SportLions out to snap skid, avenge loss to banged-up Redblacks

The BC Lions aim to snap a five-game losing streak on Saturday when they host the Ottawa Redblacks in Victoria.

The Lions (5-6) recorded their fifth win in six games to begin the season on July 13 before the bottom fell out. The team’s freefall continued with a 34-27 setback to the Redblacks (7-2-1) in Ottawa last Saturday.

Now the home-and-home series shifts to Victoria, the birthplace of BC quarterback Nathan Rourke.

“Obviously it’s a little different for us, a little different rhythm than a regular home game,” Rourke said. “But these are the type of moments that you might only be able to experience once or twice in your career. So to be a part of this one is cool. And hopefully it goes well and we can come back next year.”

Rourke completed 22 of 31 passes for 234 yards with one interception last week against the Redblacks. He added 63 yards on the ground for the Lions, who could see the return of fellow quarterback Vernon Adams on Saturday. Adams has been sidelined since sustaining a knee injury versus the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Aug. 2.

Ottawa’s Dru Brown got the better of Rourke, however. Brown completed 28 of 37 passes for 390 yards with three touchdowns.

While the Redblacks extended their unbeaten streak to six games (5-0-1) with the victory, it came at a cost.

Starting wide receivers Jaelon Acklin (head) and Bralon Addison (hand) as well as linebacker Jovan Santos-Knox (knee) sustained injuries in that game. All three players did not practice this week and have been ruled out for Saturday’s contest.

Wideouts Andre Miller and Eli Stove as well as linebacker Davion Taylor are expected to draw into the lineup.

Regardless, Ottawa head coach Bob Dyce wants to see his team perform better away from the nation’s capital.

“We’ve done a good job at home (5-0-1); if you want to be a great team, you have to win on the road,” Dyce said, per the Ottawa Sun.

–Field Level Media