The B.C. Lions overcame an early 17–3 deficit to win their October 31 West Division semi-final 33–26 and book a November 7 meeting with Edmonton.
B.C. turns a 17–3 deficit into a playoff victory
The B.C. Lions defeated the Saskatchewan Roughriders 33–26 at BC Place in Vancouver on Saturday, October 31, eliminating the defending Grey Cup champions and advancing to the CFL's West Division Final. Saskatchewan took a 17–3 second-quarter lead, but the Lions narrowed it to 17–13 by halftime and scored twice in the third quarter to take control. The result is confirmed by the CFL's official game account and the Roughriders' own postgame reporting.
Rourke and Cottoy drive the comeback
B.C. quarterback Nathan Rourke completed three touchdown passes, including a 69-yard second-quarter play to Stanley Berryhill III and two third-quarter strikes to Jevon Cottoy. Cottoy's first went for 70 yards and tied the score at 20; his second, from 13 yards, gave the Lions a 27–23 lead they did not relinquish. Sportsnet reported that Rourke threw for 366 yards in the win. Saskatchewan's early advantage came in part from an opening-play B.C. fumble and several long Brett Lauther field goals.
Late field goals and a final stand
Lions kicker Sean Whyte added fourth-quarter field goals as B.C. led 33–23 late. Saskatchewan cut the deficit to seven on Lauther's final field goal, then attempted an onside kick, which B.C. recovered. The Riders received one last possession after a missed Lions field goal but could not score before time expired. The final was 33–26. Those events are recounted in the league's October 31 match report.
Western Final next on November 7
B.C. now travels to face the Edmonton Elks in the West Final on November 7. The two clubs split their 2026 regular-season meetings, according to the CFL. The game determines the western representative in the November 15 Grey Cup. This is a distinct playoff result from Winnipeg's earlier victory over Toronto in the East semi-final; neither event should be confused with the other on CDN News's Sports desk.
Sources & transparency
Canadian Football League, October 31 Western Semi-Final official recapSaskatchewan Roughriders, postgame report October 31Sportsnet, October 31 West semi-final resultOriginal CDN News coverage. Sources are linked for reference.
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