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National Post
2 days ago
- Sport
- National Post
10 Thoughts: Roughriders put together redeeming performance against Lions
Although the score says it was a six-point difference, the Saskatchewan Roughriders were in complete control in a 33-27 win over the B.C. Lions on Saturday in Week 7 of the CFL season. Article content With three touchdowns passes thrown by Trevor Harris, including one on the opening drive to Dohnte Meyers, the Roughriders were able to improve to 5-1 on the season, shaking off last week's loss to the Calgary Stampeders in the process. Article content Article content Here are the top 10 takeaways from the game: Article content 10 Thoughts Article content 1. After a lacklustre performance last week against the Stampeders, the Roughriders needed a response on Saturday. And the start couldn't have gone much better as Saskatchewan's offence scored a touchdown on the opening drive with Harris finding Meyers for a 50-yard TD strike. That drive set the tone for the rest of the night. Aside from one interception, Saskatchewan's offence was effective as the group scored points on seven of the first eight drives of the game. Article content 2. There were some new faces on both sides of the ball compared to the last time the Riders and Lions played three weeks ago, including the two quarterbacks. And what a difference that makes having two all-star quality pivots going head-to-head. We were treated to a whole bunch of elite passes between Harris and B.C.'s Nathan Rourke, who were both injured the last time these two teams met. Article content 3. Roughriders rookie left tackle Darius Washington made his CFL debut on Saturday and didn't look out of place. While his guy got a hit on Harris after he threw the ball in the fourth quarter, Washington and the rest of the group didn't give up a sack. Washington is the third left tackle to start a game this season for the Riders. Props to general manager Jeremy O'Day and company for continuing to find quality talent with all the injuries they've had to deal with. Article content 4. After recording just nine yards on six carries last week, running back A.J. Ouellette topped that yardage total on his first carry of the night with a 15-yard gain. He also had a touchdown reception and finished the night with 72 rushing yards. Not eye-popping stats, but the overall performance has to feel much better. On the other side, Lions' running back James Butler entered the week as the CFL's leading rusher and the Riders defence limited him to 30 yards after he went off for 171 last week. Article content Article content 5. It was tough to see Riders running back Ka'Deem Carey go down like he did in the third quarter. The cart came on the field after the gruesome injury but Carey insisted on hobbling off the field with the help of trainers. He's been nothing but a positive signing on and off the field for the Riders following his release from the Toronto Argonauts. Here's hoping it's not as serious as it looked. Article content 6. With Mario Alford on the one-game injured list, rookie returner Drae McCray made his CFL debut on Saturday after a promising pre-season. And while he didn't record a 99-yard game-winning kick-off return like Alford did earlier this year, the rookie was effective in the return game, including a game-high 24-yard return in the first half which set up a Roughrider touchdown.
The Province
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Province
Roughriders 33, Lions 27: Saskatchewan offence strikes early and often to thump B.C.
Any hope of a late Lions comeback was quashed with just under three minutes on the game clock when Nathan Rourke's long bomb was intercepted by Marcus Sayles. Published Jul 19, 2025 • 3 minute read Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Trevor Harris, right, passes over B.C. Lions' Tomasi Laulile during CFL game, in Vancouver, on Saturday, July 19, 2025. Photo by DARRYL DYCK / THE CANADIAN PRESS A dominant performance from quarterback Trevor Harris powered the Saskatchewan Roughriders to 33-27 victory over the B.C. Lions on Saturday. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Harris connected on 23 of his 30 passing attempts for 395 yards with three touchdowns and one interception in the West Division matchup. Kicker Brett Lauther added four field goals for the Riders (5-1), including a 45-yard strike in the first quarter. There was bad news for Saskatchewan, too, as running back Ka'Deem Carey left the game midway through the third quarter with an apparent leg injury and did not return. Nathan Rourke chalked up 337 passing yards with three TDs for the Lions (3-4). The Canadian QB made good on 27 of his 41 attempts, had one interception and was sacked once. The Riders had 506 yards of net offence across the game, compared to 373 yards for the Lions. Saskatchewan struck early on Saturday, with Harris lobbing a rainbow to Dohnte Meyers deep inside Lions' territory less than five minutes into the game. The American receiver nabbed the ball and darted into the end zone for Saskatchewan's first major of the night. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. B.C.'s troubles deepened on the next play when Seven McGee fumbled the kickoff return and Riders linebacker Jayden Dalke recovered it at the home side's 38-yard line. B.C. Lions' James Butler carries the ball during CFL game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders, in Vancouver, on Saturday, July 19, 2025. Photo by DARRYL DYCK / THE CANADIAN PRESS Lauther capitalized on the turnover with a 45-yard field goal that boosted Saskatchewan's lead to 10-0 midway through the opening frame. The offensive onslaught continued with Harris sailing a 29-yard pass to Joe Robustelli to put the visitors back in scoring position late in the quarter. The quarterback followed up with a short dish to A.J. Ouellette, who dashed five yards into the end zone. Lauther made the convert and the Riders went up 17-1. B.C.'s offence finally found its footing with just seconds to go in the first. Rourke escaped the pocket and fired a 40-yard pass to Ayden Eberhardt, who stepped over the goal line for the Lions' first TD of the night. