(Vancouver) Ten practices into 2009 training camp and the BC Lions have yet to see a drop of rain which means nary a second of practice time has been lost. As a result, both offensive and defensive players continue to make significant strides on the field.   

The morning practice was effective despite obvious signs of fatigue among receivers with Rufus Skillern hauling a long pass from Jarious Jackson. All four QB’s have been solid through five days and a big reason is the offensive line which has been dominant. Jon Hameister-Ries has stood out each practice during run-blocking and pass protection drills and is making a serious run at the left guard position.

Staying with the offence, both Martell Mallet and Damian Sims have been impressive as they pursue the starting running back position with veteran Ian Smart showing that he has plenty to offer beyond his exploits as a kick returner. All three broke off big runs on Thursday. Wide receiver Emmanuel Arceneaux turned a five-yard catch into a long run during the afternoon contact session and is in the thick of a roster spot race with newcomers Otis Amey and Terence Scott. Canadian slotback Greg Hetherington showed he’s not likely to back down from the rough stuff as he tangled with Korey Banks during the afternoon ‘skelly’ period.

On defence, LaVar Glover notched his second interception of training camp but drew the ire of Wally Buono after spiking the ball. “That’s not a touchdown unless you take it in LaVar,” noted the head coach. Also on defence, Ricky Foley and Anton McKenzie showed that speed can kill on defence as they got in the face of quarterbacks numerous times. Perhaps the busiest guest coach in camp is James ‘Quick’ Parker as Foley, Brent Johnson, and Caesar Rayford can often been seen spending extra time after practice with the hall of famer.  

Watching: Gary Butler (shoulder), Emmanuel Marc (knee), Ryan Grice-Mullen (hamstring), Dean Valli (knee)

Food Fare: Lunch at Columbia Bible College consisted of salad, chicken quesadillas and spicy smokies. For dinner the Leos sat down to a barbeque ribs, skewered shrimp, rice and veggies.

Smile: Players and coaches posed for their media guide pictures over lunch as well as a video headshot for TSN. Twelve players geared up for moving headshots which fans will see during television broadcasts.

Quotable: “Hey, why are you cheering? We just got a six-yard run during a goal-line drill and you knew it would be a run… so shut up!” – Lions offensive lineman Sherko Haji-Rasouli to linebacker Terna Nande after Nande celebrated a solid hit.

Next Up: Friday, June 12 – two sessions (8:30 am – 10:30am & 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm)

Related links:

   - Day 5 photo gallery