Story Published:
Jun 23, 2009 at 3:51 PM MDT
Story Updated:
Jun 23, 2009 at 3:51 PM MDT
courtesy: The Province
By Kent Gilchrist, The ProvinceJune 23, 2009
The B.C. Lions have expended what would seem like an inordinate amount of energy and who knows how much money upgrading their third-string quarterback position since Spergon Wynn came off the bench to help out a couple of times in 2004.
For a guy whose regular job is to hold a clipboard, look good in a nice clean uniform and lead the backups' cheering section on the sidelines, it seems that "inordinate" might not be a strong enough description.
However, wily GM/coach Wally Buono has turned some of those guys -- principally, this year's starter Buck Pierce -- into superstar players. Some, such as Jeff Garcia, into a 10-year NFL starter.
Buono was even able to parlay Wynn's brief flirtation with success into a trade with Winnipeg for a draft pick in 2006.
Where other teams scramble to find one quarterback who can play, the Lions are devoting resources to someone who might help two or three years down the road. Another example, perhaps, of why they've been atop the table in November most years since Buono got here.
The need for a third quarterback was made clear to Buono in 1977 when he played linebacker for the Montreal Alouettes.
After going 8-1, the Als lost both Joe Barnes and Sonny Wade, and didn't win another game until the playoffs.
"I knew you had to have a guy in the system," said Buono, who hid Dave Dickenson on the injury list in Calgary before money was in the budget for a No. 3.
Tonight, most fans will be anticipating the first look at the '09 edition of the team against the Edmonton Eskimos, but not thinking too much about the battle between incumbent No. 3 Zac Champion and newcomer Travis Lulay.
One will likely be gone by week's end. And history suggests determining the right guy might be the most important thing.
A list of third-stringers Buono has had would include Henry Burris, Jarious Jackson and Pierce.
Since Wynn was dealt to the Bombers, both Pierce and Jackson have been No. 3 and 4 behind Dickenson and Casey Printers. As they moved up, Gino Guidugli moved in. He lost his spot to Champion last year; Champion might lose out to Lulay now.
Lulay, who was born in Oregon but spent four years at Montana State in Bozeman. He likely didn't endear himself to Dickenson fans when he led State to victory over the ace QB's alma mater Montana in 2002.
Grinned the redhead: "Dave's a hero in the state."
Receivers coach Jacques Chapdelaine, who was offensive co-ordinator, is impressed by Lulay:
"It's uncanny for a young man to come in and execute as good."
Lulay could be a clipboard holder today and Grey Cup-winning quarterback tomorrow.
Things happen quickly in the CFL.
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