Kicking things off it’s impressive to know that week 18 honor role players include both Jackson Findlay (DB), Keon Hatcher Sr. (WR) and James Butler (RB)  who were named to the CFL in their respective positions. 

Findlay (90.8 PFF Grade)- making only his second career start at safety, Findlay emerged as the week’s second-highest graded defensive player. 

Along with recording his second interception in as many games to end a Stampeder scoring threat with no time left in the third quarter, the Vancouver College product had three defensive tackles, bringing his season total to 15.

Hatcher Sr. (79.1 PFF Grade)- it was another clutch performance for the CFL’s leading receiver, hauling in seven receptions for 112 yards and a pair of touchdowns. 

Hatcher has now recorded a CFL-best six 100-plus yard games this season and a total of 1,516 receiving yards through 16 games.

Butler (72.5 PFF Grade)- he may be a top-three CFL rusher, but it was through the air where Butler carved up the Calgary defence on Saturday. 

The versatile back recorded 97 of his 139 scrimmage yards on six receptions, including a 44-yard catch and run that preceded Zander Horvath’s game-sealing major in the final moments.

Lions president Duane Vienneau mentioned “The excitement for our push to a home playoff game has only increased day-by-day. We’re calling on the great fans of British Columbia to pack the dome, as our quest for a home playoff game remains very much in play,”

PlayNow Sports, presents the Lions “Our Backyard Party” which is  being moved INSIDE with Western-themed festivities including a mechanical bull and lasso performers while the Halftime features Whiskey Blind.

Fans are also encouraged to bring toy or cash donations in support of London Drugs and Vancouver Firefighters.

With upper bowl seating open, fans can expect an action-packed game filled with country-themed activations all night long. Starting with the Backyard Party, presented by PlayNow Sports, festivities begin at 5:00 pm on Terry Fox Plaza.

Inside, BC Place shifts into a country bar, with bull riding, line dancing and performances from local country band Whiskey Blind. After the game, fans can show their game ticket at The Yale Saloon before midnight for free entry.

London Drugs will also be hosting a toy drive to get a head start on the holiday season. Fans can drop off unwrapped and brand-new toys or cash donations inside Gate H to be entered in a draw.

Prizes include 4 tickets to a 2026 regular season game in Vancouver, a London Drugs $250 gift card and a gift basket including firefighter calendars from Vancouver Fire Charities.

The post Lions Host Edmonton Elks first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

Not everyone is going to be happy with the recent decisions made by the league but having an inside scoop with our sources they were made in hopes of growing the league making it better for players and fans alike.

The game started with the Lions winning the toss electing to receive which was delayed only to a moment of silence. 

Tonight’s game for the Lions annual Truth and Reconciliation  game with an on-field pre-game ceremony which they do each year that shows extreme professionalism for the entire organization.

While Rourke was vocal this past week given his comments regarding the rule changes implemented by the league it never deterred him from surpassing Gerry Dattilio as the second highest all-time Canadian QB for 9,953 yards completed.

Not only was it an impressive game for Rourke it was back to back 1,000 season yards that shows his overall career yards sitting at 3,731 while Micah Awe had 100 tackles.

Owner Larry Thompson (65) who purchased the franchise in August of last year of Edmonton’s football franchise “will carry forward” following his death. 

Ironically he became the first private owner in the history of the franchise that first took the field in 1949.

After the first quarter the Lions announced that while they are forced to move out of BC Place in 2026 they have secured the ability to play in Kelowna, home of the Apple Bowl which is home for Junior Football. 

BC made no excuses about bringing back National long snapper/linebacker Cam Foran (6’2, 229 lbs) who was originally signed by the Lions ahead of 2025 training camp prior to getting a spot on the practice roster until July 17.

He also attended the CFL Invitational Combine for Draft-eligible prospects at Acadia from 2021-24 managing to record 7.5 total tackles becoming the full-time long snapper on field goals and punts in 2023.

Argo’s QB Nick Arbuckle returns following a calf injury which took him out of the line-up for one game noting that he is only one of a pair of QB’s surpassing the 4,000 passing yards along with 25 TD’s when BC dropped the game by a 52-34 margin when he threw for three TD’s along with 443 yards. .

Lions’ receivers Keon Hatcher Sr. and Justin McInnis have both combined for an impressive 2,293 yards while Argo’s DB”s Defensive backs Tarvarus McFadden and Benjie Franklin managed half of the Argos’ 16 interceptions.

