Forget about the endless political debates and throw away your copy of 'The Communist Manifesto' because it's time to talk about something that actually matters—the 1987 BC Lions season! Who were these gridiron gladiators, you ask? The BC Lions, of course—one of the stars of the Canadian Football League, playing their home games in the Great White North at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver. It was a year of sheer determination and remarkable play under the guidance of head coach Don Matthews, a no-nonsense leader who epitomized conservative values like discipline, grit, and hard work—none of that laissez-faire nonsense. This isn’t your average football story, no Sir! It's a riveting tale of men who didn’t just play football—they embodied excellence.
The 1987 season was an intriguing spectacle highlighted by crushing wins and spirited competition. The folks were all a-buzz because Don Matthews took charge just that year, adding a dash of excitement to the team as they nearly blitzed their way to glory. They finished the regular season with a respectable 12-6 record, placing second in the Western Division. It was the kind of performance that only happens when a team has a measured dose of tactical acumen and refusal to capitulate to adversity.
Their offensive line was like a well-oiled machine, and the squad took the field with relentless passion each game. You’d be hard-pressed to find such a decisive group today! Leading the charge was Matt Dunigan, an impressive force at quarterback who was known for his determination, dexterity, and unwavering resolve. Dunigan wasn't just playing for himself; he was playing for a team hell-bent on making history. The Lions’ offensive strategy was as orchestrated as a military operation. Their potent mix of passing and rushing attacks made them a formidable opponent. This was football at its finest, folks!
Ron Robinson and Mike Trevathan were two vital parts of this well-tuned engine. They knew what happened when duty calls and showed that delivering under pressure wasn’t just an option - it was expected. And don’t even get me started on the defense—these guys were like hawks watching the backfield with laser-sharp focus. Their no-nonsense approach to tackling ensured they'd often win the ground battle. Few could forget the likes of Tyrone Crews, who put the "D" in defense and gave the opponents a run – rather, a sprint—for their money.
By the time the semi-final game rolled around, the BC Lions were roaring and ready to clobber opponents. Facing the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, who would dare doubt the Lions’ capability? They came out with a tight formation, and before you could say "welfare state," they marched ahead courageously. However, in a plot twist worthy of a Hollywood thriller, the chapter didn't end with a heroic win but with a tragic narrow defeat at 22-16. But let's not get side-tracked by the final score. Because what matters was their battle spirit, and that energy was tangible.
Some might question why we’d focus on a team that didn’t win the Grey Cup. But let's face it; it’s not always about trophies. Sometimes it’s about legacy, cultivated in an era where sportsmanship meant something real. In '87, despite not bagging the ultimate prize, the BC Lions symbolized a paragon of team ethos rooted in accountability and striving for excellence. They’re the kind of team that made you want to put down your avocado toast, get off your La-Z-Boy, and shout, "Now that's football!"
With such a strong squad, the legacy of the 1987 BC Lions lives on as a conservative masterpiece, a testament to a golden era of Canadian football where players showed up game-after-game with a hunger to dominate.
So quit harping on about the latest episode of whatever hipster show you found on streaming services and take a moment to appreciate what it means to be truly spectacular on the football field. The BC Lions of '87 didn’t just play for themselves or their fans—they represented an indomitable spirit that has been an integral part of football lore. Who knows, maybe today’s teams could learn a thing or two from their old-school tenacity!
The 1987 BC Lions season was about more than scoring touchdowns. It was a lesson in resilience and a reflection of conservative principles that some might argue are in short supply today. When team spirit and dedication matter more than anything else, that’s the kind of gridiron greatness we should all be cheering for!