REGINA — It took a little while, but the BC Lions offense continued in a 32-17 win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Friday.
The Lions fell behind 17-4 in the second quarter, but responded with 28 unanswered points to improve their record to 5-1 while dropping the Riders to 4-4.
Nathan Rourke, who continues to shine in his first season as the starting quarterback, said that while there was some concern about the slow start, the Lions were confident they could find their way as the game wore on.
“There was nothing special (in the comeback). They were just out there making some plays and just executing at (a) higher level. We’re very confident that when we execute to the best of our ability, nobody can get in the way our way, except for us,” Rourke said.
“Credit to Saskatchewan, they made some big plays early, but we found a way. I’m really proud of the guys for doing that.”
Like Rourke, defensive lineman Mathieu Betts was confident the Lions had the time and skill to turn the game around.
“The atmosphere was good even though we were down, but the way No. 12 can play, we know we’re always in the game. We didn’t really change anything defensively. We had a couple of tweaks that we had to do and just try to reset and do everything we can to try to get the ball back on offense and that’s what we did,” Betts said.
BC entered the game with just four sacks allowed in its first five games. Anthony Lanier and Charleston Hughes picked up sacks for the Riders early on, but the Lions offensive line regained its composure and provided Rourke with exceptional protection for the rest of the game.
“They have done a great job. They didn’t blink early in the game. It was a rough start and they would be the first to tell you that. But they definitely came together,” Rourke said.
“That’s a very talented defensive line in Saskatchewan. . . . We knew our offensive line was going to have its hands full and they did a really good job of handling it and getting better as the game went on. That was a big switch the things”.
The Lions, who are chasing the undefeated Winnipeg Blue Bombers for first place in the West Division, have not started a season 5-1 since 2007 when they topped the division with a 14-3-1 record.
Friday’s game was the first of three scheduled matchups between the teams in a five-week stretch. Rourke was unwilling to admit that Friday’s win gives the Lions an edge over the Riders heading into the next two games.
“I think every game we play, whether it’s East or West, is important (but) the games in the West are especially important,” Rourke said. “It’s not easy to beat a team once, never mind three times in a season.”
Rourke continued to live up to the hype Friday by completing 27 of 33 passes for 336 yards and two touchdowns. He now has 1,941 yards on 153-of-193 passing with 16 touchdowns.
The Lions have a talented group of receivers that will only get better next week with the expected return of veteran Bryan Burnham, who has been sidelined since June 25 with fractured ribs and a punctured lung.
The Riders head into a bye week after working through a tough couple of weeks. They were hit by an outbreak of COVID-19 after the July 16 game in Halifax against Toronto that left them without personnel for last week’s return game against the Argos. They also had to deal with the high-profile suspensions of defensive tackle Garrett Marino (four games) and wide receiver Duke Williams (one game).
Quarterback Cody Fajardo, who missed last week’s game due to COVID protocols, suffered medial collateral ligament (MCL) damage in Week 2 and has been giving everyone a big hug ever since the parties
Despite these issues, the Lions weren’t about to underestimate Fajardo.
“Fajardo is a good quarterback in this league. He’s obviously a great athlete, so that’s how I treat him. . . If he’s out there, he’s got to be ready to roll and be the guy that gives them the best chance to win the game, that’s how we treated him,” Betts said.
The Lions got touchdowns from Rourke on a one-yard run along with a 15-yard reception from Jevon Cottoy and a 14-yard catch from Dominique Rhymes. Kicker Sean Whyte had field goals of 16 and 39 yards and added a 46-yard fumble. Stefan Flintoft had two singles in the start. The Lions also got a safety when Marcus Sayles tackled Riders running back Jamal Morrow in the end zone in the second quarter.
Betts had two sacks with Obum Gwacham and Tibo Debaille each picking up a sack. Former running back Loucheiz Purifoy had an interception for the Lions.
Fajardo, with a one-yard run, and Tevin Jones, with an eight-yard reception, scored touchdowns for Saskatchewan. Brett Lauther added a 28-yard field goal.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on July 29, 2022