By Murray McCormick, Leader-PostOctober 23, 2009
REGINA — BY THE STANDINGS: The Saskatchewan Roughriders and Calgary Stampeders were tied for first place (8-6-1) in the West Division heading into Week 17. The B.C. Lions (8-7-0) head into the week third in the division and have won three straight. The Stampeders were to play the Edmonton Eskimos on Friday.
REGINA — BY THE STANDINGS: The Saskatchewan Roughriders and Calgary Stampeders were tied for first place (8-6-1) in the West Division heading into Week 17. The B.C. Lions (8-7-0) head into the week third in the division and have won three straight. The Stampeders were to play the Edmonton Eskimos on Friday.
SEASON SERIES WATCH: The Lions lead the season series with the Riders 2-1. B.C. also holds a 14-point advantage in points-for and points-against. The Riders need to win by at least 15 points to win the season series between the clubs.
DOUBLE THREAT: The Lions are expected to use A.J. Harris and Martell Mallett at running back. Both runners have enjoyed success against the Riders. Mallett is a speedster with explosive power. In Harris’s last outing against the Riders, he rushed for 189 yards and a touchdown 21 carries on Aug. 21, 2008 as a member of the Edmonton Eskimos. Mallett has 43 carries for 243 yards and a touchdown in three starts against the Riders in 2009. To be successful, the Riders have to slow down the Lions’ running game.
QUINN IN: Import Johnny Quinn starts as the Riders’ short-side wide receiver for the injured Gerran Walker (ankle). Quinn doesn’t have the speed of Walker but is a good possession receiver. Quinn also showed his ability to find space in last Saturday’s 44-44 overtime tie with the Stampeders. Quinn broke free in overtime for an 18-yard pass from quarterback Darian Durant when the Riders were facing third-and-10.
WHAT A RUSH: Riders fullback Chris Szarka has rushed for five touchdowns this season. This has been exceeded by one his touchdowns total from 2005 to 2008, inclusive.
CLOSE THE CATES: Riders running back Wes Cates has been non-existent against the Lions this season. Cates has been limited to 70 yards on 22 carries in two starts. The Riders need to get Cates going to take some pressure off their passing attack.
GETTING STARTED: Riders slotback Jason Clermont is to make his first start of the season. Clermont, who has been used sparingly, earned the start after recording 90 yards on four receptions in last Saturday’s tie with Calgary.
SPECIAL SPECIAL-TEAMER OUT: Canadian Jason Arakgi, who led the CFL and the Lions with 33 special-team tackles heading into Week 17, is sidelined with a quadriceps injury. Jerome Dennis has been added to the roster but the Lions will be hard-pressed to replace Arakgi’s play on special teams.
KICKING AROUND: The Riders are dressing import Louie Sakoda in case something happens to Luca Congi, who is to handle all of the kicking duties for the injured punter and kicker Jamie Boreham (neck). Congi is coming off a solid game as a punter against the Stampeders, where he averaged 50.4 yards on five punts. Sakoda could see some action as the Riders would like to work the rookie on to the active roster.
BUMPUS-AND-RUN: Michael Bumpus is to make his second start at wide receiver for the Lions. He’s replacing Ryan Grice-Mullen, who may be faster but doesn’t possess the sure hands of Bumpus. Bumpus is also expected to see some action as a returner.
mmccormick@leaderpost.canwest.com
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© Copyright (c) The Regina Leader-Post
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