B.C. Lions Defeat Edmonton Elks 31-14 in Season Opener
The B.C. Lions kicked off their season with a convincing 31-14 win over the Edmonton Elks, thanks to a stellar performance by quarterback Nathan Rourke. Rourke threw for 324 yards and three touchdowns, adding 54 rushing yards to his impressive stats.

Key Moments
– First Half Struggles Despite not playing their best in the first half, the Lions rallied together, overcoming a 7-3 halftime deficit. Rourke praised his team’s resilience, saying they didn’t point fingers or get discouraged like they did last year.
– Crucial Play: A 34-yard touchdown pass from Rourke to Stanley Berryhill III in the third quarter marked a turning point in the game. Kicker Sean Whyte converted the extra point, giving the Lions a 10-7 lead.
– Halftime Message: B.C. head coach Buck Pierce encouraged his team to focus on finishing plays and drives. The Lions responded with a strong second-half performance.

Player Performance
– Nathan Rourke: The 27-year-old Canadian quarterback went 27 for 36 on passing attempts, showcasing his skill and experience.
– JeVon Cottoy The Canadian receiver had a close call early in the second frame, fumbling a pass from Rourke.
– Chase Brice: The quarterback came in for short-yardage duty but was reviewed by the command center for a potential touchdown ¹.