Lions at Hamilton July 1

[B.C.FAN]

The Lions play in Hamilton at 4 p.m. on Canada Day in a tough test against one of the league's top teams. B.C. lost 52-22 in their visit to Tim Hortons Field last year and I've seen many predictions of another Hamilton win by a double-digit point spread. The Ticats feast on turnovers and special teams, and that's where last year's game was won and lost. The Lions fumbled twice, Travis Lulay threw two interceptions, and Brandon Banks returned a punt for a 96-yard TD. I hope Wally and Marcello Simmons have cleaned up the miscommunication that occurred on punt teams last week. After that, they have to focus on containing Banks.

Much has changed since that meeting last year. Lulay and John Beck split the quarterbacking duties for the Lions. Hamilton QB Zach Collaros, who is on the injured list this year, threw 4 TD passes against the Lions in that game. Jonathon Jennings, who threw 3 TD passes in a 40-13 B.C. victory over Hamilton in last year's rematch at B.C. Place, will start this game, his eighth CFL regular season start.

There are no changes to B.C.'s starting lineup for Week 2. Antonio Johnson gets his second start at right tackly for Levy Adcoock, who is on the 6-game injured list.

There are four roster changes for the Lions, all on the defensive line and at linebacker. International DT Zach Minter, as previously reported, was dropped from the 46-man roster and replaced by Canadian Maxx Forde, who had been on the injured list last week. Impressive international rookie linebacker Dyshawn Davis has been placed on the 1-game injured list this week and replaced on the 46-man roster by rookie international defensive end Kache Palacio from Washington State, who was initially placed on the practice roster after training camp. That gives the Lions eight defensive linemen on the 46-man roster, with Palacio and Darius Allen both listed as backups at rush end. There's room on the 46-man roster for both of them with Davis on the injured list and they'll probably both be needed for special teams. It will be interesting to see how Mark Washington and Marcello Simmons use them.

Lions' depth chart and roster vs. Hamilton

[DanoT]

Who will the 2 healthy scratches be from the 46 man roster? It doesn't look like anyone from the O and I am thinking that they may want to get a in game look at their new DE, Palacio.

[B.C.FAN]

Hamilton all-star nose tackle Ted Laurent is back for this game after missing the season opener. He'll be a big test for the interior of the B.C. line.

Ex-Lion Alex Hoffman-Ellis is out for Hamilton. Three Lions who played for Hamilton last year will face their old team, cornerback Brandon Steward, safety Mike Edem and O-lineman Tim O'Neill.

[WestCoastJoe]

Depth chart ...

Big challenge for the D Line.

And of course big challenge for the O Line.

TiCats will pressure us all over the field.

If we do well against them, we will have some basis to think that we can contend this year.

[B.C.FAN]

Hamilton QB Jeremiah Masoli and B.C.'s Jonathon Jennings both started last year as third stringers. Masoli looked good last week against Toronto, completing 27 of 37 psses (including 15 of 15 in the second half) for 318 yards for his first win in two career starts. It was by far his best career game.

B.C.'s Jonathon Jennings completed 24 of 42 passes for 248 yards last week in winning his fourth game in seven regular-season starts. Last year Jennings started against Hamilton at B.C. Place and completed 23 of 33 passes for 247 yards, 3 TDs and 1 INT in leading the Lions to a 40-13 victory.

Career passing stats:
Jonathon Jennings 166 of 257 (64.6%) for 2,252 yards, 15 TDs and 10 INTs
Jeremiah Masoli 60 of 105 (57.1%) for 761 yards, 6 TDs and 3 INTs