NORTH Vancouver's Dean Valli and Paris Jackson will suit up for the B.C. Lions as they attempt to win the Grey Cup on their home turf Sunday at BC Place.
Valli, a Windsor secondary product, is on the offensive line as the starting right guard. The Simon Fraser University grad is in his sixth year with the team. The line will be tested against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, league leaders in sacks. In two meetings against the Lions, including a 30-17 win at Empire Field Aug. 13, the Bombers racked up 10 sacks. That loss dropped the Lions to 1-6 to start the year and spurred a stretch where they went 11-1 to finish first in the west.
Jackson, a Carson Graham grad, is in his ninth year as a receiver with the team. It's been a tough year for the veteran, who was injured early on and took a long time to get back into coach Wally Buono's lineup. Jackson came on at the end of the year, catching two passes in each of the last three regular season games, including a 51-yard touchdown - his only score of the year - against Edmonton Oct. 29. Jackson also blocked a punt Sept. 17 against Calgary, a key play in a 32-19 win over Calgary.
The Grey Cup kicks off Sunday at 3 p.m.
