BC Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke has been the most talked about player in the CFL in years. He had thrilling performances nearly every time he stepped onto a football field this season. Unfortunately for fans he was limited to only 10 regular season games because of an injured right foot while playing against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

The Victoria, BC native threw 25 touchdowns for 3349 yards while only tossing 10 interceptions. Rourke also displayed some speed and he ran in another 7 touchdowns. Rourke was must see television all season long and was without a doubt the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player. 

However, Rourke and his BC Lions are facing an arduous task against the back-to-back Grey Cup champion Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The Blue Bombers dominated teams all year long on the way to another first-place finish & a 15-3-0 record. In Week 19 the Lions handed the Blue Bombers one of those 3 defeats though by defeating them 40-32. That was prior to Rourke returning from injury and being fully healthy.

Nathan Rourke did manage to make his return from injury in the Week 21 game against the Blue Bombers. The BC Lions lost that game 24-9 but Rourke worked off some rust and went 7/11 for 68 yards without throwing any touchdowns or interceptions. 

The 24-year-old QB looked to be back at full strength in the Western Semi-Final against the Calgary Stampeders last weekend. Completing 22/30 of his passes for 321 yards and 2 touchdowns while leading the Lions to a 30-16 victory. The Lions controlled the game against the Stampeders from start to finish and looked to be the first legitimate contender for the Blue Bombers thrown in 2 seasons.

Will Rourke’s passing & rushing abilities be enough to upset the Blue Bombers or will the Blue Bombers championship pedigree prove to be too much for the young Lions QB? The BC Lions will have the best opportunity to stop the Blue Bombers from making it a 3-peat. Either way this game should prove to be the best game of the CFL season.