The B.C. Lions wrapped up their 2015 regular season tonight, with a 28-7 loss to the Calgary Stampeders, in a preview of the West Division Semi-Final. These same two teams will play each other again next week in the playoffs.
With both teams locked into their playoff positioning, tonight’s contest was of little importance. Understandably, both the Lions and Stampeders chose to rest many of their starters tonight.
Despite not having seen game action since early September, Travis Lulay showed that he is capable of stepping in if need be come next Saturday. Lulay completed 14 of 20 passes for 181 yards before being replaced at the beginning of the 4th quarter by 3rd stringer Greg McGhee.
Drew Tate got the nod at quarterback for Calgary today to give the reigning Grey Cup Most Valuable Player, Bo-Levi Mitchell, the night off. Calgary’s offence has struggled this year with the loss of All-Star RB Jon Cornish back in late July. It has been Calgary’s defence making up for the offensive unit’s inconsistency, leading the West Division in both passing and rushing yards allowed.
With the loss, the Leos finish the regular season with a disappointing 7-11 record.
Even with the certain letdowns this year however, the Lions’ chances at a Grey Cup is still realistic, and there are some things to find contentment in.
Running back Andrew Harris led the league in rushing this year, eclipsing 1,000 yards for the second time in his career.
Playmaker.
Congrats to @andrewharris33 on his second career 1,000-yard season! #WWMO #BCLions🐾 pic.twitter.com/5Zg4DuNxbp— BC Lions (@BCLions) November 8, 2015
The “Manny Show” came to fruition once again this season. He finished fourth in receiving yards and third in touchdown receptions, but this might be the most impressive stat for Emmanuel Arceneaux:
.@Dick_Wicked #CFL recievers with at least 70 targets. #BCLions Manny Arceneaux is the best this season: pic.twitter.com/ZgU9pKNLgT
— Derek Taylor 🇨🇦🏈 (@DTonSC) November 7, 2015
This past Thursday the team announced their nominees for each selected category. Here they are:
#BCLions nominees: Adam Bighill (MOP, defence), Andrew Harris (Cdn.), Jon Jennings (rookie), Jovan Olafioye (lineman), Chris Rainey (ST).
— Mike Beamish (@sixbeamers) November 5, 2015
Not included are Bo Lokombo and Jason Arakgi who excelled on special teams this year, as well as cornerback Ryan Phillips, who led the league in interceptions this year with six. Rookie Michael Brooks also made a big splash, excelling with a huge presence on the D-line.
The Lions will face a tough task putting points up on the board next week, but only time will tell how they fare. As football experts will tell you every time, it’s all about execution. A one game playoff is anyone’s for the taking.
"This season has been a journey. I feel good about where we are."@andrewharris33 on playoffs & hitting 1,000 yardshttps://t.co/KHMdgXJOeN
— BC Lions (@BCLions) November 8, 2015
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