B.C. Lions clinch playoff berth with 41-20 win over winless Ottawa Redblacks at BC Place

The B.C. Lions clinched a CFL playoff berth Friday night with a 41-20 victory over the Ottawa Redblacks at BC Place, pushing their record to 10-6 and extending their dominance in recent weeks.

The Lions have now won nine of their last 10 games. Nathan Rourke was efficient from the opening drive, completing 7 of 7 passes for 79 yards on the first possession. Keon Hatcher scored on a 10-yard touchdown reception at 4:41 of the first quarter, just 2:19 before Zander Horvath punched in an 11-yard touchdown run—his 20th of the season. The Redblacks answered with Daniel Adeboboye's 10-yard touchdown reception, but the Lions controlled the rest of the first half.

Rourke finished with 360 passing yards and three touchdowns. Horvath rushed for 89 yards and scored twice—his second touchdown came on a 1-yard run with 24 seconds left in the third quarter, giving him 21 on the year. Stanley Berryhill caught a 26-yard touchdown reception, his first of the season. Jevon Cottoy added an 8-yard touchdown reception, his fourth of the year. Sean Whyte was perfect on five extra points.

Ottawa, winless at 0-16, got 253 passing yards and one touchdown from McLeod Bethel-Thompson. Paul Geelen kicked four field goals for the Redblacks. The Lions' defence forced a fumble from Bethel-Thompson that Casey Sayles recovered, and Alonzo Addae intercepted Rourke—his third interception against the Lions quarterback in two games this season. A 126-yard return on a missed convert for two points by Kalil Pimpleton kept Ottawa within striking distance late but could not overcome the deficit.