Lions overcome early deficit to defeat Roughriders 32-17, match best start since 2007
REGINA — It took a short time however the B.C. Lions offence continued to roll in a 32-17 victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Friday.
The Lions fell behind 17-4 within the second quarter however responded with 28 unanswered factors to enhance their document to 5-1 whereas dropping the Riders to 4-4.
Nathan Rourke, who continues to shine in his first season because the beginning quarterback, stated that whereas there was some concern in regards to the gradual begin, the Lions have been assured they may discover their manner as the sport progressed.
“There was nothing particular (to the comeback). They have been simply there making some performs and we simply wanted to execute at (a) larger degree. We’re very assured that once we execute to one of the best of our talents, no one can get in our manner besides ourselves,” stated Rourke.
“Credit score to Saskatchewan, they made some nice performs early on however we discovered a manner. I am extraordinarily happy with the blokes for doing so.”
Like Rourke, defensive lineman Mathieu Betts was assured the Lions had the time and skill to show the sport round.
“The vibe was good regardless that we have been down, however the best way Quantity 12 can play, we all know we’re all the time within the recreation. We actually did not change something defensively. We had a few tweaks that we needed to do and simply attempt to reset and do our greatest to attempt to give the offence the ball again and that is what we did,” stated Betts.
B.C. entered the sport with solely 4 sacks allowed in its first 5 video games. Anthony Lanier and Charleston Hughes picked up sacks for the Riders within the early going, however the Lions offensive line regained its composure and offered Rourke with excellent safety for the remainder of the sport.
“They did an awesome job. They did not blink early within the recreation. It was a tough begin and so they’d be the primary ones to inform you that. However they actually acquired collectively,” stated Rourke.
“That’s a really proficient line of defense in Saskatchewan . . . We knew our offensive line was going to have their fingers full and so they did a very good job dealing with that and getting higher as the sport went on. That was an enormous key to us turning issues round.”
The Lions, who’re chasing the undefeated Winnipeg Blue Bombers for first place within the West Division, haven’t began a season at 5-1 since 2007 after they topped the division with a 14-3-1 document.
Friday’s recreation was the primary of three scheduled conferences between the groups in a five-week stretch. Rourke wasn’t able to admit that Friday’s victory offers the Lions a leg up on the Riders heading into the 2 upcoming video games.
“I feel each recreation that we play, whether or not it is East or West, are vital (however) the West video games are particularly vital,” stated Rourke. “It’s not straightforward to beat a group as soon as, by no means thoughts thrice throughout a season.”
Rourke continued to reside as much as the hype Friday by finishing 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 proficient group of receivers which can solely get higher subsequent week with the anticipated return of veteran Bryan Burnham who has been sidelined since June 25 with fractured ribs and a punctured lung.
The Riders are heading right into a bye week after working by means of a few tough weeks. They have been hit with a COVID-19 outbreak following their July 16 recreation in RisePEI in opposition to Toronto that left them undermanned for final week’s return recreation in opposition to the Argos. Additionally they needed to take care of excessive profile suspensions of defensive sort out Garrett Marino (4 video games) and receiver Duke Williams (one recreation).
Quarterback Cody Fajardo, who missed final week’s recreation due to COVID protocols, suffered injury to his medial collateral ligament (MCL) in Week 2 and has been carrying a big brace in each recreation since.
Regardless of these points, the Lions weren’t about to underestimate Fajardo.
“Fajardo is an effective quarterback on this league. He is clearly an awesome athlete, in order that’s how I am treating him . . . If he’s on the market, he should be able to roll and be the man to offer them one of the best probability to win the sport in order that’s how we handled him,” stated Betts.
The Lions acquired touchdowns from Rourke on a one-yard run together with a 15-yard reception from Jevon Cottoy and a 14-yard catch by Dominique Rhymes. Kicker Sean Whyte had discipline targets of 16 and 39 yards and added a single on a miss from 46 yards. Stefan Flintoft had two singles on kickoffs. The Lions additionally acquired a security when Marcus Sayles tackled Riders working again Jamal Morrow ultimately zone within the second quarter.
Betts had two sacks with Obum Gwacham and Tibo Debaille amassing one sack every. Former Rider Loucheiz Purifoy had an interception for the Lions.
Fajardo, on a one-yard run, and Tevin Jones, on an eight-yard reception, scored touchdowns for Saskatchewan. Brett Lauther added a 28-yard discipline purpose.
This report by The Canadian Press was first printed July 29, 2022
Jeff DeDekker, The Canadian Press
