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It's the Western Final!

By 250 News

-by John Goodwin


Down that long winding road to Neverland?

How the fortunes of this team have changed over the course of the season, as early on the BC Lions looked to be skipping their way to a coronation as they went about their business setting aside all challengers for the first eleven games and appearing invincible.

Someone apparently didn’t pass on the message however, that to be the best you gotta beat the best and but for the grace and intervention of the almighty, this team would be practicing on a slippery field in Alberta’s capital right now.

Backing into a first place finish isn’t unique to the Lions, it’s been done before but there are questions among the faithful that as the Leos fly into the eye of the hurricane Sunday, will both halves of their football team show up with the same resolve and successfully execute a game plan.

With the return of injured DB Mark Washington, and the insertions of some new player personnel into key jobs, both sides of the ball have been strengthened, but while the D without question have shown a marked improvement, you wouldn’t know it from the performances of
their offense to end the season.

Dave Dickenson is coach Wally Buono’s choice to start this contest, but in his past few games he hasn’t been able to elude the rush by delivering the ball quickly enough, finding himself home alone as his offensive line couldn’t contend with the opposition’s oncoming rushes.

In his favor is his experience, level heatedness, composure under pressure, and his reputation as a cerebral QB.

There was no clear choice for coach Buono when picking his starter for this one.

On the Edmonton side, Rickey Ray has not exactly been striking fear into the hearts of his competition either, managing only one passing TD in his past six games. His claim to fame has been largely limited to his ability to move his team within FG range for
Sean Fleming’s heroics.

Had it not been for his team’s kicking game and Jason Maas called into service in relief of his sorry butt in Calgary, the Leos would be staring across at red and white on Sunday. Unfortunately for the guys from cow town, they appeared to have victory in their grasp only to
see the dream shattered in the last few minutes of their Western semi final.

While the Eskimo kicking game has been outstanding to end the season, BC’s is in disarray.

The Leo’s were dealt a huge blow as Mark McLaughlin will not be ready for a start in this crucial affair, because of a pulled hamstring on the mend. Rumor is Duncan O’Mahony will be pressed back into service for punting and field goals. Before O’Mahony was sat in favor of McLaughlin late in the season he was totally ineffective and arguably contributed to the Lions losing on more than one occasion.

If ever anyone needed spiritual intervention to reverse his fortunes it’s Duncan O’Mahony, ‘cause without a kicking game this weekend’s outcome won’t likely favor the home team.

It’s the leagues second most potent offense this season (BC) vs. the CFL’s top defense.

This one’s anybody’s game....fasten your seat-belts!


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