The Saskatchewan Roughriders have sold out all of their home games this season, and the  battle with the Lions at Mosaic Stadium would be no exception.

 

Fears of sub zero temperatures with blowing snow were quickly set aside for a zero degree blue bird day, as the underdog BC Lions took to the field in Regina Saturday against the usual overabundance of hostility, Rider Nation adoration and their charged up re-energized heros.

 

The Riders go into the 08 version of the playoffs following a catastrophic season of breaks, torn muscles, sprains, contusions, concussions and quarterback roulette, but with the immeasurable loss of key talent throughout the whole campaign, the team actually managed to look quite respectable by entering the post season with momentum, pride and confidence.

 

The Lions on the other hand picked by pros and pundits to win it all, have in many ways so far served up their faithful with a disappointing season.

BC managed to avoid the crossover by the skin of their teeth, but now are relegated to looking into the faces of passionate, sometimes angry fans in opposing stadiums calling firstly for their heads and ultimately for their departure.

They will unfortunately be faced with unfriendly confines as they continue their journey towards the top of the mountain, paying the price for missed opportunities and under- achievement.

 

Ah but not so fast.... as at times like these we are reminded of the words of Mark Twain when he said “reports of my demise are exaggerated”.

 

Going into the game, the Lions would have to come out with a level of determination that was lacking for much of the season, and a win would be predicated on at minimum, matching the Roughrider intensity for the entire contest.

 

Poking through the entrails of this one, Ryder faithful fawning adoration not-with-standing, there would be no Ryderphobia shown by the visitors on this day, as emotions that boiled over between the two teams in a melee at center field following the arrival by the Riders out of their tunnel, should have been a clear indication of the Lion’s commitment to finally performing with integrity in this pivotal game. Once things were settled down a football game broke out, and in no time at all it became clear the Leo defense were on fire and in no mood for compromise of any kind.

 

Looking much like plundering Huns, the Lions played ball hog the entire game, asserting themselves throughout, with penetration of the Sask. offensive line, while stopping cold any thoughts the Roughies may have had about running the ball at them with anything close to what would be considered a success by any measure.

 

The defense had been challenged and maligned over the last few weeks, quickly earning a reputation for soft and uninspired football. It was clear from the start that shedding this much deserved notoriety was of primary importance, and resurrecting their A game out of the dust and mothballs to lay a lickin’ on their unsuspecting opponents would be “job one”. As a result, the team would finish the game +6 in the give away/takeaway dept. while sacks were 7-1 in favor of the visitors.

 

BC’s first punt of the game didn’t take place until there were just three minutes remaining in the first quarter.

 

All seven points scored in the first frame however, were off the toe of kicker Paul McCallum, while the offense was unable to do anything of lasting value with the four, count ‘em four, platinum chances handed to them by their defense. The first half would end with a 16-6 lead for the Lions.

 

Buck Pierce came out in the second half with renewed determination, standing in the pocket focused on his receiving core, and executing the play action strategy perfectly, busting Stefan Logan, and Ian Smart lose for a whole lota pay-dirt. Pierce would end the day through the air 23 of 31 for 221 yards and one touchdown.

 

Following a solid march by Pierce from deep in his own end, Jarious Jackson converted a second and short into a 31 yard TD strike to Geroy Simon late in the third quarter running up the score to 26-9.

 

Lion’s DB Ryan Philips took a 54 yard interception for a TD late in the game to close out the scoring.

 

The Lions will now travel to Calgary next week end for the Western Division final against the Stampeders.

 

On a side note: Had to chuckle at offensive lineman Rob Murphy , egging on some talkative Sask fans behind the Lion’s bench area at game’s end. Murphy, who has a reputation for his elbows, has never been one who plays well with others, and has a penchant for stirring up the hot coals at any opportunity.