Three Lions made the Honour Roll for week 17 that saw Nathan Rourke named player of the week while both Hatcher Sr. and Horvath earned top positional recognition for week 16.

The Lions managed their strong play in the fourth quarter that saw a pass interference call against TO that put them on the one allowing them to march in for the TD as well as the point after putting them up 27-1 with 121:20 left in the game.

The first three quarters had everyone on the edge of their seats but it wasn’t until the last 2:21 that saw the Lions force a turnover  that some were thinking it was a fumble only to be confirmed by the officials it wasn’t that saw them hold on to a 27-22 lead and the win.

The Lions next home hosting the “Gravy Bowl” as they host Calgary with a 4 pm kick-off – mark the date on your calendar!!! 

The post LIONS START 2026 REGULAR SEASON IN KELOWNA first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

Depending on who you ask, everyone has their own opinion if they were made for the  betterment of the game or if the game is going in the wrong direction.

Both of those questions are yet to be understood and of course we’ll know fully next season and will be in place starting in the 2026 pre-season allowing the players to adapted to what they will be facing from the opening kick-off.

Locally, Lions QB Nathan Rourke who never once minced his words when asked about the CFL’s latest slate of rule changes set to begin in 2026 went on to mention

“It’s garbage. As many people did. Fans and people who play in this league grew up watching the CFL and loving the game and I grew up in Ontario, played Canadian football rules all my life, was aware of the league down there, but was a fan of the CFL because of its differences.”

He continued “I went down to the States proud of the game, being able to explain the differences. What the waggle, the yard, the extra person, these are the things that are unique about the game that make it different.”

While Rourke isn’t a fan of the changes 12-year veteran and two time league outstanding player Bo Levi Mitchell backed the moves as a way to push the game forward.

Mitchell told the media “This is not about Americanizing the game, this is about modernizing the game and what can we do to put a better product on the field, a product that people want to watch, at a faster pace? This is not taking away the unique things (about the CFL).”

There is also the idea that pushing or moving the goalposts to the back of the end zone and altering the rouge will give kickers fewer opportunities to score.

The changes were unanimously approved by the CFL’s Board of Governors, and will roll out in a two-year plan.

Beginning in 2026 the league will introduce a modified rouge disallowing teams from scoring a single off a missed field goal and a 35-second automatic reset on the play clock also noting that the team benches will be on opposite sides of all CFL fields.

Also in 2027, the goalposts will be moved to the back of the end zone, which will be shortened from 20 to 15 yards also noting that the length of the field will also be shortened from 110 yards to 100 yards but will keep its 65-yard width.

“This isn’t about changing the CFL game and taking away from it,” Mitchell added. “This is about trying to create an entertainment factor that can add a dollar, that can make sure that seven out of nine teams aren’t losing money.”

The two-part plan was unanimously approved by the CFL’s Governors, and will be phased in over the next two years or seasons.

Changes taking effect beginning in the 2026 season are listed below:

• A modified rouge, which will no longer award a single point for certain missed kicks through the endzones.
• Requiring all teams to have benches on opposite sides of the field.
• A new 35-second play clock that starts automatically after a play is whistled dead.

Then, in 2027, the following changes to the field of play will be made:

• Moving the goalposts to the back of the end zones to encourage more touchdowns.
• Shortening the end zones from 20 to 15 yards.
• Shortening the length of the field from 110 yards to 100 yards.

He (Rourke) went on to mention “The worst part is the fact that the people who play football, and who have the football knowledge, were not consulted about this. The players weren’t consulted, the coaches, management, nobody was consulted. This was done on their own accord.”

He continued “This was done independent of asking anyone who actually knows football what they want to do, what they think would be better. We have a commissioner who hasn’t been here for a year who’s already trying to make, trying to change the game. And I don’t believe he loves football as much as I do, as much as many fans do.”

In conversation with some football fans earlier today they are willing to give it a try and see if it changes the game and if so how drastically.

Just maybe it’ll be better and more entertaining for the fans and lastly just maybe we’ll have fewer whistles – thankfully!!!!!

The post CFL Changes Created Various Comments first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

Minor sports are jumping on the “bandwagon” with development of the sport at all ages.

We received the following press release and want to share for your reading pleasure.

