Lions Double-Up Al’s 36-18 Impressive Win

Saturday’s match-up for the BC Lions saw a home game against the Montreal Alouettes saw them pull out an impressive 36-18 win that puts them a 5-5 in the season in front of 23, 318 fans.

Pre-game saw a party on the patio that saw a huge crowd being entertained by several impressive expensive cars that many had never seen until now.

Regardless of the win the Al’s were without Caleb Evans (QB) who missed due to an apparent knee injury sending  the Al’s fourth QB this season sending in James Morgan who finished 20 of 33 for 211 yards plus one TD.

While many fans in the area were questioning the play of the Lions “D” of late it was the Lions “D” that came up with a strong game.

The Lions’ defensive line played strong putting the nay-sayers from criticism with them keeping them out of the end zone late in the fourth then settling for three which brought the crowd alive.

The Lions QB Nathan Rourke had more protection for the complete game allowing him to set up four majors as well as allow him to throw for over 300 yards for the sixth time this season. 

Lions Receiver Keon Hatcher Sr. had an exceptional game almost as if he was a man on a mission that saw him catch all 11 passes good for 156 yards plus two touchdowns bringing the fans to their feet. 

Adding to his stellar play it was both Justin McInnis and Stanley Berryhill III who nailed majors of their own in yet another explosive performance for the Lions offence.

The “D” of the Lions were able to keep the Alouettes out of the end zone forcing Montreal to settle for four field goals off the foot of José Maltos Díaz (kicker) forcing them to settle for a TD by Tyler Snead.

The Lions started strongly, managing to get on the board early as Rourke connected with McInnis and Hatcher Sr. setting up a FG from Sean Whyte for the early Lions 3-0 lead.

Rourke and Hatcher Sr. played as if they were possessed, managing to capitalize on a long drive later that allowed the second field goal from Whyte.

The Al’s managed a second quarter drive finished with a Maltos Díaz kick that saw yet another injury to Evans who suffered an injury having to be replaced by Morgan.

With a short 9:20 left in the half Whyte put the Lions up 9-3 from a long 46 yards out which he is known for, not just with distance but also accuracy.

After a couple of short passes up the middle to Travis Theis the middle he set up a drive down field into kicking range of Maltos Díaz’ who pulled the Al’s within three making it a 9-6 contest.

Butler managed a 27-yard play that allowed Rourke to get out of the pocket gaining 26 yards, setting up a first-and-goal with McInnis for the game’s first TD for a 16-9 margin for BC. 

The Lions found themselves on their own 10-yard line allowing a long bomb to Hatcher Sr. for a 40-yard gain moving the yard sticks closer to the end zone.

Montreal managed a 40-yard reception only to be called on a facemask penalty that moved the ball back 15 yards that saw Díaz complete his fourth field goal of the night to make it 22-12.

Rourke connected on a 49 yarder to Ayden Eberhardt for a 49-yard gain setting up the next two plays delivering one to Hatcher Sr. for the second TD of the game.to Berryhill III allowing the Lions to extend their dominating lead.

Whyte’s point after attempt was blocked, keeping the score at 36-12 for the Lions as the Al’s continued to press, which saw them add six points for 35 yards, working against them with only 3:22 remaining. 

Rourke finished connecting on 26 of 34 for 382 yds, 1 TD and 1 Int while Buttler had 16 carries for 81 yards averaging 5.1 per carry. 

Montreal’s Caleb Evans was three for four 32 yards that saw James Morgan complete 20 of 33 passes with 1 TD and 1 Interception.

The Alouettes head back to Montreal that will see them host the Bombers Thursday, August 21st in a game that they are wanting to get back in the win column. 

The Lions on the other hand hit the road taking on the Argonauts on August 23rd and return home for a match against the Redblacks September 5th with a 4 pm kick-off.