GDT Edm at BC, Sat June 7, 9:00PM

[gobombersgo]

[gobombersgo]

[gobombersgo]

B.C. Lions to start four American offensive linemen for season opener
By 3Down Staff -June 6, 2025

The B.C. Lions are doing the previously unthinkable to start the 2025 season, announcing four American players as starters along the offensive line.

Centre Michael Couture will be the only Canadian tasked with protecting his fellow countryman Nathan Rourke after a slew of preseason injuries. Veteran free-agent addition David Foucault has been placed on the six-game injured list with a broken leg, while Anu Una (ankle) and Tyler Packer (shoulder) will both begin the season on the one-game injured list.

Incumbents Jarrell Broxton and Kory Woodruff will continue to start at left tackle and left guard respectively, while highly touted offseason trade acquisition Dejon Allen makes his debut at right tackle. Chris Schleuger will be the extra American on hand, temporarily stepping in at right guard. The return of running back James Butler is the only other major change on offence.

Defensively, the Lions will start a trio of offseason free-agent additions in defensive tackle DeWayne Hendrix, middle linebacker Micah Awe, and nickel Deontai Williams. Former NFL second-round pick Kemoko Turay will also make his first CFL appearance at defensive end, starting in place of the suspended Sione Teuhema.

Robert Carter Jr. is the lone rookie to earn a starting job, taking over at boundary cornerback. Preseason standout Jermaine Jackson will also take on a significant role as the team's return specialist, while South African rugby convert Carl Meyer takes over as the punter.

In addition to the injuries along the offensive line, American linebacker Josh Woods (knee), Canadian linebacker Adam Auclair (shoulder), Global linebacker Maxime Rouyer (hip), and American defensive linemen Tre' Crawford (leg) and Marcus Moore (head) have all been placed on the one-game injured list. American defensive back Tyler Coyle, American defensive end Tomasi Laulile, and American offensive lineman Ilm Manning are listed as healthy scratches.

The Lions will open their season on Saturday, June 7 against the Edmonton Elks. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. EDT at BC Place, with rap icon Snoop Dogg set to perform for a projected sellout crowd before the game.

https://3downnation.com/2025/06/06/b-c-lions-to-start-four-american-offensive-linemen-for-season-opener/

[gobombersgo]

New-look Edmonton Elks to field 11 Canadian starters in opener against B.C. Lions
By 3Down Staff -June 6, 2025

In an era when buying Canadian has never been more important, the Edmonton Elks are leading by example. They will field a whopping 11 Canadian starters for Saturday's season opener — four more than the mandatory quota of seven.

Quarterback Tre Ford leads the heavy home-grown contingent, which is highly concentrated on the offensive side of the ball. The Elks will start three Canadian receivers in Kurleigh Gittens Jr., Kaion Julien-Grant, and Zach Mathis, as well as four along the offensive line. Mark Korte, David Beard and Gregor MacKellar are set in stone along the interior, while right tackle Brett Boyko is listed as a game-time decision after being limited in practice with a hamstring injury.

Despite already exceeding their ratio requirements on offence, Edmonton will also field three Canadians on defence — all of whom are new to the team. Tyrell Ford will get the start at field cornerback after coming over from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, while safety Royce Metchie and defensive end Robbie Smith make their debuts after being signed from Toronto.

In addition to the Canadian newcomers, the rest of the team's impressive 2025 free-agent class will debut. The list of newcomers includes halfbacks Emmanuel Rugamba and Kobe Williams, defensive tackles Jake Ceresna and Jared Brinkman, defensive end Brandon Barlow, receiver Steven Dunbar Jr., and punter Cody Grace.

Edmonton will begin the season relatively healthy, with just three Canadians on the six-game injured list: defensive lineman Noah Curtis (knee), tight end Skyler Griffith (knee), and linebacker Oliver Muembi (Achilles).

The Elks will open their season on Saturday, June 7 against the B.C. Lions. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. EDT at BC Place.

https://3downnation.com/2025/06/06/new-look-edmonton-elks-to-field-11-canadian-starters-in-opener-against-b-c-lions/

[Waffler]

This is the game of the week for me. Both teams with ex-bombers and giant question marks. Can't wait to see what happens.

[Jesse]

This is the game of the week for me. Both teams with ex-bombers and giant question marks. Can't wait to see what happens.

Absolutely, the biggest questions of the CFL season are how Rourke and Ford look as starting QBs.

[markf]

Paul La Police on his YouTube channel mentioned Elks building their roster following the
Bombers system re Canadian starters, which he says gives increased flexibility.

Let's hope Mark Killam gives Ford a full chance at qb.

"Anu Una"

Palindrome name.

[theaardvark]

One has 4 Int Oline, the other has 11 Nat starters... what a difference

[barbk]

TSN showing Snoop Dog.... wonder if Martha Stewart jumps up on stage with him.... come on let's play football

[The Zipp]

i hope rourke sucks

tired of this guy already to be honest.

[Jesse]

Here we go!

i hope rourke sucks

tired of this guy already to be honest.

Nah, I hope both QBs light it up. We need more QB talent in this league.

[gobombersgo]

Here we go!

Nah, I hope both QBs light it up. We need more QB talent in this league.

I agree, I just don't care if they are Canadian or American.

Just get the best QBs on the field.

[Jesse]

I agree, I just don't care if they are Canadian or American.

Just get the best QBs on the field.

Well, fast start for Rourke. He looks like the 2022 version of himself so prepare to hear that's he's Canadian a time or two.

[barbk]

I didn't think that was a TD

[The Zipp]

is this wakefield ref new?