Lions face Eskimos in Western Final
Posted Nov 20, 2011 9:24 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – The BC Lions‘ dramatic turnaround from an 0-5 start had them finish first in the West Division. It also gave them the right to host today’s Western Final where they’ll meet the Edmonton Eskimos.
The Eskimos started the season very differently than the Lions as they won their first five games. When the dust settled at the end of the season the gap had been closed as both teams finished with identical 11-7 records. The Lions came out on top in the standings because they beat Edmonton in three of four games this season.
The Leos turnaround can be partly attributed to the play of quarterback Travis Lulay. Despite the slow start, he threw for 4,815 yards and 32 touchdowns with just 11 interceptions this year. Lulay is also the West Division’s nominee for Most Outstanding Player and was named to the CFL All-Star Team.
With Lulay leading the passing game, the Lions will count on Andrew Harris to provide offence on the ground. The Canadian running back had 456 yards rushing this season.
Edmonton quarterback Ricky Ray has had a successful history playing in the playoffs. He’s 6-2 all-time as a starter in the post-season. This year he threw for 4,500 yards and 24 touchdowns.
The Eskies will be without top running back Jerome Messam after he injured his knee last week against the Calgary Stampeders. The former Lion became the first Canadian to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season since Sean Millington did it in 2000.
Kick-off at BC Place is 1:30 p.m.
