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RedBlacks turn to Harris for spark vs. steady Lions

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The BC Lions walk into the nation's capital Thursday night with a 5-3 record, marginally better than the 4-3-1 RedBlacks, but the two clubs are trending in different directions.

The RedBlacks have lost two of three, and announced a quarterback change Sunday, yanking reigning MOP Henry Burris from the starting lineup and inserting Trevor Harris.

All was rosy in Ottawa earlier this season when Harris replaced an injured Burris. He led the team to a 4-0-1 record, throwing for 1,499 yards, nine touchdowns, and only one interception. But the offence struggled when Burris returned, leading the coaching staff to pull the plug on its 41-year-old pivot.

The Lions have won two of three, and, despite getting shellacked by the Calgary Stampeders one week ago, seem to have a better grip on where their season's headed.

They've had a more steady season, to say the least. They rank fourth in points scored, and are averaging 41 points per game over their last four contests. Quarterback Jonathon Jennings is enjoying a fine season, ranked third in the CFL in passing, and the running game has been solid, with Jeremiah Johnson ranked fifth in rushing.

Wally Buono's club also ranks a respectable fifth in points against, and pressuring the quarterback has become a defensive strength.

Ottawa - while not as consistent - isn't far off from those numbers, which explains their decent overall record. The RedBlacks rank fifth in points scored, and sixth in points against, but it's their shakiness of late that will be a cause for concern when they take on the Lions.

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