The BC Lions notched another win to their robust season record on Saturday, as they thwarted the Saskatchewan Roughriders 19-9 in a riveting CFL showdown. The game was played at BC Place, and it proved to be another display of the Lions’ prowess, particularly their strong defence, which effectively suppressed the Roughriders’ offensive efforts.
Results
Team
1
2
3
4
T
SSK
0
3
3
3
9
BC
7
0
3
9
19
Game Breakdown – Saskatchewan Roughriders
The Saskatchewan Roughriders had a tough time navigating the Lions’ robust defence. The absence of Trevor Harris, who is recovering from knee surgery, was palpable as new starting quarterback, Mason Fine, was thrown into the fray. Fine had a decent game, throwing 32 completions on 41 attempts for 284 yards, but his two interceptions proved costly. The Riders’ run game also struggled, with running back Jamal Morrow leading with only 11 yards on 12 attempts.
Receivers Shawn Bane Jr. and Tevin Jones were the offensive standouts, with 10 receptions for 74 yards and 7 receptions for 75 yards, respectively. However, despite their efforts, the Riders couldn’t find the end zone.
On defence, the Riders put up a good fight. Linebacker Larry Dean led the way with six defensive tackles. However, their defensive efforts were not enough to thwart the Lions’ consistent push on the offence.
Game Breakdown – BC Lions
For the BC Lions, Dane Evans led the charge under center, completing 16 of 25 passes for 219 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. The Lions’ run game, led by Shaun Shivers with 21 yards on 10 attempts, didn’t put up significant numbers but managed to keep the chains moving when necessary.
Vernon Adams Jr. went down early with a left knee injury after a sack by Pete Robertson. No word on his status for next weeks game in Edmonton.
Keon Hatcher and Alexander Hollins were the standout receivers for the Lions, combining for 130 yards with Hollins scoring the lone touchdown of the game.
The Lions’ defence was the star of the show. They limited the Roughriders to just nine points, a testament to their defensive solidity. Linebacker Boseko Lokombo was everywhere on the field, racking up eight tackles and one quarterback sack.
Final Thoughts
While the Roughriders put up a spirited fight, the BC Lions were the more complete team on the day. The Lions’ defensive prowess paired with their consistent offensive drives ensured their victory. On the other hand, the Roughriders have some work to do, particularly in boosting their offensive output.
As the CFL season rolls on, the Lions’ win puts them in a comfortable position in the West Division, while the Roughriders will need to bounce back in their next game to keep their hopes alive in the East. With both teams displaying commendable defensive performances, the rest of the CFL season promises to be a thrilling ride.
Mark Perry is the founder and editor of CFL News Hub. A dedicated and experienced football analyst, he has been providing comprehensive coverage of the sport since 2018.