BCLions.com Staff

KAMLOOPS, B.C. -- Just four days separate the Lions and their final pre-season tilt slated for Sunday versus the Edmonton Eskimos at Empire Field, but perhaps more importantly only 48 hours remain on the multiple-practice docket for players whose bodies and minds are beginning to show signs of wear.

Despite the aches and pains, the Leos did indeed have two practices under ideal weather conditions at Kamloops’ Hillside Stadium on Wednesday and continue to show signs of a competitive club in the making.

General manager and head coach Wally Buono gave his starting pivot, Casey Printers the morning off to allow the QB to rest his arm which paid off nicely as Printers shone in the second session completing a number of intermediate and long passes to receivers Terence Scott and Robert Jordan to name a few.

The morning off for Printers did send a few folks scurrying to various social media outlets with varying degrees of panic to which the GM and head coach responded, “The guy has had five million reps this week, what’s the big deal?”

Once ‘arm-gate’ was put to rest and everyone in cyberspace was assured the earth hadn’t spun wildly of course into the sun, most of the Leos managed to get a full day’s work in Wednesday.

Travis Lulay and Jarious Jackson took advantage of the extra reps to guide the offence through morning no-huddle and team periods with both pivots enjoying varying degrees of success. Despite his ongoing shoulder rehabilitation, Jackson hit a sprinting Paris Jackson beautifully in stride about 45 yards downfield with one of many completions.

During one-on-one sessions, newcomer defensive end Victor DeGrate turned a few heads with some effective reps as did interior lineman Alan Harper. On the offensive side, Justin Sorensen continues to impress with some shutdown reps of his own as did fellow tackle Dumane Duckett.

Inside run period took on a bit of a twist as it appeared the offense was having a tough time getting anything going. Typically a seven to eight men drill, it was discovered later that the defence was actually playing with 10 players to the offence’s seven, causing a few chuckles.

WATCHING: Steve Williams (groin), Darius Passmore (hamstring), Paris Jackson (knee - afternoon only), Casey Printers (arm - morning only), Joe Henderson (knee – afternoon only), Derick Armstrong (knee – afternoon only).

FOOD FARE: Lunch at Thompson Rivers University consisted of a choice of sandwiches, chilli and a selection of salads, fruits and desserts. Dinner was roasted pork chops, rice, sole and salads. The apple crumble dessert was also big hit.

QUOTABLE: “I feel like I’m 17” – Geroy Simon during morning stretch. “All I know is you have like eight kids and they’re all old” – Wally Buono in response to Simon.

NEXT UP: Thursday, June 17 – two sessions (8:20 am – 10:30 am & 4:00 pm – 6:00pm)



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Esks.com Staff

EDMONTON -- Day 11 was the last day of back-to-back practices for the 2010 Training Camp.  The team put on pads for contact drills during the second session.  Camp looks like it’s starting to take a toll on their bodies as everyone is moving a little more slowly after practice. 

With that being said, this time next week, the Eskimos will have the 2010 team finalized and a routine will begin as the Green and Gold go through 18 regular season games in hopes to securing a playoff spot to get them one step closer to the Championship Game in November.

Hidden talents:  Receivers Tremayne Kirkland, Skyler Green and Kevin Wuthrich tested their vocal cords today during individual drills.  Turns out the three receivers are quite the singers.  Maybe they can form an A cappella group when their playing careers are over.

Keep an eye out for the helmet cam CTV will be attaching to running back Calvin McCarty’s head.  The camera will get a bird’s eye view of what it looks like to be in the middle of battle.

Practice for Thursday, Friday and Saturday will take place at Clarke Field.  Please click here daily for any practice schedule changes.  

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Stampeders.com Staff

CALGARY -- Dave Dickenson cut his coaching teeth last year by working with the Stampeders’ running backs. This season, the former all-star quarterback is in very familiar territory as he mentors Calgary’s pivots.

“It’s a big difference, actually,” said Dickenson. “(Former offensive coordinator) George Cortez did most of the heavy work last year and I just kind of figured out where to fit in. This year, even though Huff’s our coordinator, me and Coach (Kris) Sweet have had script practices — he takes the run game and I take the passing game.

Dickenson has certainly had an interesting time these past couple of weeks. For starters, he’s worked with no fewer than seven quarterbacks in camp, with ex-Argo Cody Pickett the latest arrival.

BIG THRILL FOR A BIG MAN

The temptation is to say that Spencer Wilson is doing his best to keep up with the big boys in training camp, but at six-foot-seven and 320 lbs., Wilson is one of the big boys.

In terms of experience, however, the 22-year-old product of the Calgary Colts juniors knows he has a ways to go.

“I’m constantly working on it,” said Wilson, a resident of the Calgary community of Haysboro who is in camp as a non-roster player. “It’s a big step up and I’m trying to work to get to that step. I just wanted to come out and show as good as I could and see if I could make the squad.”

MILT ON THE MOVE

Milt Collins, who’s playing strong-side linebacker in camp, still does a lot of the same things he did a year ago as the Stampeders’ safety. In fact, his responsibilities include so much pass coverage that he often goes through camp drills with the secondary.

There are times, however, that he’s reminded he’s longer a defensive back.

“Coming down and playing in the box, that’s the biggest adjustment,” said Collins. “I have to use my technique and get it right. That’s the most difficult part, but I’m going to get it done.

ROSTER MOVES

The Stamps added import defensive lineman Darrell Robertson and import offensive lineman Stanley Bryant and released import receiver Louis Givens.

INJURIES

Import defensive lineman Eugene Kinlaw (knee), non-import offensive lineman Matt Sheridan (back), non-import defensive lineman Fernand Kashama (hip pointer), import offensive lineman Edwin Harrison (knee), non-import receiver Johnny Forzani (hamstring), import linebacker Robert McCune (back), import receiver P.K. Sam (hamstring) and import defensive backs Johnnie Dixon (shin splints) and Jason Horton (groin) and non-import linebacker Karl McCartney (hip) did not practise and are day-to-day. Import running back Derek Watson (knee) missed the afternoon session and is day-to-day. Receiver Ken-Yon Rambo (knee) remains on the disabled list.

SCHEDULE

The Stamps are on the field for two sessions on Thursday, June 17. Practices run from approximately 9:05 a.m. to 10:55 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. to 5:50 p.m. As per league policy, ENG cameras will be permitted to shoot from approximately 9:05 a.m. to 9:25 a.m. and 10:50 a.m. to 10:55 a.m. in the morning practice and 4:20 p.m. to 4:40 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. to 5:50 p.m. during the afternoon session.



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Riderville.com Staff

REGINA -- Today’s practice saw a number of highlight plays between quarterbacks and receivers but most noteworthy included Darian Durant connecting deep downfield with receiver Prechae Rodriquez while quarterback Cole Bergquist scrambled under pressure and found receive Jeremy Gilchrist across the field. Following the day, players met with coaches to continue learning the playbook last night at Luther College. Players and coaches will hit the practice field at Mosaic Stadium for Day 12 of training camp with one practice session beginning at 9:15 am local time.

ROSTER MOVES:
 
None

INJURIES:

WR      Obed Cetoute            (achilles) day to day
WR      Aaron Fairooz           (foot) indefinitely
LS       Jocelyn Frenette       (hamstring) day to day
DB       Chris McKenzie        (hamstring) day to day
DL       Josh Miller                 (shoulder) day to day
LB       Kye Stewart               (knee) day to day
DL       Shomari Williams      (thigh) day to day