The B.C. Lions, after a challenging start to the season, are now on a winning streak heading into the CFL playoffs with a 27-21 victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders. This victory secured the Lions’ second place in the West Division and a home playoff game, with a record of 11-7. The Lions are set to face the Calgary Stampeders in the West semifinal on Nov. 1 in Vancouver.
Meanwhile, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, finishing fourth in the West with a 10-8 record, will be playing against the Montreal Alouettes in the East Division semifinal on the same day.
The Lions struggled initially with a 1-3 start and were 3-5 by July. However, they turned their season around in the latter half, finishing strong at 8-2 and gaining momentum for the playoffs. Quarterback Nathan Rourke attributed their early struggles to self-inflicted errors but praised their resilience and teamwork as they improved.
A pivotal moment in the game was a reviewed scoring play where a potential touchdown by Saskatchewan was negated due to an official’s whistle being blown dead. The ruling impacted the game’s momentum, leading to a shift that favored the Lions. Despite differing opinions on the play, it played a significant role in the final outcome, as acknowledged by players from both teams.
In the fourth quarter, Rourke led a crucial scoring drive, resulting in a touchdown pass to Keon Hatcher, putting the Lions ahead 27-21. Rourke’s performance throughout the season has been notable, coming close to leading the league in passing yardage, with impressive stats and a focus on team success rather than individual accolades.
Looking ahead, the Lions are gearing up for their matchup against Calgary, aiming to continue their playoff success. On the other hand, the Riders, who secured the first spot in the West, will have a week off before hosting the West final.
Both teams are preparing for the intensity of the post-season, with players emphasizing the importance of consistency and dedication as they strive for success in the upcoming playoff games.
