What’s the Latest: Lions roar back, oust Roughriders from playoffs
The B.C. Lions defeated the Saskatchewan Roughriders 33-26 in the CFL West Division semifinal in Vancouver, overcoming a 14-point deficit. The victory secured the Lions a spot in the upcoming West Division final against the Edmonton Elks on November 7.
The B.C. Lions will face the Edmonton Elks in the West Division final on 7 November following their playoff victory against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. This marks the Lions’ significant turnaround after starting the season with a 1-5 record, as they secured nine wins in their last ten matches to qualify for the postseason.
B.C. Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke expressed confidence after the team’s comeback victory, stating, “I think with what we’ve been through this year, I think this isn’t uncharted territory for us.” The Lions will advance to the West Division final against the Edmonton Elks on November 7.
What remains unclear — It is not confirmed how the Saskatchewan Roughriders will address the emotional aftermath of their playoff loss.
B.C. Lions defeat Saskatchewan Roughriders to advance in playoffs
VANCOUVER – The B.C. Lions staged a dramatic comeback on Saturday to defeat the Saskatchewan Roughriders 33-26 in the West Division semifinal, eliminating the defending Grey Cup champions from the playoffs. At halftime, the Lions faced a 17-13 deficit, prompting concern in the locker room. Quarterback Nathan Rourke, reflecting on the team’s resilience, stated, “When things aren’t going our way, that we’re capable of climbing out the hole.”
The Lions, who started the season with a 1-5 record, rallied to win nine of their last ten games to secure a playoff position. On Saturday, they overcame a 14-point disadvantage, with Rourke completing 21 of 32 passes for 366 yards and three touchdowns. “We just had to remember what we’re capable of and just try to string a couple of plays together,” he commented.
The Roughriders’ quarterback, Trevor Harris, expressed disappointment after the loss, noting the team’s aspirations for championship success. “A game like this is one that’ll keep you up at night. But it’ll drive you for improvement,” he said. The defeat concluded Saskatchewan’s season after they ended with a 10-8 regular season, equalling the Lions’ record.
Lions’ head coach Buck Pierce praised Rourke for his performance, highlighting a crucial touchdown pass to receiver Jevon Cottoy, who scored on a 70-yard play. “He never ceases to amaze me,” Pierce remarked. Cottoy himself acknowledged that the team’s heads were down at halftime but emphasised the need to seize the moment in the second half.
In a closely contested match, B.C. struck back with consecutive touchdowns after the intermission. They will face the Edmonton Elks in the West Division final on November 7, while the Roughriders must ponder the missed opportunities that ended their playoff run. As defensive back Tevaughn Campbell stated, “It really showed. You could see it on guys’ faces. You could feel the emotion in the room.”