2008
Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2012 10:47 am
The 2008 version of the BC Lions were an exciting if not unpredictable collection of outstanding athletes that entered the season with
redemption on their collective mind after an exit in the West Final in 2007. Despite this attitude, however, redemption would have to be
reserved for a later date as the club opened the season 0-2. In addition, the heart and soul of the club took a resounding blow as team
president and CEO Bob Ackles passed away at the age of 69 on July 6th. The club’s original water boy who rose through the ranks to
become its most recognizable ambassador had been an integral member of the club for more than 50 years. A tremendous loss to Lions
fans and football executives on both sides of the border, the death of Ackles would weigh especially heavily on the minds of Lions staff,
coaches and players throughout the remainder of the season. Overcoming a slow start in the early part of 2008, a road win in Hamilton
was the first of five consecutive victories and would spark the club to a 7-2 mark in the second half of the season. Regular season
redemption was not to be, however, as the club concluded 2008 with an 11-7 record and third spot in the West Division. Despite a thrilling
33-12 West Semi-Final victory in Regina, the Lions were unable to claw out a win the following week in Calgary as the Stampeders
prevailed 22-18 in the West Final. While not competing for the Grey Cup unquestionably brought a season of expectations to a
disappointing end, there were a number of highlights that made 2008 a season to remember. Geroy Simon became the club’s all-time
leading receiver and would finish the year as the CFL’s second-leading pass grabber. Rookie running back Stefan Logan thrilled Lions fans
right down to his final performance to become the Lions’ Outstanding Rookie nominee. The Leos would ultimately boast four West Division
All-Stars on offense with Geroy Simon, Paris Jackson, Rob Murphy and Jason Jimenez picking up honours. On defence, the Lions
would be led by lineman Cam Wake as the super sophomore led the CFL with 32 sacks en route to his second consecutive Outstanding
Defensive Player crown. Wake, along with Brent Johnson, Aaron Hunt, Barron Miles and Dante Marsh would pick up CFL All-Star
selections on the defensive side of the ball.
WEST DIVISION
CAL 13 5 0 595 420 26
SAS 12 6 0 500 471 24
BC 11 7 0 559 479 22
EDM 10 8 0 512 526 20
SEMI-FINAL:
Nov 8/08 BC 33 at 12 SAS
Nov 8/08 EDM 29 at 21 WPG
WEST FINAL:
Nov 15/08 BC 18 at 22 CAL
96TH GREY CUP AT MONTREAL:
Nov 23/08 CAL 22 vs 14 MTL
redemption on their collective mind after an exit in the West Final in 2007. Despite this attitude, however, redemption would have to be
reserved for a later date as the club opened the season 0-2. In addition, the heart and soul of the club took a resounding blow as team
president and CEO Bob Ackles passed away at the age of 69 on July 6th. The club’s original water boy who rose through the ranks to
become its most recognizable ambassador had been an integral member of the club for more than 50 years. A tremendous loss to Lions
fans and football executives on both sides of the border, the death of Ackles would weigh especially heavily on the minds of Lions staff,
coaches and players throughout the remainder of the season. Overcoming a slow start in the early part of 2008, a road win in Hamilton
was the first of five consecutive victories and would spark the club to a 7-2 mark in the second half of the season. Regular season
redemption was not to be, however, as the club concluded 2008 with an 11-7 record and third spot in the West Division. Despite a thrilling
33-12 West Semi-Final victory in Regina, the Lions were unable to claw out a win the following week in Calgary as the Stampeders
prevailed 22-18 in the West Final. While not competing for the Grey Cup unquestionably brought a season of expectations to a
disappointing end, there were a number of highlights that made 2008 a season to remember. Geroy Simon became the club’s all-time
leading receiver and would finish the year as the CFL’s second-leading pass grabber. Rookie running back Stefan Logan thrilled Lions fans
right down to his final performance to become the Lions’ Outstanding Rookie nominee. The Leos would ultimately boast four West Division
All-Stars on offense with Geroy Simon, Paris Jackson, Rob Murphy and Jason Jimenez picking up honours. On defence, the Lions
would be led by lineman Cam Wake as the super sophomore led the CFL with 32 sacks en route to his second consecutive Outstanding
Defensive Player crown. Wake, along with Brent Johnson, Aaron Hunt, Barron Miles and Dante Marsh would pick up CFL All-Star
selections on the defensive side of the ball.
WEST DIVISION
CAL 13 5 0 595 420 26
SAS 12 6 0 500 471 24
BC 11 7 0 559 479 22
EDM 10 8 0 512 526 20
SEMI-FINAL:
Nov 8/08 BC 33 at 12 SAS
Nov 8/08 EDM 29 at 21 WPG
WEST FINAL:
Nov 15/08 BC 18 at 22 CAL
96TH GREY CUP AT MONTREAL:
Nov 23/08 CAL 22 vs 14 MTL