Enjoy the read:

Champions were crowned across 10 Divisions following a record weekend of action at the 2025 BC Rugby Kamloops 7s at McArthur Island Park, which saw 128 teams compete in Canada’s largest junior Rugby 7s event on September 20-21.

Rugby 7s descended on Kamloops for a fantastic festival weekend with over 2,500 people in attendance to witness over 300 matches across 10 junior divisions.

The event attracted U14, U16 and U18 Boys and Girls teams from across BC and beyond as supporters and spectators turned out in force to enjoy a festival atmosphere on Kamloops’ northern shore.

BC Rugby acknowledges that the 2025 Kamloops 7s was held on the unceded Secwépemc territory, situated in the southern interior of British Columbia within the traditional lands of the Secwépemc Nation.

The event officially started on Saturday with a traditional welcome song and prayer from Leigh LaRue and Laura Saul from Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc.

Over 200 matches followed in a pulsating first day’s action as teams frantically fought to put themselves in contention for Sunday’s Playoff matches.

The action concluded on Day 2 as 10 Divisional champions were crowned on a busy second day, with athletes leaving clutching the gold medals and much-desired bragging rights.

There was also a new addition to the U18 Elite Divisions this year, with Champions receiving commemorative plaques and having the chance to celebrate with two distinct Shields!

The purpose of the Kamloops 7s tournament is to foster the growth of Age-Grade Rugby throughout British Columbia and solidify the Rugby 7s pathway, while also serving as a lead into the Age-Grade Club XVs Season, which starts next weekend on September 28!

BC Rugby will be releasing a full 2025 Kamloops 7s Photo Gallery soon – keep your eyes peeled on our social media channels. Photos courtesy of Bold Photos by Shelly.

We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.

FINAL MEDAL STANDINGS

U14 BOYS

1st: Salish Sea Warriors

2nd: Langley RFC B

3rd: Castaway Wanderers RFC Red

U14 GIRLS

1st: Drayton Valley Riggers

2nd: James Bay AA

3rd: Abbotsford RFC

U16 BOYS OPEN

1st: Cowichan RFC

2nd: Strathcona Druids RFC

3rd: CV Rapids Rugby

U16 GIRLS OPEN

1st: St Albert Rugby Club

2nd: United Rugby

3rd: 1697s Rugby

U16 BOYS COMPETITIVE

1st: Abbotsford RFC

2nd: Castaway Wanderers RFC

3rd: Nor’westers AA

U16 GIRLS COMPETITIVE

1st: Langley RFC

2nd: James Bay AA

3rd: Nor’westers AA

U18 BOYS OPEN

1st: United Rugby

2nd: Westshore RFC

3rd: Salish Sea Warriors

U18 GIRLS OPEN

1st: Westshore RFC

2nd: Bow Valley Grizzlies

3rd: 1697s Rugby

U18 BOYS ELITE 

1st: Castaway Wanderers RFC

2nd: James Bay AA

3rd: Abbotsford RFC Aviators

U18 GIRLS ELITE

1st: Abbotsford RFC Lightning

2nd: CV Rapids Rugby

3rd: Pro-X

More information about BC Rugby

The British Columbia Rugby Union, commonly known as BC Rugby, is the governing body for Rugby in British Columbia and is a Provincial Union of Rugby Canada, the national governing body.

Representing over 7,500 individuals registered through around 60 Member Clubs and Associations across the Province, BC Rugby leads and manages the sport with the aim to grow participation and develop excellence in all games of Rugby and in all facets of the sport.

Web: www.bcrugby.com

Social: @bcrugbyunion

BC Rugby would like to thank all the individuals and groups who made the 2025 Kamloops 7s possible: to our Match Officials, Coaching Staff, Therapists and Medics, players, parents, volunteers and vendors – thank you for your tireless hard work and commitment to Rugby in BC.

Thank you to Leigh LaRue and Laura Saul from Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc for their knowledge and welcome songs to kickstart the event.

Thank you to BC Rugby Technical Director, John Tait,  and BC Rugby Coach Education Manager, Doug Tate, for presenting medals to the teams.

Thank you to official event photographer Shelley Fey (@BOLDPhotosByShelly) for capturing all the action and fun of the weekend.

Thank you to our sponsors and partners for their commitment in helping grow our sport: viaSport, the Government of British Columbia, O’Neills and Gilbert Rugby Canada.

