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The Argos are in the midst of a short week, returning home from Regina on a red eye and practising for the first time on Wednesday.

Thursday was the team’s second practice with Friday scheduled as a walkthrough day before Saturday night’s kickoff against the visiting 0-3 B.C. Lions.

“The more reps you can have, the better,’’ said Bethel-Thompson, who will make his first start of the season. “It’s as much a feel position as it is mental. The more reps you can have, the better chance you have to play freely and fast.”

He also admits he’s been trying to get more rest in anticipation of being at his best come kickoff.

As for the Lions on Saturday, Bethel-Thompson understands the challenges B.C.’s defence will present.

“Good scheme, good players, we have to be at our best to beat them,’’ said Bethel-Thompson, noting he’s particularly familiar with the Lions’ dynamic all-purpose defender Aaron Grymes, who he met while auditioning for the NFL Philadelphia Eagles a few years back.

A year ago, Bethel-Thompson, having replaced an ineffective Franklin, led the Argos to a win over B.C. when the Lions came to town and then started in Vancouver, where the Argos lost.

Bethel-Thompson’s counterpart this year will be Mike Reilly, who returned to B.C. this off-season in free agency. A self-described film rat, MBT is a big fan of Reilly, a likens him to Ticats QB Jeremiah Masoli, with whom he has ties that go back to their childhoods

“Reilly is very similar,’’ said Bethel-Thompson of the big-play capabilities both pivots bring to each game. “I definitely have a lot of respect for his (Reilly) game and what he’s done in this league.”