GAME NOTES: For years, John Hufnagel served as Wally Buono's offensive coordinator in Calgary. Now, the two will square off as opposing head coaches. Hufnagel was named the Stampeders head coach and general manager in the offseason, taking over an under-achieving squad that finished third in the West Division with a 7-10-1 record. But Hufnagel was Buono's offensive coordinator in the 1990s in Calgary. The two helped the Stampeders reach three Grey Cup games, winning once. Buono is the CFL's longest-tenured head coach, entering his 18th season. He has also guided the Lions to four straight first-place finishes in the West Division. Calgary returns with quarterback Henry Burris leading the offense. Burris was the CFL's second-leading passer last year with 4,279 yards and had a league- high 34 touchdown passes. Receivers Nik Lewis and Jeremaine Copeland both registered over 1,000 yards last year and running back Joffrey Reynolds was solid on the ground, rushing for more than 1,200 yards. But the big question in Calgary is going to be its defense. The Stampeders were at or near the bottom in most of the CFL's defensive categories, presenting new defensive coordinator Chris Jones with a big challenge. Jones came to the Stampeders in the offseason after seven years in Montreal, where the Als traditionally fielded a very strong defense. The unit will definitely be tested by a Lions offense that has plenty of big- play options and helped B.C. record a league-best 14-3-1 record last year. Quarterback Buck Pierce will start ahead of Jarious Jackson, having won the training camp battle. Lining up behind Pierce will be tailback Joe Smith, last year's CFL rushing leader with over 1,500 yards. The receiving corps isn't shabby, either, led by slot backs Geroy Simon (the league's leading receiver last year) and Jason Clermont. The defense isn't bad, either. Sophomore defensive end Cameron Wake returns after leading the CFL in sacks last year with 16 and being named the league's top rookie and defensive player. Other defensive stalwarts include end Brent Johnson, linebacker Javier Glatt and defensive back Ryan Phillips (league-best 12 interceptions). The numbers: B.C. was a CFL-best 7-1-1 on the road last year and 8-1-1 within the West Division. Calgary was 5-3-1 at home and 4-5 against conference rivals. Keys to the game: This boils down to a matchup between B.C.'s potent offense and Calgary's defense. The Lions have no shortage of ways to move the football, which should keep the Stampeders defensive unit honest. The overwhelming sentiment in Calgary is the defense is bigger and faster than last year's unit. That's good, because the Stampeders are going to need that in order to keep this offense in check. B.C.'s defense will also have to get pressure on Burris and not allow him time to look downfield. The challenge for Calgary's offensive line will be that all four Lions down linemen are capable pass rushers, effectively eliminating double-teams. Just like last year, it's going to be tough to bet against the Lions.