The Toronto Argonauts came into this one having lost seven in a row, while the Lions had won six of their last seven games and were two wins away from wrapping up second place in the CFL West.

The game would also feature good friends Argo coach Don Mathews and the Lion’s Wally Buono, the two winningest coaches in CFL history. Coach Buono entered this one just 5 wins back of the leader.

 

Buck Pierce was coming off arguably his best game ever as a CFL pro, last week in Edmonton, during which, the punching bag BC QB took a terrible beating at the hands of a punishing charged up Eskimo defense. He developed a serious limp around halfway through the second quarter of that game, and it was only guts and sinew that carried him through to conclusion.

 

While Pierce worked hard during the week of practice to rehab. his banged and bruised body, he in his mind still had something to prove. If necessary he’d strap on training wheels before he took to the field, but would not hear of turning over the ball to Jarious Jackson for the job of starter.

 

I sometimes wonder if this BC team understands clearly enough going into what’s sure to be a highly contested playoffs this time around, what they will have to give up to win the big game.

As has been the case so many times this season, the Lions just didn’t take matters seriously Friday night against the lowly Toronto Argonauts, and it took a LaVar Glover interception that went to the house in the final minute of play to finally create some serious separation in the score, lance the Argo boil, and have onlookers buy into the “elusion” that this was indeed the wire brushing that most people had called for in the last encounter featuring these two teams.

 

In spite of the scoring from both sides of the ball, there really were very few Kodak moments in this game. Somewhat surprising considering the fact that the Argos had already been eliminated from post season play, still caught in a downward vortex, little to nothing in the way of future prospects and were indeed ripe for a good ol’ down home butt whoopin’.

It wasn’t however, until late in the third frame that the game slowly shifted from that of a social outing to one with at least a modicum of attitude showing up in the play of the home team.

In spite of the on field antics, sadly when all was said and done, in this “homers” opinion, the final score was just one of very few endearing features of this contest.

 

In the meantime it’s bare knuckles and it’s now, as the Leos take to the field in Calgary next week end for a contest against the Western Division Champs, who have home field advantage wrapped up for the post season leading up to the Grey Cup game. The Leos must either come away from that one victorious, or hope that the Roughriders lose to the lowly Argos if they (BC) are expected to secure second spot and a home playoff game in the semi finals.

 

The Lions now face having to live without some of their key talent.....Jason Clermont-week to week, Charles Roberts-possible Achilles tendon...out for the season, Buck Pierce-week to week, and Stefan Logan possibly returning for the Calgary tilt.

In the absence of Logan and Roberts Saturday, RB and kick returner extrordinair’ Ian Smart stepped in and set the field on fire. One thing that can always be said about the Buono Lions is they seem to have an endless depth of talent stuffed away in hidden nooks and crannies. A product of great scouting, understanding the value of succession planning, and the ability to hang on to these good people in spite of roster limits, contract demands and other team’s never ending attempts at sniping their best talent.

 

The Lion’s sack attack was once more burning high octane fuel as they managed to drag down Argo pivots for six more, adding to their runaway league leading total.

Of interest is that BC superstar defensive corner and league sack king Cameron Wake, has been credited for only one take down over the last three games.

 

On a side note, something that may be of interest to many observers is that the defense this season is being run by Mike Benevides, a man who starts his work day at 3:00AM each morning pouring over game film.

He has been known for his exceptional Lion’s Special Team performances during the last 2-3 yrs. and on a personal note is showing strong potential to be rewarded one day with his own team. He’s a king maker, protégée’ Cameron Wake is an example of his strong mentoring skills, and now he’s the architect of the many and varied creative schemes on display each game, being trotted out by the teams great D line, all star corners, talented D backs, linebackers and supporting cast.

 

Remember the name Mike Benevides, a special talent seen by some to be the future of our great Canadian game.