The BC Lions were at the Apple Bowl in Kelowna on Friday morning for practice, getting a feeling for their new home away from home as they get set to take on the Calgary Stampeders on Saturday, June 27.
Lions Head Coach, Buck Pierce, believes the team has a great opportunity to pick up their first win of the season in front of thousands of new fans, who he expects will bring significant energy.
“We’re excited to be here. We are excited to go out and play,” said Pierce. “It’s really going to be something special that I think a lot of these players are going to remember.”
The Lions have put up two strong offensive efforts to start the season, but are still searching for their first victory. Pierce stressed the team’s need for better execution in reaching the end zone.
“Offensively, we have to score. We’re doing a good job of moving the football. We just need to finish,” added Pierce post-practice.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Lions aim to generate more pressure on the opponent’s quarterback while creating scoring opportunities for the offence. Pierce tells Black Press Media it’s been a good practice week in Kelowna.
Former Okanagan Sun linebacker Jacob Bond will be in full gear for the Lions on Saturday, and he’s excited to be back in Kelowna playing at the Apple Bowl.
“It feels great,” said Bond when asked what it felt like to be back in Kelowna. “This place is going to be rocking. It’s just the craziest I’ve ever seen the Apple Bowl… I never thought we’d do this. The field looks amazing!”
Bond added that the team has tightened up in practice and is ready to bring some high-energy football to up to 20,000 fans on Saturday afternoon.
“Bolts are going to be flying, for sure. Everybody is ready to go. We’re looking forward to getting our first win, and we’re pumped up for this one,” said Bond.
The BC Lions are encouraging fans to come out and embrace the CFL in Kelowna.
“The fans are going to be real close to the players, and that’s what the CFL is all about. Make sure the fans get down here and check it out. You can expect a lot of enthusiasm,” said Pierce.
The Lions and the Stampeders are both winless through the first two games of the season, but something will have to give on Saturday.
The game kicks off at 4 p.m.