Sean Whyte’s 43-yard game-winning field goal propelled the B.C. Lions to a 33-30 victory over the Calgary Stampeders in the West Division semifinal held in Vancouver. Quarterback Nathan Rourke showcased a strong performance, throwing for 223 yards, completing 16 of 23 passes, and adding a rushing touchdown to the Lions’ success. Additional touchdowns for B.C. came from Jeremiah Masoli with a one-yard score, Robert Carter Jr. with a 95-yard kickoff return touchdown, and Whyte’s four successful field goals, including the crucial game-winning kick.
Calgary’s quarterback, Vernon Adams Jr., threw for 334 yards against his former team, completing 23 of 33 passes, including touchdown passes to Clark Barnes and Jalen Philpott. Quincy Vaughn also contributed a rushing touchdown for the Stampeders, while Rene Paredes made two field goals, one of which was a 50-yard kick.
The Lions are now set to face the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the West Division final scheduled for November 8 in Regina. Meanwhile, the Montreal Alouettes secured a spot in the East final by defeating the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 42-33 in the East Division semifinal. They will face the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on the same day. The winners of these division finals will compete at the Grey Cup in Winnipeg on November 16.