The post  Epic 2025 Kamloops 7s first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

It’s the never quit attitude which goes with saying it a Canadian way of life that is clearly instilled in the mindset for Canadian Athletes for all sports we play.

Aggressive play along with skill says everything for the match that saw Canada pull out an impressive match played in Bristol over the Black Ferns’ who ended their reign as World Champions which sets up Canada’s first World Cup final appearance since 2014.

Enjoy the press release

Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team delivered a performance for the ages, defeating defending champions New Zealand 34–19 in the Rugby World Cup semi-final at Ashton Gate.

It also marks the largest margin of victory ever recorded against New Zealand in men’s or women’s Rugby World Cup history.

First half: Canada come out firing

With a raucous crowd of 25,392 in Bristol, Canada wasted no time asserting themselves. Scrum-half Justine Pelletier opened the scoring in the eighth minute, finishing off a slick move sparked by a chip kick from Taylor Perry and an offload from Alex Tessier.

Moments later, winger Asia Hogan-Rochester stunned the Black Ferns with a powerful fend on Patricia Maliepo Holmes to cross in the corner. 

Canada’s relentless pressure continued, and after sustained multi-phase play, Florence Symonds struck in the 24th minute following a sharp pass from Tessier.

New Zealand briefly hit back through Tanya Kalounivale, but Canada answered immediately. Pelletier again played provider, this time offloading to Sophie de Goede, who sprinted clear from 20 metres to score under the posts. 

The Canadian captain converted her own try to give her side a commanding 24–7 halftime lead.

Second half: Tessier leads from the front

If the Black Ferns needed an early spark after the break, it was Canada who delivered. Alex Tessier produced a moment of class, throwing a dummy and slicing through beside the posts in the 43rd minute.

New Zealand rallied with tries from Liana Mikaele-Tu’u and Braxton Sorensen-McGee, cutting the deficit to 31–19, but Canada held their composure. 

A late penalty goal from de Goede stretched the margin to three scores, sealing a landmark 34–19 victory.

Player of the Match: Justine Pelletier

Pelletier was at the heart of everything, dictating tempo and sparking Canada’s attack. The Mastercard Player of the Match finished with 12 carries, 91 metres gained, and a crucial opening try.

On the team’s performance, Pelletier said: “It was a lot of tempo. It’s just fun to play rugby, and I think we showed what inspiring rugby can be.”

Reflecting on what it took to beat New Zealand, she added: “A lot of grit. A lot of resilience. A lot of hard work. It’s not just one game, it’s three years of hustle in the dark, and now we’re in the light. Thank you everyone for their support.”

“We love to play a tempo game,” said Tessier. “It’s a fact now that we have a very fast attack, and it’s across our whole squad of 32… we’ve managed to build some depth since the last World Cup, and I think it’s shown now. We support each other, on and off the pitch. When we connect, it’s beautiful.”

Tessier continued: “We trusted our processes, we trusted our preparation, and it was confidence from minute one to minute eighty. I don’t think there were any doubts in our head. I’m very proud of the girls, I’m very proud of this team, how far we’ve come, that we trusted each other and the process, and that we came out with the win tonight. I couldn’t ask for a better day.”

Head Coach Kevin Rouet praised his team’s composure: “The first half was exciting for us. I loved seeing the behaviour from the girls on the field, being calm and composed. You won’t be perfect for 80 minutes, but the fact that they were relaxed and composed when times got tough, I like that.”

Rouet, already looking ahead, added: “Just after the final whistle, I was already starting to think about the next eight days. I’m happy for one second, but then focused on the next job. We are hungry. We came to win a World Cup, and that’s our goal. It won’t be easy, regardless of if it’s England or France. But I’m already excited – I’m ready for it to be eight days from now and the final to be here!”

Canada will face the winner of Saturday’s semifinal between England and France in next weekend’s final at Allianz Stadium in London.

CANADA SCORING SUMMARY

Tries: Justine Pelletier (8′), Asia Hogan-Rochester (11′), Florence Symonds (24′), Sophie de Goede (35′), Alex Tessier (43′)

Conversions: Sophie de Goede (3)

Penalty Goals: Sophie de Goede (74’)

UP NEXT FOR CANADA

Canada will play the winner of semi-final 2 between France and England, happening tomorrow at 7:30PM local time in England (2:30PM EST, 11:30AM PST).

