BC Lions aim to make Grey Cup return in Regina

JEN FIELD/GATG

The BC Lions punched their ticket to the Western Division Final after a thrilling 33–30 victory over the Calgary Stampeders on November 1, at BC Place. 

Quarterback Nathan Rourke led the charge with 223 passing yards and a rushing touchdown, while Sean Whyte played the hero, drilling a 43-yard field goal as time expired to secure the nail biting win. 

The main highlight of the night came from rookie Robert Carter Jr, who brought the crowd to life with a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Although Calgary wasn’t ready to go down without a fight. 

The Stampers were able to run their way back into and tie the score late in the game. However, they were no match for the Lion’s composure and special teams, who proved to be the difference makers for Lion’s win.

With the win, the Lions advance to face the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Western Division Final on Nov 8. BC enters the game on a 7-game winning streak and will look to keep the momentum rolling. 

Key focuses will be tightening up defensive coverage after Calgary’s late surge and maintaining offensive rhythm behind Rourke.

The weather will play a big factor in the game, as it’s expected to be –6°C with light winds at kickoff in Regina’s open-air Stadium. Cold conditions could impact both teams’ passing attacks and make ball security crucial, especially on special teams.

The Lions are looking to secure their first Grey Cup appearance since 2011, which is also the last time they won it. 

With quarterback Nathan Rourke leading a red-hot offence and the defence finding its stride at the perfect time, BC will aim to overcome both the frigid conditions and a tough Saskatchewan squad to punch their ticket back to the championship stage.