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The two sides traded field goals in the second quarter, with Lauther connecting on 27- and 41-yard attempts and B.C. kicker Sean Whyte sending a 47-yard kick through the uprights. Saskatchewan headed into the locker room up 23-11. The Riders picked up right where they left off out of the break. Less than four minutes into the third quarter, Harris found Meyers deep in the red zone for a 30-yard touchdown. Saskatchewan's biggest problem of the game came midway through the third when Carey was taken down by Lions linebacker Micah Awe, in a play that left the running back writhing on the turf in obvious discomfort. He was eventually helped off the field by two trainers, putting no weight on his right leg. B.C. got a spark late in the quarter when Eberhardt reeled in a 39-yard pass from Rourke. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Lions capped the drive with a gutsy play, going for pay dirt on third down where Rourke sent a rocket soaring to Stanley Berryhill III deep in the end zone. The home side then attempted a two-point convert, a move that paid off when the QB spun off a tackle and connected once again with Berryhill on a three-yard toss that cut Saskatchewan's lead to 33-19. Any faint hope of a late Lions comeback was quashed with just under three minutes on the game clock when Rourke's long bomb to Eberhardt ticked off the fingers of a Riders defender and was intercepted by Marcus Sayles. With 19 seconds left in the fourth quarter, B.C. added one last major with Rourke handing off to Eberhardt and the receiver rushing in for his second TD of the night. Running back James Butler muscled his way through traffic for a two-point conversion that sealed the score at 33-27. NOTES Riders receiver Samuel Emilus tallied 78 receiving yards in his return after missing three games with a foot injury. … Lions linebacker Micah Awe made the 500th defensive tackle of his CFL career. … Only Saskatchewan and Calgary Stampeders have yet to lose a road game this season. NEXT UP Lions: Host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Sunday, July 27. Vancouver Canucks News Sports News World
National Post
2 days ago
- Sport
- National Post
Roughriders 33, Lions 27: Saskatchewan offence strikes early and often to thump B.C.
A dominant performance from quarterback Trevor Harris powered the Saskatchewan Roughriders to 33-27 victory over the B.C. Lions on Saturday. Article content Harris connected on 23 of his 30 passing attempts for 395 yards with three touchdowns and one interception in the West Division matchup. Article content Article content Kicker Brett Lauther added four field goals for the Riders (5-1), including a 45-yard strike in the first quarter. Article content There was bad news for Saskatchewan, too, as running back Ka'Deem Carey left the game midway through the third quarter with an apparent leg injury and did not return. Article content Nathan Rourke chalked up 337 passing yards with three TDs for the Lions (3-4). The Canadian QB made good on 27 of his 41 attempts, had one interception and was sacked once. Article content The Riders had 506 yards of net offence across the game, compared to 373 yards for the Lions. Article content Saskatchewan struck early on Saturday, with Harris lobbing a rainbow to Dohnte Meyers deep inside Lions' territory less than five minutes into the game. The American receiver nabbed the ball and darted into the end zone for Saskatchewan's first major of the night. Article content B.C.'s troubles deepened on the next play when Seven McGee fumbled the kickoff return and Riders linebacker Jayden Dalke recovered it at the home side's 38-yard line. Article content Lauther capitalized on the turnover with a 45-yard field goal that boosted Saskatchewan's lead to 10-0 midway through the opening frame. Article content Article content The offensive onslaught continued with Harris sailing a 29-yard pass to Joe Robustelli to put the visitors back in scoring position late in the quarter. The quarterback followed up with a short dish to A.J. Ouellette, who dashed five yards into the end zone. Lauther made the convert and the Riders went up 17-1. Article content B.C.'s offence finally found its footing with just seconds to go in the first. Article content Rourke escaped the pocket and fired a 40-yard pass to Ayden Eberhardt, who stepped over the goal line for the Lions' first TD of the night. Article content The two sides traded field goals in the second quarter, with Lauther connecting on 27- and 41-yard attempts and B.C. kicker Sean Whyte sending a 47-yard kick through the uprights. Saskatchewan headed into the locker room up 23-11. Article content The Riders picked up right where they left off out of the break. Article content Less than four minutes into the third quarter, Harris found Meyers deep in the red zone for a 30-yard touchdown. Article content Saskatchewan's biggest problem of the game came midway through the third when Carey was taken down by Lions linebacker Micah Awe, in a play that left the running back writhing on the turf in obvious discomfort. He was eventually helped off the field by two trainers, putting no weight on his right leg.
