Lions might gain back roar

By Lethbridge Herald on May 28, 2025.

Graham Kelly

 Inside the CFL

Over the past few years, most pundits believe that when the Blue Bombers are finally grounded, they would be succeeded atop the Western Division by the Lions. B.C. hasn’t been in or won the Grey Cup since 2011 when they knocked off Winnipeg 34-23 on the West Coast. This year the Red River boys are trying to tie Edmonton’s record of six straight appearances(1977-1982) in the big game, of which the Eskimos won five straight. Winnipeg has lost three of five of their Grey Cup games.

     Once again some pundits see B.C. as the heir apparent. Last year they were 5-1 before finishing third at 9-9. Quarterback Vernon Adams, Jr started the season in charge. The 2022 CFL Rookie of the Year Canadian quarterback Nathan Rourke returned from his NFL odyssey on Aug. 13th just when Adams, Jr. injured his knee. Rourke was inconsistent the rest of the way(3-5) with Adams, Jr. finishing up the season. They lost the semi-final in Regina 28-19. Adams, Jr. , 32 years of age, was traded to Calgary for draft choices making Rourke who turned 27 last Saturday the undisputed starter. His back-up is the hard-eluck, much travelled veteran Jeremiah Masoli. He’s 37.

Trading Adams, Jr. wasn’t the only big change in the Lions’ den.

Although one of the best coaches in the business, Rick Campbell was dumped in favour of Winnipeg offensive coordinator Buck Pierce who has never held the top job. Because Pierce wants to run the offence himself, the best OC in the league St. Albert’s Jordan Maksymis is now an Elk.

 Pierce was signed to coach the Lions Dec. 3, 2024. He had been a quarterback with the team , 2005-09, winning the Grey Cup in 2006 as Dave Dickenson’s back-up. He played four seasons with Winnipeg and tallied two more rings as a Bomber assistant when they won it all in 2019 and 2021. He said he didn’t want to leave the Bombers and, in recent years, declined to apply for head coaching jobs that he likely would have got, including the one in Saskatchewan, occupied by Cory Mace.

I think he headed west because he wasn’t feeling the love from the Bomber faithful anymore. During last year’s Grey Cup loss to Nick Arbuckle and the Argonauts, 41- 24, QB Zach Collaros hurt his hand during the second half. Pierce sent in No. 2 Terry Wilson who threw four straight interceptions. When Zach came back, he couldn’t grip the ball and threw three picks. In both cases, why didn’t they go with one of the best running backs in CFL history Brady Oliveira and their superb offensive line? After the loss, Oliveira wondered the same thing. That was the third straight Grey Cup game(and loss) when Winnipeg failed to adjust to the defence. Pierce called the plays. Sometime it is best for a coach to move on

 The rookie boss has some decent talent to work with, led by quarterback Nathan Rourke who still hasn’t realized his potential. The O-line has been bolstered with former Argo All-Canadian right tackle Dejon Allen and former Elk David Fourcault at left guard. The left tackle is Jarell Buxton. Last year the Leos gave up the most sacks in the league. If that doesn’t change, Nathan Rourke won’t last past Labour Day.RB James Butler returns after a sojourn with the CFL’s other felines. The receiving corps is deep with league leader Justin McInnis, Keon Hatcher, Ayden Eberhardt and Jevon Cottoy.

The Lions need to rebuild the defence around end Mathieu Betts who won the Most Outstanding Award in that category two years ago. Former Stampeder all-star Micah Awe is a great addition at middle linebacker. Other top performers on that side of the line include cornerbacks Garry Peters and Jalan Edwards-Cooper. Christian Covington is back on the D-Line. Sean Whyte will once again handle the kicking duties.

 Only two Lions garnered 2024 Western and All-Canadian honours, Whyte and Justin McMcInnis. Betts likely would have made the dream teams but he only played seven games after returning from NFL camps.

The Lions will open the season at home against the Edmonton Elks June 7th . The game will be preceeded by a Snoop Dogg concert. The hope is the Rapper enthusiasts will stay for a very entertaining game and come back for more.