Questions &'nd Support » the ball in his first two starts

As the memorable 2013 season — albeit, for less than desirable reasons — draws to a close, fans of the 3-13 Winnipeg Blue Bombers are going to be seeing changes for 2014 beyond the players on the field, coaches on the sideline, or brass in the front office. The football club recently announced an increase in season ticket prices in five of the seven categories at Investors Group Field for 2014. While most increases are in the two to three per cent range, the clubs most affordable season tickets will jump from $199 to $250 — a 26 per cent leap. But while fans in the stands may not be enthused by current trends, things have been looking up as head coach Tim Burke continues his late-season mantra of improvement, growth, and development for his team headed into next season. The offence has begun to click as of late under mid-season offensive coordinator appointee Marcel Bellefeuille, with rookie quarterback Max Hall passing for a career-best 385 yards while leading his team to season-highs of 466 yards of offence and 25 first downs this week at home against the Argonauts. Halls 385 through the air is the second-highest total put up by a Bombers passer over the last four seasons. With Winnipeg in the Big Smoke for a rematch at Rogers Centre on Thursday night, the Blue and Gold hope to see similar production out of some starters who are trying to make a name for themselves. Running back Will Ford, who started the season as the No. 2 on the depth chart, continues his push to be the undisputed No. 1 headed into the offseason. His 324 rushing yards over the last three games ranks third league-wide, while he remains a dangerous threat as the deep man on kick and punt returns. Former NFL-standout Mike Sims-Walker made his first career CFL start last week, and while he has been ruled out this week with a sore and swollen knee, he definitely left an impression. His 8 receptions for 137 yards while in for Aaron Kelly on Saturday included four for first downs and 52 yards after the catch. The soon to be 29-year-old remains under contract next season. Notes: Young Canadian offensive lineman Patrick Neufeld will not dress for his first game in Blue and Gold this week after coming over from Saskatchewan in the Alex Hall trade... Wide receiver Aaron Kelly returns to his starting role with Sims-Walker out... Wallace Miles is slated to make his first start of the season in place of Terrence Edwards at slotback... Running back Mario Fannin is slated to dress for his first game after being signed to the practice roster on October 1... The defence will look relatively the same for their rematch with the Boatmen, as starting nickelback Desia Dunn moves back in for Jeremy McGee who suffered a hamstring pull against Toronto, and backup defensive lineman Michael McAdoo will dress for J.D. Griggs who has been placed on the one-game injured list. Miguel Andujar Yankees Jersey . The Union looked to have grabbed a big win in the 88th minute when Amobi Okugo finally put the hosts in front. But a terrible giveaway by Union goalkeeper Rais Mbolhi handed Earnshaw the equalizer in the second minute of stoppage time, keeping the Union two points back of fifth-place Red Bull New York for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Bobby Murcer Jersey . Team officials did not indicate the extent of the injury Saturday, simply listing Rose with "left knee soreness." Rose has played two preseason games without any sign of problems. The first NBA game in South America now will be missing its biggest star. https://www.cheapyankees.com/2201g-ron-g...ankees.html.com) - His team lost in the round of 16 of the FCS playoffs, yet Northern Iowa football coach Mark Farley says his team has made a strong case to be voted to the top 5 in the final rankings. Johnny Damon Jersey . The 27-year-old forward has informed the Leafs that he will be unable to play in Monday nights home game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Jordan Montgomery Jersey . The Wizards gave up two seldom-used players — forward Jan Vesely and point guard Eric Maynor. Vesely goes to the Nuggets, while Maynor gets shipped to the 76ers. Philadelphia receives two second-round draft picks, one from the Wizards in 2015 and one from the Nuggets in 2016.SURREY, B.C. -- Thomas DeMarco is grateful to get another chance to lead the B.C. Lions. Now its up to him to show he deserves it. The second-year quarterback has had his share of ups and downs since taking over from injured starter Travis Lulay five weeks ago. He led the Lions to back-to-back road wins in his first two CFL starts, but has struggled the last three games -- all losses to division rivals. Still, the Lions will go with DeMarco again when they host the Edmonton Eskimos on Friday night. "Youre going to have tough things youre going to push through and the fact that I got the nod, it means a lot to me," DeMarco said after Tuesdays practice. "I want to work through my difficulties, as any quarterback would like to, and Im happy that I got that opportunity." The product of Old Dominion University did a good job of managing the ball in his first two starts, completing 39-of-65 passes for 435 yards and four touchdowns against no interceptions. In B.C.s three straight losses -- including Saturdays 35-14 blowout in Regina at the hands of the Saskatchewan Roughriders -- DeMarco was a pedestrian 49-for-95 passing for 677 yards to go along with four TDs and eight picks. And while Lions head coach Mike Benevides agreed DeMarco hasnt been at his best of late, he added that the 24-year-old gives his team the best chance to win. "Right now Thomas is still the guy that takes the first snap because hes shown an ability to make those plays," said Benevides. "Theres been some regression, but any young guy is going to go through tough times, especially at the quarterback position. "If you ask any quarterback, theyre going to ask to fight through those things and appreciate the fact they were given the opportunity." Lulay, who has been out with an injury to his throwing shoulder since Sept. 15 and was originally expected to only miss two weeeks, performed a bit of soft toss on the sidelines during Tuesdays practice but nothing more.dddddddddddd "Im kind of at the mercy of the symptoms," said Lulay. "I push it to where I know I need shut it down and hope to continue to progress." The Lions (9-7) host the Eskimos (3-13) on Friday in a game that means nothing in the standings, but a lot to the teams psyche. B.C. is locked into the West Divisions third seed with two games remaining, and will be on the road to face either Saskatchewan or the Calgary Stampeders when the post-season begins. If the Lions are going to make any noise in the playoffs, two strong outings to close out the regular season will be critical. "I want us to go out there and play like we know we can," said DeMarco, who threw four interceptions against the Roughriders. "Weve put quarters together, weve put halves together (but) we havent put a whole game together. Im sure if were able to do that well turn some heads." If they dont, its not like Benevides is out of options if DeMarco continues to struggle and Lulay remains on the shelf. Buck Pierce, a member of the Lions from 2005 to 2010, was acquired from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers last month as an insurance policy. The 31-year-old has seen limited action in his return to B.C., but said he will be ready if called upon. Benevides doesnt want to have to make that move, but added the time is now for DeMarco to step up after a disappointing performance against Saskatchewan. "Its important and critical for us and for him to make sure that when he goes against the Edmonton Eskimos, he shows right off the top that hes learned from it, hes focused and he has the ability and the capability to understand where the offence asks him to put the ball -- thats his job," said Benevides. "Its vital, not only for us but for him, to get it right." ' ' '