B.C. Lions Clinch Playoff Berth With Win Over Redblacks

The B.C. Lions clinched a CFL playoff berth Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, defeating the Ottawa Redblacks 41-20 at BC Place in Vancouver as quarterback Nathan Rourke threw three touchdown passes and the Lions secured their postseason place.

According to the Progress, Rourke completed a strong offensive performance with 360 passing yards and three touchdowns. B.C. improved to 10-6 and has won nine of its last 10 games.

Zander Horvath rushed for 89 yards and two touchdowns for the Lions, including scores that helped B.C. build and maintain its lead. James Butler, Stanley Berryhill, Jevon Cottoy and Keon Hatcher also recorded touchdowns, while kicker Sean Whyte added five extra points.

The Lions opened the game with a touchdown drive after Rourke completed all seven of his passes on the possession. Hatcher caught a 10-yard touchdown pass to give B.C. a 7-0 lead 4:41 into the first quarter, according to the Progress.

Horvath extended the advantage with an 11-yard touchdown run later in the opening quarter. The score was his 20th touchdown of the season, giving B.C. a 14-0 lead.

Ottawa quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson finished with 253 passing yards and one touchdown for the Redblacks, who fell to 0-16. Daniel Adeboboye scored Ottawa's only touchdown, while Paul Geelen made four field goals.

The Redblacks cut into the deficit during the second and third quarters, but B.C. responded with key plays. Mathieu Betts forced a fumble from Bethel-Thompson in the second quarter, which led to Rourke's 26-yard touchdown pass to Berryhill.

B.C. also benefited from fourth-quarter turnovers, with Casey Sayles forcing a fumble recovered by Darnell Sankey and Deontai Williams intercepting Bethel-Thompson. The Lions converted those opportunities into touchdowns by Cottoy and Butler to complete the 41-20 victory.

The result marked another playoff appearance for the Lions, while Ottawa remained winless through 16 games this season.