give them the foundation to succeed, after that it’s up to them. Hard work, proper use of your skills and that killer instinct should help them begin to work on their collection.

No comments: