Lions hit raucous Mosaic for a battle with the Roughriders
Posted July 16, 2016 9:48 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
REGINA, SK (NEWS 1130) – Jonathon Jennings is back under centre on Saturday afternoon in Regina as the BC Lions (2-1) take on the Saskatchewan Roughriders (0-2) at Mosaic Stadium.
The Riders haven’t seen the results thus far in the much-hyped Chris Jones Era, while the Lions are trying to bounce back after a home field loss to the Toronto Argonauts on July 7th. Jennings struggled that night, and was lifted in favour of Travis Lulay.
Part of the fun of a trip to Regina is the hostile environment that awaits the team.
“It’s an atmosphere the players love.” Jennings said earlier this week.
“That’s what we’re here for, to come out and compete in a great atmosphere. It’s going to be fun.”
The Lions would also like to come away with a victory for another reason – It’s been a full nine days since that defeat to Toronto, and after Saturday, it will be another 12 days before the team sees game action again. BC would love to head into the bye-week at 3-1, and an 0-3 start in Rider Nation would continue the questions surrounding Chris Jones’ bumpy start.
There hasn’t been much doubt about the play of Rider QB Darian Durant to begin the year, however. While Durant missed nearly all of last season with an achilles injury, he appears to have returned to his old form, throwing five touchdown passes (with no INTs) in the first two games. The Lions D will have a tough challenge ahead of them to reign in Durant – doing so would keep the rowdy crowd in Regina at bay.
“Mosaic is the place you want to be with the fans, and everybody locked in to it.” BC receiver Manny Arceneaux said this week.
“That’s just a little extra when you come in here, with an opportunity to dominate a team and get a win at Mosaic. It’s big at any time.”
Arceneaux and the Leos went a perfect 3-0 against Saskatchewan last season. They will face the Stampeders in Calgary after the bye week on July 29th.
