THE CANADIAN PRESS
VANCOUVER — The B.C. Lions say they must keep their emotions in check during Friday’s game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers that will honour the life of team president Bob Ackles.
It will be the first home game since Ackles — the one-time Lions waterboy who was associated with the team for more than half a century — died suddenly of a heart attack July 6 while on a boating trip to nearby Bowen Island.
And B.C., which got its first victory last week in Winnipeg after opening with two losses, will be facing a desperate 0-3 club that has struggled since playing for the Grey Cup in November.
"It was the same situation last week," said quarterback Jarious Jackson, who torched the Bombers with five touchdown passes and completed 80 per cent of his throws for 340 yards in the 42-24 win.
"Once we strap on the helmets and cleats and walk on the field, you’ve pretty much got to clear your mind and play football."
Jackson said the emotional level on the team has changed because of Ackles’ death.
"But us losing those first two games has definitely contributed to it as well," he added.
The team practised Friday at B.C. Place Stadium, where a circular logo 10 yards in diameter with BOB superimposed over the Lions original pawprint logo was freshly painted at midfield.
The constant reminder was surrounded by orange cones to protect it until game time.
Fans attending the game will receive a commemorative button of similar design.
After practice, Mayor Sam Sullivan presented team owner David Braley with a civic proclamation declaring Friday as Bob Ackles Day and encouraged fans to attend the game.
"It’s a great way to pay tribute to a great citizen," said Sullivan.
Middle linebacker Javier Glatt, who picked off two throws by Winnipeg quarterback Kevin Glenn, says the Lions have prepared as they would for any other game.
"That’s the mental level you have to be in for a situation like this," said Glatt. "What happens between the white lines is no different. No one’s going to feel sorry for us, no one’s coming in saying it’s Bob Ackles night so we better take it easy on them.
"But once the game’s done that will give us a chance to relax and celebrate life and all that he’s accomplished and all that the B.C. Lions have accomplished under his regime."
A tribute to Ackles will follow the game and his name will be enshrined on the ring between the upper and lower decks of the stadium.
"It’s a special night in a lot of ways," said Lions coach Wally Buono. "But life always goes on and football doesn’t stop for everybody."
Buono said the tribute game shouldn’t put more pressure on his players.
"The expectations haven’t changed but the emotions might be different."
The Bombers are also expected to have a different emotional level after a loss where the score flattered them as B.C. led 35-5 early in the second half.
More will be asked of diminutive Winnipeg running back Charles Roberts, who was held to 23 yards on eight carries last week while Lions rookie tailback Stefan Logan racked up 140 yards on the ground.
.Logan will again start in place of the injured Joe Smith.
Roberts watched game film with head coach Doug Berry who said this week he’s not expecting an expanded role for his running back, who was the runner-up to Smith in the 2007 rushing race.
"I’m looking for a normal role from him," Berry said of Roberts.
The Bombers coach believes his team had a good effort last week against the Lions but was victimized by mistakes.
He dismissed suggestions he’s feeling the heat after the winless start.
"I may have to evaluate and try to find out what we’re doing wrong harder," Berry said in an interview posted on the team’s website. "In terms of preparing, I’m not going to change who I am."
Glenn, who led the CFL with 5,114 passing yards last season, is also looking to bounce back from a performance where he threw for just 86 yards.
"Right now, we just need to execute, believe in the plays, believe in what’s being called," said Glenn, who was lifted against the Lions for backup Ryan Dinwiddie.
Notes: Robert Bean, inujured against the Lions, will be replaced in the Bomber secondary by rookie Willie Amos … veteran defensive back Sam Young has been added to the Winnipeg practice roster … the Lions moved offensive lineman Lorne Plante to the practice roster and activated import Rufus Skillern as insurance at wideout where Clarence Coleman is recovering from a calf injury.
