BC Lions Overcome Deficit to Defeat Saskatchewan Roughriders in Playoffs

Nathan Rourke threw for 366 yards and three touchdowns on Saturday in Vancouver, leading the BC Lions to a 33-26 comeback victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders to reach the West Division final.

The Lions overcame a 14-point deficit after falling behind 17-3 in the second quarter before a crowd of home fans.

Both teams finished the regular season with identical 10-8 records, but British Columbia earned the right to host the playoff matchup by winning the season series two games to one.

"I think with what we’ve been through this year, I think this isn’t uncharted territory for us," said Nathan Rourke, the BC Lions quarterback.

The visiting Roughriders controlled the early momentum as quarterback Trevor Harris orchestrated a scoring drive capped by a touchdown run from Tommy Stevens.

Saskatchewan successfully converted a two-point attempt when Harris connected with Samuel Emilus to extend the lead to 17-3.

The Lions responded when Rourke scrambled out of the pocket and launched a long pass to Stanley Berryhill III for a 69-yard touchdown.

Receiver Jevon Cottoy emerged as a primary target in the second half, finishing the game with five receptions for 102 yards and two touchdowns.

"You want to win a championship every single year. Of course you do," said Trevor Harris, the Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback.

Harris finished the contest with 309 passing yards and one interception as his team suffered a painful playoff exit.

"We had an opportunity, man," said Corey Mace, the Saskatchewan Roughriders head coach. "Proud of those guys. They fought until the very last second."

Global News and TSN reported that players held their heads down in the locker room at halftime while trailing 17-13, according to team accounts.

"He never ceases to amaze me," said Buck Pierce, the BC Lions head coach.

The victory advances British Columbia to a meeting with the Edmonton Elks in the West Division final on Nov. 7.