August 9, 2024; MIAMI GARDENS, Fla.; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Nathan Lauch (16) runs with the ball against the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter of a preseason game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports The BC Lions will look to snap a five-game losing streak when they host the Ottawa Redblacks in Victoria on Saturday.
The Lions (5-6) have hit rock bottom after winning five of their first six games to open the season on July 13. The team’s free fall continued with a 34-27 loss to the Redblacks (7-2-1) in Ottawa last Saturday.
The home-and-home series now returns to Victoria, the birthplace of BC quarterback Nathan Luke.
“It’s a little bit different for us, obviously, and a little bit different rhythm than a normal home game,” Rourke said. “But you only get to experience these moments once or twice in your career, so it’s cool to be a part of this game. I hope it goes well and I hope we can come back next year.”
Rourke completed 22 of 31 passes for 234 yards and one interception last week against the Redblacks. He added 63 yards on the ground Saturday for the Lions, who could have quarterback Vernon Adams back. Adams has been out of the game since suffering a knee injury against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Aug. 2.
But Ottawa’s Drew Brown was better than Rauk, completing 28 of 37 passes for 390 yards and three touchdowns.
The Redblacks extended their unbeaten run to six games (W5, DL1) with the win, but it came at a price.
Wide receivers Jaelon Acklin (head) and Bralon Addison (hand) and linebacker Jovan Santos-Knox (knee) were injured in that game. All three players did not practice this week and will be out for Saturday’s game.
Wideouts Andre Miller and Eli Stove and linebacker Davion Taylor are also expected to be in the lineup.
Still, Ottawa coach Bob Dyce wants his team to perform better away from the capital.
“We’ve had a good record at home (5-0-1),” Dice said, according to the Ottawa Sun. “If you want to be a great team, you have to win on the road.”
–Field level media