The Rugby World Cup final is on Saturday, September 27 at 3:00PM EST, 12:00PM (8:00PM local time in England) at Allianz Stadium in London, UK. The match will be broadcast live on TSN and TSN+.

CANADA’S WOMEN’S RUGBY TEAM MATCH DAY ROSTER VS NEW ZEALAND 

1. McKinley Hunt (King City, ON) – Aurora Barbarians / Saracens (36 caps)

2. Emily Tuttosi (Souris, MB) – Calgary Hornets / Exeter Chiefs (39 caps)

3. DaLeaka Menin (Vulcan, AB) – Calgary Hornets / Exeter Chiefs (67 caps)

4. Sophie de Goede (Victoria, BC) – Castaway Wanderers / Saracens (39 caps)

5. Courtney O’Donnell (Rimbey, AB) – Red Deer Titans Rugby (51 caps)  

6. Caroline Crossley (Victoria, BC) – Castaway Wanderers (11 caps)

7. Karen Paquin (Quebec City, QC) – Club de rugby de Quebec (49 caps)

8. Fabiola Forteza (Quebec City, QC) – Club de rugby de Québec / Stade Bordelais (39 caps)

9. Justine Pelletier (Rivière-du-Loup, QC) – Club de rugby de Québec / Stade Bordelais (41 caps)

10. Taylor Perry (Oakville, ON) – Oakville Crusaders / Exeter Chiefs (21 caps)

11. Asia Hogan-Rochester (Toronto, ON) – Toronto Nomads / Westshore RFC (6 caps) 

12. Alexandra Tessier (Sainte-Clotilde-de-Horton, QC) – Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue RFC / Exeter Chiefs (64 caps)

13. Florence Symonds (Vancouver, BC) – University of British Columbia (16 caps)

14. Alysha Corrigan (Charlottetown, PEI) – CRFC / Saracens (24 caps)

15. Julia Schell (Uxbridge, ON) – Guelph Goats / Castaway Wanderers / Ealing Trailfinders (30 caps)

FINISHERS 

16. Gillian Boag (Calgary, AB) – Capilano RFC (37 caps)

17. Brittany Kassil (Guelph, ON) – Guelph Goats (51 caps)  

18. Olivia DeMerchant (Mapledale, NB) – Halifax Tars RFC (64 caps)  

19. Tyson Beukeboom (Uxbridge, ON) – Cowichan Piggies / Aurora Barbarians / Ealing Trailfinders (82 caps)

20. Laetitia Royer (Loretteville, QC) – St-Anne-de-Bellevue / Concordia University / Saracens (20 caps)

21. Gabrielle Senft (Regina, SK) – Castaway Wanderers / Saracens (38 caps)

22. Olivia Apps (Lindsay, ON) – Lindsay RFC (23 caps)

23. Shoshanah Seumanutafa (White Rock, BC) – Counties Manukau (23 caps)

MISSION: WIN RUGBY WORLD CUP  

In March 2025, Rugby Canada officially launched the Mission: Win Rugby World Cup (MWRWC) 2025 fundraising campaign with the goal of raising $1,000,000.

Despite rising to the second world ranking, the Canadian women’s rugby team operates on a fractional budget compared to its closest competitors.

This $1 million gap was identified to best equip the team with extra resources to help them make history. 

The mission is now within reach: over 95% of the fundraising goal has been pledged through generous individual donations and crowd funding.

Rugby Canada extends its deep appreciation to all MWRWC supporters. For more information or to donate, visit rugby.ca/donate.

The post Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Canada Defeats New Zealand 34-19 first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

For some it’s an aggressive sport that they’ll simply watch from the sidelines while others welcome the chance to compete against other athletes at a sport they are simply intrigued by.

We received the following press release from “The Bears” and wanted to share for your reading enjoyment.

Thanks to the Bears for sending it over!!

Inspired by Canada’s impressive performances at the 2025 Rugby World Cup, the next generation of rugby talent made their mark this past week as the BC Bears U17 Boys’ and Girls’ XVs squads were crowned the inaugural O’Neills Challenge Cup winners, edging Rugby Ontario in a tightly contested three-match Series.

New for 2025, the O’Neills Challenge Cup saw the BC Bears U17 XVs Programs tour Ontario for a set of showcase fixtures highlighting the country’s rising stars. 

