Despite having all the ingredients ready for a quick and easy win for the BC Lions, the match against the Saskatchewan Roughriders ended up being a lackluster affair, lacking spice and excitement throughout the game. It turned into a struggle between backup quarterbacks grappling with proven defences, resulting in a final score of 19-9 in favour of the Leos.
One shining aspect of the game was the stunning performance of the Lions UPROAR Dance Team, captivating everyone with their dazzling orange and black sparkly uniforms, which kept spirits high despite the uninspired gameplay.
The Lions’ offence failed to find its rhythm due to the formidable Riders defence and their own mistakes, including fumbles on kick returns, dropped open catches, and questionable play calling. The Rider D-Line relentlessly pressured the Lions’ O-line and starting quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. from the beginning, resulting in his early exit due to an injury. Backup QB Dane Evans stepped in but struggled against the Saskatchewan defence, managing to score the one and only touchdown of the game off a 27-yard pass to Alexander Hollins during his first drive.
The game lacked action in the first half, with both teams struggling to make significant progress. The Riders managed to execute a cheeky play, which caused a turnover for them but only resulted in a field goal. The Lions’ defence, led by their front seven, was the highlight of the game, limiting the Riders’ running back Javal Morrow to minimal rushing yards and securing two interceptions by Garry Peters and Jalon Edwards-Cooper.
The second half didn’t see much improvement in terms of excitement or scoring. Both teams faced challenges, and Evans threw an interception early in the third quarter, leading to another field goal for the Riders. The game continued with missed opportunities and field goals.
Despite the lack of excitement, the Lions’ defence deserves special mention as the most consistent and exciting aspect of the team. They successfully thwarted the Riders’ offence, with notable performances from players like Bo Lokombo, Emmanuel Rugamba, Woody Baron, and Mathieu Betts, who, with 10 sacks so far this season, is on track to break a Canadian sack record.
The game’s leading scorer was the Lions’ kicker, Sean Whyte, who secured 12 points by kicking four out of four field goals.
Looking ahead, the Lions face two crucial away games against the struggling Edmonton Elks and a formidable rematch against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. With Vernon Adams Jr. possibly out for both games, Dane Evans will need to step up, and the offensive coordinator must tailor plays to fit his style and abilities to have a chance against the powerful Bombers.
Fans can catch the Lions’ games on TSN, Saturday and Thursday afternoon.
Teryn Midzain is an English Major with ambitious goals to write movies and a full-time nerd, whose personality and eccentrics run on high-octane like the cars he loves. More importantly, Teryn loves sports [Formula One], and doesn’t care who knows. When not creating and running deadly schemes in his D&D sessions, Teryn tries to reach the core of what makes the romantic and dramatic World of Sports, the characters and people that make the events so spectacular.