Lions secure playoff spot with victory over winless Redblacks

VANCOUVER — Clinching a playoff spot seemed a distant dream for the B.C. Lions early this season. Sometimes dreams come true. Despite starting the campaign with a 1-5 record, the Lions have become one of the CFL's hottest teams in recent weeks. A 41-20 victory over the beleaguered Ottawa Redblacks on Friday marked B.C.'s ninth win in 10 games and punched the club's playoff ticket. "It's big," defensive linebacker Mathieu Betts said of the milestone. "I mean, it's step one for sure. We've got two weeks to get the best seed as possible. We're well aware of that." The Redblacks (0-16) tested the surging Lions (10-6) at times, cutting the home side's lead to just three points in the third quarter, but ultimately couldn't complete the comeback and suffered the team's 22nd straight loss dating back to last season.