THE CANADIAN PRESS
Considering the circumstances it’s hard to imagine Khari Jones keeping his sense of humour.
Star running back Andrew Harris is gone for the season and dependable veteran Stefan Logan is questionable for Saturday’s game in Hamilton against the Tiger-Cats. The BC Lions’ offensive co-ordinator still managed a laugh during practice this week.
Running back Keola Antolin, who has spent the season on the practice roster, will start against Hamilton.
Jones was asked to describe Antolin’s style. Is the rookie from the University of Arizona a slashing runner who uses his speed or someone who bulldozes over people?
“We will see,” Jones said with a chuckle. “We don’t know certain things until you get him out on the field and see how he plays and responds to things.”
“I think I have an idea but it’s always different when the lights are on.”
The Lions (7-6) need a win against Hamilton (5-7) to stop a two-game losing skid and remain in playoff contention. Jones faces the challenge of scheming against a Tiger-Cat defence that leads the league in allowing just 82.7 rushing yards a game using someone who has never played a down in a regular CFL game.
Giving Antolin first-team reps at practice this week has given Jones an idea of the plays that best suit his abilities.
“You want to do the things you think he’s going to be successful at,” said Jones. “That’s what practice is for, seeing how he has a feel for things and how he is picking it up.”
“I will move the game plan accordingly.”
The five-foot-seven, 196-pound Antolin was late in joining the Lions’ training camp. He showed flashes of his potential in a pre-season game against Edmonton where he collected 126 all-purpose yards on 14 touches. Since then the 24-year-old from Honolulu has been patiently waiting for his chance.
“I’m getting used to all the plays and stuff,” said Antolin. “It’s a business. It’s the end of the season. People get banged up and I have to step up.”
Antolin led the Wildcats in rushing in both 2010 and 2009. During his four-year career he collected 2,398 yards and 26 touchdowns, broke the freshman record and tied the school record for rushing yards. One of his teammates at Arizona was Nic Grigsby of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers who is second overall in the CFL with 1,110 yards from scrimmage.
After spending time with the NFL Arizona Cardinals, Antolin played last season in the Indoor Football League. He welcomes the chance to step in for the Lions.
“No pressure,” Antolin said. “Just stay calm and be you. Go out there and play football like you have been doing for so long.”
“I’m a versatile back. I can show some power, show some moves. I’m an all-around back.”
Jones said having Antolin on the field will be a bit like test driving a new car. At first he might be cautious in his play calling but will open things up if Antolin handles the game situation well.
“You don’t want to limit a guy,” said Jones. “You want to give him every opportunity to be successful.”
“If he gets out there, and the lights come on and he’s ready to go, we will open the play book up. I have no issue with that. If he’s having some issues, then we will tone it down. We will have to gauge it.”
Harris, who leads the CFL with 1,181 yards from scrimmage, underwent surgery Tuesday after suffering a separation of his left ankle in the Lions’ loss to Calgary last weekend. Logan has been hobbled by a thigh injury.
Adding to the Lions’ running back problems, Tim Brown also missed the Calgary game with an injury. Both Brown and Logan will be game-day decisions.
This week BC signed running back Bradley Randle who spent time with the Minnesota Vikings. There’s a chance the Lions could face Hamilton with two running backs with no CFL experience.
“Yes, thanks for letting me know,” deadpanned head coach Mike Benevides.
“It’s one of those things you have to deal with. I always look at it as an opportunity. It is a challenge.”
The Tiger-Cats have used a three-game win streak to climb into first place in the East. Offensive lineman Dean Valli isn’t surprised Hamilton has overcome a slow start.
“Hamilton has been a good team all year,” he said. “They lost a couple of games by some pretty close margins.”
“Those bounces that didn’t go their way at the beginning of the year are going their way now.”
Losing both Harris and Logan is a double blow to a Lions’ offence that has struggled this season. BC’s 275 points is sixth among the nine teams.
Not only is Harris a powerful runner, having collected 652 yards on 122 carries, he also is ninth in the league in pass receiving with 46 catches for 529 yards. He joins a long list of injured Lions which includes quarterback Travis Lulay (shoulder), receiver Courtney Taylor (out for the season with a foot injury); receiver Bryan Bumham (out for the season with a spleen laceration) and Dante Marsh (MCL).
With the running game a question mark, the Lions may have to rely more on the passing attack. That means people like Shawn Gore will have to pick up their game.
“I don’t call it pressure, I call it opportunity,” said the Bishop’s product. “It puts us in the game knowing we are going to be leaned on a little more.”
“We are going to be needed and we are going to get the opportunity to make plays.”
Quarterback Kevin Glenn said he’s confident Antolin can get the job done at running back.
“You have to be confident,” said Glenn. “Thinking negative thoughts could bring on negative outcomes.”
“You can keep the game plan the same. You don’t ask a guy in his first game to do the kind of stuff you would ask a Stefan Logan or Andrew Harris to do, but you also don’t limit him. He’s a very talented, athletic guy.”
