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The B.C. Lions displayed their skill on Friday night, securing a decisive 37-24 victory against the Edmonton Elks. This win represents their fifth consecutive triumph and effectively eliminates the Elks from playoff contention in the CFL. Notable contributions came from cornerback Robert Carter Jr.
, although he left the field with some regret over a celebratory misstep.
In the third quarter, Carter intercepted a pass from Edmonton’s quarterback Cody Fajardo and returned it an impressive 50 yards for a touchdown. This critical play shifted the momentum in favor of the Lions, who took a 17-10 lead.
Reflecting on his post-touchdown celebration, Carter remarked, “I didn’t need to throw the ball into the stands. I actually regret that now.”
Turning points and standout performances
Lions head coach Buck Pierce praised Carter’s interception as the pivotal moment in the game.
He remarked, “A great read and jump. Once he makes that play, nobody is going to catch him.” The Lions’ defense was formidable throughout the match, forcing turnovers and capitalizing on the Elks’ errors.
Carter’s impact on defense
In addition to his interception, Carter executed a significant hit on Kurleigh Gittens Jr.
, a receiver for the Elks. Despite his size disadvantage—standing five-foot-nine and weighing 175 pounds—Carter showcased his fearless playing style. Pierce noted, “He’s made a couple of hits like that this year. He’s always around the football if you watch him.”
Offensive highlights and strategic plays
Lions quarterback shines in victory
Nathan Rourke, the quarterback for the Lions, delivered an impressive performance, demonstrating both agility and quick decision-making. In the third quarter, he transformed a broken play into a remarkable 70-yard touchdown run. After initially faking a handoff, Rourke assessed his passing options and opted to advance the ball himself.
“I just reacted and tried to go,” he stated. This decisive play increased the Lions’ lead to 27-10.
Rourke’s overall statistics were noteworthy; he completed 21 of 32 passes for a total of 338 yards, playing a crucial role in the Lions’ offensive strategy. This victory improved the Lions’ record to 10-7, positioning them in second place in the CFL West.
Contributions from the ground game
James Butler made significant contributions to his team’s success, rushing for a touchdown and executing a two-point conversion. He finished the match with 82 yards from 15 carries. Additionally, Keon Hatcher Sr. caught a 17-yard touchdown pass, while kicker Sean Whyte added to the Lions’ score with successful field goals from 37 and 34 yards.
Elks’ struggles and missed opportunities
The Elks started the game strongly, leading 10-2 midway through the second quarter. However, they soon encountered difficulties maintaining their momentum. Coach Mark Kilam reflected on their performance, stating, “We didn’t make enough plays. We got hurt with explosions against us and we turned over the ball.” A crucial interception returned for a touchdown and Rourke’s explosive run proved particularly damaging to Edmonton’s chances.
Despite efforts from quarterback Fajardo, who recorded 230 passing yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions, the Elks could not rebound. They concluded the season with a disappointing 7-10 record, failing to secure a playoff berth. Running back Javon Leake contributed with a short touchdown run, while receiver Binjimen Victor caught a 12-yard touchdown pass. However, these efforts were insufficient to change the game’s outcome.
Looking ahead
With a playoff spot confirmed, the Lions are focused on ending the season on a high note. Team member Carter articulated their aspirations: “We want to finish our last game holding the Grey Cup in the air.” As the season comes to a close, the Lions hold the key to their future, requiring only a victory in their final game to secure home-field advantage in the playoffs.