CTV News
3 days ago
- Sport
- CTV News
‘I feel young again': Running back James Butler hitting new highs with B.C. Lions
B.C. Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke (12) hands off to James Butler (20) during first half CFL football action against the Montreal Alouettes in Montreal, Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Graham Hughes / The Canadian Press) VANCOUVER — James Butler doesn't mind standing outside of the spotlight. And on a B.C. Lions offence featuring the likes of quarterback Nathan Rourke and receivers Justin McInnis and Keon Hatcher, a running back might skirt attention. Not Butler. The 30-year-old American has been a star for B.C. this season. He leads the league in rushing yards with 474 and will look to add to the total Saturday when the Lions (3-3) host the Saskatchewan Roughriders (4-1). Last week, Butler amassed a career-high 171 rushing yards, 35 receiving yards and a touchdown as B.C. downed the Edmonton Elks 32-14. 'I feel young again, wearing my college number (20),' the running back said. 'It's easy for me to just fly under the radar and just try to be the little spark I can be.' Butler's success follows a difficult 2024 campaign where the University of Iowa product saw action in just 10 games for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, tallying 522 rushing yards and two TDs. The numbers were well off the career-high 1,116 yards and seven majors he logged for the Ticats in 2023 and he was released by Hamilton in January. Just hours later, Butler signed with the Lions, the team where he started his CFL career in 2021 before breaking out with a 1,060-yard showing in 2022. The move reunited him with Rourke and the duo wasted little time in picking up where they left off. 'For us, there's so much trust,' said the Canadian QB, noting that Butler has found a way to up his game this season. 'I think he's been playing out of his mind. He's been playing better than I think he did in '22. … A lot of the times, I'm just watching. I've got the best seat in the house for watching him get to work." The admiration goes both ways. 'I feel like when you've got No. 12 back there, he just gives you a chance. Nate just gives you a chance, and he just makes plays,' Butler said. 'We always knew he's going to be destined for a great thing. 'So just being there, being back with him is nice. Even when I was with Nate (back in 2021 and 22), I was a little bit younger. So I just feel younger. I feel young again. It's nice.' Butler and Rourke will be in for a challenge Saturday when the Lions go up against the Riders. Saskatchewan is coming off its first loss of the season after dropping a 24-10 decision to the Calgary Stampeders last week. The Lions have already gone up against the Roughriders once this year, taking a 37-18 loss in Regina back on June 28. Despite the final score, B.C. felt the game easily could have had a different result if they'd done a few things differently, Butler said. 'I don't remember the score, but I never felt like we were really out of it, except maybe towards the end of the game,' he said. 'So I just feel like if we take care of the ball, I just feel like it'll be a different game.' The Riders will be without a star returner Mario Alford for the contest. The speedster left the game against Calgary in the first quarter due to an injury and did not practice with his teammates this week. 'That's Super Mario, man. That's a tough one to lose,' said Riders head coach Corey Mace. 'Certainly he's been playing out of his mind, I thought, to this point in the season. It just sucks. But ultimately, it sucks for him.' Alford will be replaced in the lineup by Drae McRay, a first-year receiver out of Texas Tech. The game will be an opportunity for a rookie who showed 'fearlessness' in pre-season play, Mace said. 'We all have confidence in Drae to be able to go out and execute and make plays,' the coach said. 'He showed to be really dangerous in the pre-season.' SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS (4-1) AT B.C. LIONS (3-3) Saturday, B.C. Place MILESTONE WATCH: Lions linebacker Micah Awe leads the league in total tackles with 46 on the season. He's now two away from 500 across his CFL career. HISTORY BOOKS: Saskatchewan holds a 107-94-6 edge in all-time matchups between the two teams. The Roughriders have fared well in Lions' territory, too, going 51-50-2 at B.C. WHYTE HOT: B.C.'s Sean Whyte has made all 12 of his field goals this season and, alongside Hamilton's Marc Liegghio, is one of just two kickers who haven't missed this season. Whyte has made 25 consecutive field goals going back to last year, marking the sixth streak of 25+ over his CFL career. This report by Gemma Karstens-Smith of The Canadian Press was first published July 18, 2025.