The Bears opened the Series in style, defeating combined Toronto Rugby Union (TRU) and Eastern Ontario Rugby Union (EORU) sides on August 26, followed by a second win against South Western Rugby Union (SWRU) and Niagara Rugby Union (NRU) combined squads on August 28.

The final match on August 30 saw the Bears fall to Rugby Ontario All-Stars – a selection of the province’s top regional athletes – but with two wins from three, BC sealed the overall Series victory and lifted the inaugural trophy at Brampton Rugby Club.

Squads were selected following the 2025 BC Bears U17 XVs Training Camps at Shawnigan Lake School earlier in August, which saw the Bears host Whitgift School (UK) and the Alberta Wolfpack.

The full squad lists, results and match videos can be found below.

“This is a great development opportunity to see how this age band of athletes is tracking,” said John Tait, BC Rugby Technical Director. 

He continued “Ontario will be an extremely challenging opponent with a significant, high-quality player base for them to select their teams from.| 

John continued “We hope this will become an annual series of games between Ontario and BC, and that Rugby Canada will recognize the value of programming for this age band.”

Tait added: “Rugby can capture these athletes at this critical age when they choose what sport they want to pursue beyond high-school. 

Canadian Rugby needs to provide them an attractive pathway to develop, and having challenging, competitive games like these is a critical piece for that growth.”

“The BC Bears U17 Boys will undergo a comprehensive tour, focusing on individual roles combining towards the Team’s performances. We hope to build the players’ positional roles, understanding and mindset to grow them towards competing and winning at the next level, and ultimately showcase them to our National programs.” Leana Marton, BC Bears U17 Boys Head Coach 

“It has been a privilege to coach these young women as they push themselves and each other to become the best players – and people – they can be. 

The future of Rugby in BC, and in Canada, is strong. GO BEARS!” Will Ballard, BC Bears U17 Girls Head Coach

Our BC Bears teams proudly wear playing and training kit manufactured by our partner, O’Neills. Founded in 1918, O’Neills is renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation across the globe.

The post BC Bears U17/Girls XV Crowned O’Neills Challenge Cup Winners first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

Pre-game saw a party on the patio that saw a huge crowd being entertained by several impressive expensive cars that many had never seen until now.

Regardless of the win the Al’s were without Caleb Evans (QB) who missed due to an apparent knee injury sending  the Al’s fourth QB this season sending in James Morgan who finished 20 of 33 for 211 yards plus one TD.

While many fans in the area were questioning the play of the Lions “D” of late it was the Lions “D” that came up with a strong game.

The Lions’ defensive line played strong putting the nay-sayers from criticism with them keeping them out of the end zone late in the fourth then settling for three which brought the crowd alive.

The Lions QB Nathan Rourke had more protection for the complete game allowing him to set up four majors as well as allow him to throw for over 300 yards for the sixth time this season. 

Lions Receiver Keon Hatcher Sr. had an exceptional game almost as if he was a man on a mission that saw him catch all 11 passes good for 156 yards plus two touchdowns bringing the fans to their feet. 

Adding to his stellar play it was both Justin McInnis and Stanley Berryhill III who nailed majors of their own in yet another explosive performance for the Lions offence.

The “D” of the Lions were able to keep the Alouettes out of the end zone forcing Montreal to settle for four field goals off the foot of José Maltos Díaz (kicker) forcing them to settle for a TD by Tyler Snead.

The Lions started strongly, managing to get on the board early as Rourke connected with McInnis and Hatcher Sr. setting up a FG from Sean Whyte for the early Lions 3-0 lead.

Rourke and Hatcher Sr. played as if they were possessed, managing to capitalize on a long drive later that allowed the second field goal from Whyte.

The Al’s managed a second quarter drive finished with a Maltos Díaz kick that saw yet another injury to Evans who suffered an injury having to be replaced by Morgan.

With a short 9:20 left in the half Whyte put the Lions up 9-3 from a long 46 yards out which he is known for, not just with distance but also accuracy.

After a couple of short passes up the middle to Travis Theis the middle he set up a drive down field into kicking range of Maltos Díaz’ who pulled the Al’s within three making it a 9-6 contest.

