Photo credit: David Friederich, BC Lions.
VANCOUVER– The BC Lions have officially played themselves into contention in the Wild West. Their latest win could go down as their most impressive to date. On Sunday, the home side built an early lead on the strength of a couple of takeaways and a Nathan Rourke touchdown strike to Jevon Cottoy, and then pulled away in the second half en route to a 30-16 win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders in front of 30,083 fans at Save-On-Foods Field at BC Place. The Lions’ fourth straight win improves them to 5-5, just two points behind the Riders for second in the West. Now for some game takes.
Back To .500 After a Hard-Fought Battle On Both Sides
From the get-go, this was a spirited, physical affair that seemed destined to go down to the wire. But after Cottoy’s major put the Lions ahead 13-6 early in the second quarter, the resurgent Lion defence got an interception from T.J. Lee down near the goal line- his second in as many games- and a forced fumble and recovery by Dionte Williams on another drive that had Trevor Harris and the Riders in BC territory. When you consider how much this defensive unit took the blame for the early-season struggles, which started with a less-than-stellar performance in Regina in the season opener, you can’t help but tip the cap to Mike Benevides’ group. Lee was particularly proud of the effort.
“We had a great game plan. Coaches drew them up well. We were able to learn from our previous experience and capitalize on this opportunity,” explained the wily veteran after the win.
“We know who we are. The world just got to find out as the season goes on.”
After Rourke connected with Hatcher to put the Lions ahead 20-6 on their opening series of the second half, it was Stantley Thomas-Oliver intercepting Harris for the home side’s third takeaway of the game. We had previously chronicled how once the unit got its first interception of the year a couple of weeks back, they would start to come in bunches. Lorenzo Mauldin IV recorded his first two sacks with the Lions, further proving how valuable it has been to add to the defensive line depth. It’s amazing what that confidence can do for this defence, as a whole.”
“Grit. Having a grit mentality,” added Lee.
“You know, taking initiative to pick the ball off, being aggressive-minded, studying film and working together and collaborating. So that’s what it takes.”
On the other side, Rourke finished 22/28 for 355 yards and two touchdown passes. His lone miscue of the game was an interception on a deep ball that landed in the hands of Jaxon Ford. That turnover led to the Riders’ only touchdown of the game, making it 27-13 early in the fourth quarter. It’s as close as they would come. Zander Horvath had the Lions’ third major of the game, his CFL-leading 12th of the season. That score was set up by a brilliant 58-yard reception by Stanley Berryhill III. It was a quiet night by Horvath standards with only 43 yards on ten carries, but they were mostly hard-earned.
The Riders also shot themselves in the foot discipline-wise, having one touchdown called back due to an illegal block and later on a no-yards infraction that wiped out a fumble return touchdown. Clear infractions. But definitely a sign that things are starting to turn. Rourke was quick to credit his teammates on the other side of the ball.
“I think our defence is playing incredible,” said the winning quarterback.
“I think we owe this one, offensively, to them. It’s an interesting feeling I have right now. If I could try to describe it to you. I know that it’s a great win, and it’s against a really good team. Every win is hard-fought. I don’t think I played the way I know I’m capable of playing.”
Always his own worst critic, Rourke will be back in the film room working on what to improve. For now, he can take solace in the fact that 2026 is looking brighter with eight games to play.
“I think we’re playing better than we did early on. As I said, I think when it comes to me trying to become the best player I can be, I think I’m not where I want to be right now. So I feel like I owe it to this organization to get better.”
And once he does, it will no doubt put the rest of the CFL on notice.
We try and control what we can control, and one of the things we try and control every day and every week is playing clean football,” said Buck Pierce.
“I thought in the result of some execution errors in the first half, our response and resilience of this team really started to show through, and you know that’s kind of, I think, really the theme for this week. Opportunities to step up, guys in place in big moments, and the next phase was able to complement the last phase. They got some momentum. Offence came back out and got three (after the interception). The defence, as they’re driving, had two turnovers inside the 30-yard line. Those are massive plays.”
As the old saying goes: complementary football wins the day.
Key Stats
13,603- Rourke’s career passing yards. In this win, he moved past Dave Dickenson for 5th on the Lions’ all-time list.
110- a game-high in receiving yards for Cottoy. Once again, he brings another element to this offence.
0/2– the visitors failed to score a major in two red zone opportunities. On the flip side, the Lions did on both of theirs.
72- the Riders committed seven penalties for 72 yards. The Lions only had a pair of infractions for 20 yards.
4– total turnovers by the Lions’ defence: the two interceptions, one fumble recovery and one on downs to seal it late.
Next Up
The Lions make the trek out east for a Sunday night battle with the Ottawa REDBLACKS on Sunday, August 30. Kickoff is 4:30 pm PT. Ottawa remains winless on the season after falling to 0-10 with a 46-16 setback in Montreal on Thursday.