The Ottawa REDBLACKS played their first home game of the season against the BC Lions. Unfortunately, their first game ended in a loss of 24-12.

The BC Lions clicked on offense earlier, both in the air and on the ground. Michael Reilly was spreading the ball around and finished the night with a 71.9% completion percentage on 32 attempts, 301 yards, and a touchdown. His passer rating for the game was a high 111.589.

Unfortunately for the REDBLACKS, their luck would not be the same, as veteran Matt Nichols would finish the night with 62.2% completion percentage on 37 attempts, only 206 yards, and an interception. This left Nichols with a low 65.822 for his passer rating.

The ground game between the two teams was night and day, as the Lions’ running back Shaquille Cooper averaged 5.1 yards a carry for 71 yards on 14 attempts. On the flip side, Justin Davis averaged 3.6 yards for the REDBLACKS, totaling 43 yards on 12 carries.

Three receivers surpassed 50+ yards for the Lions, while only two managed to get past 50+ yards for the REDBLACKS. The Lions’ Jevon Cottoy led all receivers with 93 yards and a touchdown, averaging 18.6 yards a catch. For the REDBLACKS, Ryan Davis hauled in 70 yards and averaged 8.8 yards a catch.

All of the points for the REDBLACKS came on the back of Lewis Ward who went 4-4 on field goal attempts. Jimmy Camacho of the Lions also couldn’t miss as he went 3-3 on field goals.

On the defense, the Lions forced two turnovers and sacked the QB twice, finishing the game with 49 total tackles and 2 pass knockdowns as well. The REDBLACKS also got two sacks and three pass knockdowns but failed to take away the ball from the Lions as they finished with 50 total tackles. 

The Ottawa REDBLACKS look for redemption on September 3rd as they are hosting the Montreal Alouettes, kickoff at 7:30 PM EST

The BC Lions are on a Week 5 Bye but will host the Ottawa REDBLACKS on September 11th at 10:00 PM EST

Boxscore