Unbeaten Saskatchewan looks to fend off BC

Field Level Media|published: Fri 12th July, 17:02 2024

CFL: Canadian Football League-Calgary Stampeders at BC Lions

Jun 15, 2024; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; BC Lions wide receiver Justin McInnis (18) makes a catch against the Calgary Stampeders during the second half at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-USA TODAY Sports

It's showdown time in Vancouver.

When the BC Lions host the Saskatchewan Roughriders Saturday, first place in the CFL's West Division will be at stake.

BC (4-1) is coming off an easy 44-28 win last week at hapless Hamilton, while Saskatchewan (4-0) is the league's only unbeaten team as a result of Montreal's loss Thursday night against Toronto.

While beating the Tiger-Cats isn't a big deal these days, since they're winless, the Lions still did it in style. They led 14-1 after a quarter and 34-11 at the half before cruising through the second half.

"This was a statement game for us," said BC running back William Stanback. "We're going to build from it. That's what we want to do. That's the type of identity we want to have. We got a game this Saturday against Saskatchewan at home. Gonna be the Watermelon Smash."

The Lions got 383 yards and four touchdowns from quarterback Vernon Adams, who found Justin McInnis 10 times for 144 yards and two scores. Alex Hollins, the league's receiving-yardage leader (573), added 116 yards and a 69-yard touchdown reception. Stanback rushed for 82 yards and had two touchdowns (one rushing, one receiving).

As for the Roughriders, they're coming off a less-than-convincing 30-23 home win on July 4 over Toronto. The game was tied at 20 before Marcus Sayles intercepted Cameron Dukes and returned it 54 yards for the go-ahead touchdown.

First-year coach Corey Mace is the fourth rookie coach since 2008 to get his team off to a 4-0 start.

"There's never been any trophies handed out this early, so we've got to go 1-0 this week," he said. "That's just literally how we approach it."

Quarterback Shea Patterson was 15 of 23 for 192 yards and a touchdown in his first start. He replaced veteran Trevor Harris, who is out for at least six games after an MCL injury.

Mace said Patterson should improve with game experience.

"Just having the full playbook and having the run at every snap, you're just going to get more comfortable," Mace said.

--Field Level Media