The first day of cool temperatures greeted the Lions as they hit the field for their second-last two-a-day of training camp. A day removed from their first preseason game versus the Calgary Stampeders, GM and head coach Wally Buono was pleased with the mental strength of his players this morning as they fight through mental and physical fatigue in the second week of training camp.
With 2009 being arguably the most productive training camp in three seasons the Lions coaching staff had an abbreviated practice this morning which ended for most players 15 minutes earlier than the normal two hour period - extra work was given to the kickoff team, however.
Missing from the morning session were defensive backs BJ Tucker and Mil'Von James as well as defensive linemen Rodney Allen and Xavier Mitchell as Wally Buono trimmed his roster by four players overnight.
While Buono is positive about his team's progress to date, some of his players are a feeling a bit edgy as defensive lineman Gary Butler and stocky fullback Rolly Lumbala tossed haymakers at one another during an inside-run drill. Some onlookers debated the negatives of punching a fellow player in the face mask while others talked close-quarters fight strategy.
The afternoon practice was also 15 minutes shorter than previous second sessions with more emphasis on team situations. After rolling up 481 net yards in Calgary on Wednesday, Buck Pierce and company continued their fine tuning with Geroy Simon and Paris Jackson each demonstrating on Friday that they're itching for game action. Leading the defence during the second session of the day was Korey Banks, who has been penciled in at the nickel back position.
Back to the Future: During lunch, the Lions showed off their retro wear for the 2009 season as Geroy Simon and Barron Miles strutted their stuff with former Lions-great Norm Fieldgate. Click here to view Leos retro jersey photo gallery.
Watching: Darren Toney (ribs), Trestin George (ribs), Tad Crawford (ankle), Jon Hamiester-Ries (shoulder).
Quotable: "This is why I'm not going for the ball" - Linebacker Anton McKenzie, commenting on a loose football seemingly absorbed by 6'9", 295-lb left tackle Walter Stith.
Food Fare: Lunch at Columbia Bible College today consisted of salad, sandwiches and shepherd's pie. Dinner included a tasty combination of jerk chicken, rice, and lasagna.
Next Up: Saturday, June 20 - two practices (8:30 am - 10:15 am and 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm)
The Lions host the Edmonton Eskimos in their final pre-season tilt at BC Place on Tuesday, June 23rd at 7:00 pm. Catch all the action live on the home of the Lions, TEAM 1040 or online at team1040.ca