National Post
3 days ago
- Sport
- National Post
'I feel young again': Running back James Butler hitting new highs with B.C. Lions
Article content James Butler doesn't mind standing outside of the spotlight. Article content And on a B.C. Lions offence featuring the likes of quarterback Nathan Rourke and receivers Justin McInnis and Keon Hatcher, a running back might skirt attention. Article content Article content Not Butler. Article content The 30-year-old American has been a star for B.C. this season. He leads the league in rushing yards with 474 and will look to add to the total Saturday when the Lions (3-3) host the Saskatchewan Roughriders (4-1). Article content Article content Last week, Butler amassed a career-high 171 rushing yards, 35 receiving yards and a touchdown as B.C. downed the Edmonton Elks 32-14. Article content 'I feel young again, wearing my college number (20),' the running back said. 'It's easy for me to just fly under the radar and just try to be the little spark I can be.' Article content Butler's success follows a difficult 2024 campaign where the University of Iowa product saw action in just 10 games for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, tallying 522 rushing yards and two TDs. Article content The numbers were well off the career-high 1,116 yards and seven majors he logged for the Ticats in 2023 and he was released by Hamilton in January. Article content Just hours later, Butler signed with the Lions, the team where he started his CFL career in 2021 before breaking out with a 1,060-yard showing in 2022. Article content The move reunited him with Rourke and the duo wasted little time in picking up where they left off. Article content 'For us, there's so much trust,' said the Canadian QB, noting that Butler has found a way to up his game this season. Article content Article content 'I think he's been playing out of his mind. He's been playing better than I think he did in '22. … A lot of the times, I'm just watching. I've got the best seat in the house for watching him get to work.' Article content Article content 'I feel like when you've got No. 12 back there, he just gives you a chance. Nate just gives you a chance, and he just makes plays,' Butler said. 'We always knew he's going to be destined for a great thing. Article content 'So just being there, being back with him is nice. Even when I was with Nate (back in 2021 and 22), I was a little bit younger. So I just feel younger. I feel young again. It's nice.' Article content Butler and Rourke will be in for a challenge Saturday when the Lions go up against the Riders. Article content Saskatchewan is coming off its first loss of the season after dropping a 24-10 decision to the Calgary Stampeders last week. Article content The Lions have already gone up against the Roughriders once this year, taking a 37-18 loss in Regina back on June 28. Article content Despite the final score, B.C. felt the game easily could have had a different result if they'd done a few things differently, Butler said. Article content 'I don't remember the score, but I never felt like we were really out of it, except maybe towards the end of the game,' he said. 'So I just feel like if we take care of the ball, I just feel like it'll be a different game.' Article content The Riders will be without a star returner Mario Alford for the contest. The speedster left the game against Calgary in the first quarter due to an injury and did not practice with his teammates this week. Article content 'That's Super Mario, man. That's a tough one to lose,' said Riders head coach Corey Mace. 'Certainly he's been playing out of his mind, I thought, to this point in the season. It just sucks. But ultimately, it sucks for him.' Article content Alford will be replaced in the lineup by Drae McRay, a first-year receiver out of Texas Tech. Article content The game will be an opportunity for a rookie who showed 'fearlessness' in pre-season play, Mace said. Article content 'We all have confidence in Drae to be able to go out and execute and make plays,' the coach said. 'He showed to be really dangerous in the pre-season.' Article content Article content When: Saturday, July 19 at 4 p.m. Article content Where: B.C. Place Article content WHYTE HOT: B.C.'s Sean Whyte has made all 12 of his field goals this season and, alongside Hamilton's Marc Liegghio, is one of just two kickers who haven't missed this season. Whyte has made 25 consecutive field goals going back to last year, marking the sixth streak of 25+ over his CFL career.
