Tiger-Cats look to build off Week 1 win in home opener vs. Lions

Jeremiah Masoli looks to build off an impressive week one showing against the Toronto Argonauts as the Hamilton Tiger-Cats host the BC Lions Friday at Tim Hortons Field.

The 27-year-old showed the TiCats look to be just fine without injured starter Zach Collaros, throwing for 318 yards and three touchdowns in Hamilton's 42-20 victory. Considering Masoli only threw a combined 33 passes in his CFL career entering this season, his strong performance is certainly a pleasant surprise for the TiCats.

Masoli looks to have found a favorite weapon in Andy Fantuz, as the Chatham, Ontario native caught seven passes for 99 yards and a score against the Argonauts, and showed he can still be a dominant wideout after being slowed by injuries the past few seasons.

While the Hamilton offense showed it's in midseason form, the defence and special teams have one simple task against BC, stop Chris Rainey. The former Florida Gator was the star in the Lions' late victory over the Calgary Stampeders in week one, scoring two touchdowns, including a 73-yard punt return to seal the win.

Quarterback Jonathon Jennings looked rather ordinary in the victory, completing just 24 of his 42 pass attempts and failing to find the end zone. Those struggles won't cut it against Hamilton on its home turf, so look for the Lions to get running back Jeremiah Johnson involved early and often.

The two clubs exchanged blowout victories last season, with Hamilton winning 52-22 at home before the Lions got revenge with a 40-13 stomping at BC Place. Kickoff for this contest is 7:00 p.m. ET.