Lions Secure Playoff Spot With Win Over Redblacks in Vancouver

The BC Lions defeated the Ottawa REDBLACKS on October 9 at Save-On-Foods Field at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada, earning a Grey Cup Playoffs berth while Ottawa remained winless at 0-15. The Lions entered the game with nine wins and had won eight of their previous nine contests.

According to bclions.com, BC's victory secured a postseason place for a fifth consecutive season. The Lions had recovered from a 1-5 start, while Ottawa set a CFL record for the most losses to open a season after a 34-16 defeat against Hamilton, according to Sportsnet.

BC prepared for a close matchup despite Ottawa's record, with quarterback Nathan Rourke making his 50th CFL start and entering the game after throwing 110 consecutive passes without an interception, according to Sportsnet.

"They’re all important games. We’ve got to play our best to win them. We’d to be able to give ourselves a chance to feel good going into the playoffs, no matter whether we’re first or second or however it shakes out." said Nathan Rourke, quarterback.

The Lions focused on improving their offensive execution after a 24-17 win over Toronto where Sean Whyte made a team-record eight field goals. BC also entered the matchup allowing a league-low 60.3 rushing yards per game, according to bclions.com.

"We just have a mindset this year, especially in the defensive tackle room, but also with the defensive ends, that one thing that we can control is the run game. So, for us, it's definitely just a mindset. There's nothing special about what we do.

There are no tricks that we use and there are no cheats that we use. It’s just us wanting to stop the run and wanting to fill the gaps that help this team win." said Jonah Tavai, defensive lineman.

Ottawa running back Daniel Adeboboye remained focused despite the team's record. He rushed for 74 yards against Hamilton, including a 55-yard gain, as the REDBLACKS continued searching for their first victory.

"Even though we have the record that we have, we still have phenomenal practices," said Daniel Adeboboye, running back.

"Guys still come out with good energy; guys in the locker room are still doing what they have to do. We still all understand that there’s something to play for." said Daniel Adeboboye, running back.

Adeboboye said the team was also motivated by roster opportunities beyond the current season.

"We see the turnover in professional sports — the second that they sense that (you've given up), you’re gone. So we have that to play for," said Daniel Adeboboye, running back.

"The nature of this business, they’re not afraid to let go of guys and pick up new guys. They’re scouting for next year and we have to do our job to make sure we’re on the team next year." said Daniel Adeboboye, running back.

BC head coach Buck Pierce emphasized maintaining focus regardless of Ottawa's position in the standings. The Lions previously beat the REDBLACKS 45-24 on August 30 after overcoming an early 14-3 deficit.

"It doesn’t matter where you are, you have to be extremely focused on where your feet are and the next opponent," said Buck Pierce, head coach.

"For us to get where we want to get to, it just happens to be Ottawa this week. And we’ve got to play better than we did last week." said Buck Pierce, head coach.

Pierce also addressed the offense after BC failed to score a touchdown against Toronto, while the defense produced key stops that preserved the win.

"We’ve been pretty efficient there this year," said Buck Pierce, head coach.

"I think it’s just consistency, the ability to maintain our focus. When you lose your focus, your execution goes with it as well. And that’s really what happened." said Buck Pierce, head coach.

Pierce praised the defensive unit after the Toronto game, where field position and late stops helped BC secure the victory.

"They’re playing well," said Buck Pierce, head coach.

"There was a lot of field goals kicked. It was a field position battle. And they knew that, in the fourth quarter, it was going to come down to a stop … That’s what good teams do and that’s the complementary football that you’re always trying to instill." said Buck Pierce, head coach.