The B.C. Lions have turned around their season with a six-game winning streak heading into the CFL playoffs after defeating the Saskatchewan Roughriders 27-21. This victory secured the Lions second place in the West Division with an 11-7 record, setting them up for a home playoff game. The Lions will now face the Calgary Stampeders in the West semifinal on November 1 in Vancouver. Meanwhile, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, finishing fourth in the West at 10-8, will play against the Montreal Alouettes in the East Division semifinal on the same day.
Starting poorly at 1-3 and 3-5 in July, the Lions made a remarkable comeback in the second half of the season, finishing strong at 8-2. Quarterback Nathan Rourke attributed their early struggles to self-inflicted errors but emphasized the team’s belief in each other and their ability to execute.
Despite a controversial call that negated a potential Saskatchewan touchdown, the Lions managed to overturn an 18-10 deficit and secure the win. The disputed play involved a fumble recovery by Saskatchewan that was later ruled dead by an official whistle, shifting the game’s momentum in favor of the Lions.
In the fourth quarter, Rourke orchestrated a crucial scoring drive, connecting with Keon Hatcher for a touchdown and a successful two-point conversion, propelling the Lions to a 27-21 lead. Rourke’s impressive performance left him just shy of overtaking the league’s passing yardage leader.
Looking ahead, the Lions are focused on their upcoming matchup against Calgary, aiming to continue their winning streak. Meanwhile, the Riders, having secured first place in the West, are preparing for the West final on November 8.
Player reactions varied, with Campbell expressing disbelief over the controversial call, while Betts acknowledged the fortunate turn of events for the Lions. Both teams displayed resilience and determination, setting the stage for an exciting playoff season in the CFL.