Butler managed a 27-yard play that allowed Rourke to get out of the pocket gaining 26 yards, setting up a first-and-goal with McInnis for the game’s first TD for a 16-9 margin for BC. 

The Lions found themselves on their own 10-yard line allowing a long bomb to Hatcher Sr. for a 40-yard gain moving the yard sticks closer to the end zone.

Montreal managed a 40-yard reception only to be called on a facemask penalty that moved the ball back 15 yards that saw Díaz complete his fourth field goal of the night to make it 22-12.

Rourke connected on a 49 yarder to Ayden Eberhardt for a 49-yard gain setting up the next two plays delivering one to Hatcher Sr. for the second TD of the game.to Berryhill III allowing the Lions to extend their dominating lead.

Whyte’s point after attempt was blocked, keeping the score at 36-12 for the Lions as the Al’s continued to press, which saw them add six points for 35 yards, working against them with only 3:22 remaining. 

Rourke finished connecting on 26 of 34 for 382 yds, 1 TD and 1 Int while Buttler had 16 carries for 81 yards averaging 5.1 per carry. 

Montreal’s Caleb Evans was three for four 32 yards that saw James Morgan complete 20 of 33 passes with 1 TD and 1 Interception.

The Alouettes head back to Montreal that will see them host the Bombers Thursday, August 21st in a game that they are wanting to get back in the win column. 

The Lions on the other hand hit the road taking on the Argonauts on August 23rd and return home for a match against the Redblacks September 5th with a 4 pm kick-off.

The post Lions Double-Up Al’s 36-18 Impressive Win first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

It might have taken OT but a win’s a win mind you it came off a 19 yard field goal from Sean Whyte who continues to be such an intricate part of the squad each and every game.

The win was BC’s first in three games that saw Rourke throw for 408 yards and two TD’s  finishing with 24-of-40 passing, one interception rushing twice for 28 yards that saw the  Lions manage 514 total offensive yards finishing four-of-five in the red zone.

Hamilton forced overtime on Marc Liegghio’s 29-yard field goal on the final play of regulation, ending a five-play, 44-yard march that began with 32 seconds remaining. It came after Rourke found Butler on a 16-yard TD pass at 14:22 to end a seven-play, 85-yard drive that began with 1:47 remaining.

Liegghio’s 43-yard field goal at 13:07 staked Hamilton to a 35-31 lead. It was set up by Julian Howsare’s interception and 32-yard return that put the Ticats at the Lions’ 38-yard line.

The game started with a celebration to Oklahoma Thunder point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (26) was awarded the key to the City becoming only the second person in the city’s history receiving the honour.

Tiger-Cats jersey with his NBA No. 2, Gilgeous-Alexander entered, raising the championship trophy, shaking hands and hugging fans then taking the stage.

Who knew that former WWE wrestler “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, who was given the key in 1998, who are the only two receiving this recognition. 

He (Shai) won the regular season scoring title, named league MVP earning NBA Finals MVP honours leading them to the NBA championship becoming the first Canadian and only the fourth player in league history to win all three awards.

The others in the same season standing next to Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O’Neal – what impressive company!!

Hamilton’s Mayor Andrea Horwath mentioned “Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, NBA champion. The first Canadian ever to lead the NBA in scoring and only one of four players in history to win all of those titles in the same season. Awesome.”

Once they got past the introduction which was well deserved it was on with the re-match 

The Ti-cats to the  shock of Lions fans forced OT with a 29-yard FG on the final play of regulation, ending a five-play, 44-yard march that started with only 32 seconds remaining after Rourke connected with Butler on a 16-yard TD pass at 14:22 ending a seven-play, 85-yard drive that started with 1:47 left in the contest.

Liegghio managed a 43-yard FG at 13:07 giving Hamilton a 35-31 lead all set up from a Julian Howsare’s interception and 32-yard return with the Ticats on the Lions’ 38-yard line.

Bo Levi Mitchell completed 23-of-33 passes for 305 yards along with three second-half TD’s while B.C. accumulated 252 yards from 29 plays 

This is the Lions first annual Show ‘N’ Shine game with a Backyard Party at the Plaza of Nations, celebrating British Columbia’s car culture. 

Tickets start at only $19 and include free entry to the PNE Fair with the first 5,000 fans through the gates receiving a free Lions die-cast toy car. Buy Tickets Now

The post Whyte’s OT FG Give’s Lions 41-38 Win first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.