Meet the B.C. Lions

So in the East Final it'll be the Western-most team in the CFL versus the Eastern-most team. The B.C. Lions are coming to Montreal to face the Alouettes this Sunday at the Big O at 1pm (et). The Alouettes only lost three games this year and one was to the B.C. Lions on September 4th 19-12. Yes, I know you remember that game. That was the game the CFL admitted they muffed the call after Avon Cobourne trotted into the end zone, a re-do took place and then Cobourne was stuffed by JoJuan Armour to seal the game for the Lions. The past is the past, so we'll let it be.

It'll be the third time these two teams face each other, but the first since September 13th so it's been 9 weeks. Time for a refresher course on who's who in the Orange and Black.

In Numerical Order,
#1 Casey Printers: he did not play the Montreal Alouettes this season as it was Jarius Jackson getting both starts at the beginning of September. But he will cause problems for the Als with his feet. If the Alouettes are not careful the game will turn out just like last year's Grey Cup with Henry Burris Running rampant and free on the Als defense. Printers arm helps him create big plays as he has the strength to hit part of the field that not many CFL Qbs can. As for Anwar Stewart, Keron Williams and John Bowman, they cannot let Printers get free or he will be able to make time for his receivers. Printers will be priority number one for the Als game planning.

#11 JoJuan Armour: The Mouth of the B.C. defense. Sure he had 62 tackles this year and 4 sacks (3 of those sacks vs Mtl). His main goal will be to get Avon Cobourne off his game. Armour and Cobourne do not like each other and both players are not shy of letting their feelings known. If Armour can make a big play on Cobourne early it could affect his game moving forward, definitely a mtach -up to watch on Sunday.

#35 Martell Mallett: The West Division's nominee for rookie of the year, he picked up 1240 yards on the ground for the Lions for fourth spot in the League. He's dynamic and shifty. Combined with Printers ability to move he'll be a handful for the Als front 7. He protects the ball very well with only 2 fumbles on the season.

#45 Jason Arakgi: This Montrealer is Larry Taylor's opposition for Special Team Player in the League. However he is not a returner, his 35 special team tackles was second best in the league. He'll be looking to make an impact in his Homecoming.

#81 Geroy Simon: In the top ten in every major receiving category this year including receptions, yards and tds. He's an experienced game-breaker that can turn a secondary inside out. It'll be interesting to see who the Alouettes will match-up against him. My money's on rookie Jerald Brown. Who ever it is he'll be getting help over top but Simon's route running and hands could easily beat good tight coverage.

#95 Ricky Foley: The Non-Import is up for Canadian player of the year as he lead the CFL in sacks with 12 to go aloong with his 51 tackles. So he's a lineman that is very effective on the pass and the run. If he can get to Calvillo once or twice in the game he'll make sure AC remembers it. He's quick off the line and very aggressive in his one on one battles.

Head Coach Wally Buono: Well there's not much that can be said about the CFL's all-time winningest coach. I guess you can add 3-time coach of the year and 4-time Grey Cup Champion. The offensive minded Buono knows what it takes to win, even if the Lions did not have a winning record this season, he knows how to motivate and game plan against powerhouse teams like the Alouettes.

So there's a few key Lions to look for this Sunday when the Alouettes host them at the Big O. Any one of them could be a game breaker. The Lions are in a no-lose situation, there's no pressure they needed help to get in the playoffs. However after watching them beat Hamilton on the road none of these players care about that whatsoever, they're coming to Montreal to win.