For the BC Lions, their trip to Edmonton couldn't come at a better time, the Eskimos, banged up with injuries no longer quite resembled the team that dominated the early part of the CFL season. If the Lions are ever to get that much desired second win of the season, this surely would be the week.
Still, you have to think that the Eskimos will be anxious to turn around their two game losing skid, patchwork line up or not. The key for Edmonton will be to provide Ricky Ray with some time, offering up the opportunity for pass routes to develop and receivers to work their way open. That was the downfall of the last two weeks, as the Eskimo quarterback found that opposing defences had found a way to slow down what previously had been a pretty impressive offensive group, reducing the time for Ray's plays to develop should be the focus of the Lions defence on Friday.
As far as the Lions offence goes, Travis Lulay is said to be the one heading out to lead the offence, despite his removal from the Lions loss to Winnipeg last week, while Jarious Jackson found success in a relief effort, Wally Buono seems determined to return to Lulay, his designated starting quarterback this year.
However, should the Lions falter again, one would expect that Buono may not have much rope to let out before he give Jackson another crack at moving the Lions downfield.
The stakes are significantly higher for the Lions, than the Eskimos on Friday. While they most likely would rather get back into a winning mood, the Esks probably can afford to lose another two points at this point in the season, close as they are to their provincial rivals the Stamps atop the CFL West.
The Lions on the other hand, need the two points desperately, partly for a point of momentum and of course as a way of keeping up with the Argos, who grabbed two points on Thursday at the expense of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
At this point the Lions are in a three way race (such as it is) for the final playoff spot, whether earned in the West or through the crossover method with the east, a win would go a long ways to help them keep pace, a loss, well it just makes an already desperate situation nearly critical.
Game Time 7 PM MT (6PM PT, 9 ET)
Pre Game
Edmonton Journal-- Newcomers hope to turn window of opportunity into full-time gig with Eskimos
Edmonton Sun-- Porter back in harness for Esks
Vancouver Province-- Tillman - the CFL's Mister Fix-It
Vancouver Sun-- Desperate times for Lions, Eskimos
Globe and Mail-- Wounded Eskimos retool for Lions clash
Quick Snaps British Columbia Lions
Quick Snaps Edmonton Eskimos
Post Game
British Columbia 36 at Edmonton 1
Attendance-- 36,216
Globe and Mail-- Lions pound on wounded Eskimos
Vancouver Province-- Standout effort sees B. C. Lions devour Eskimos in Edmonton
Vancouver Sun-- Lulay tosses four TDs as Lions trounce Eskimos
Edmonton Sun-- Esks stink out the joint
Edmonton Journal-- Lions claw Eskimos 36-1 at Commonwealth
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