Nathan Rourke, Lions chase 5th straight win vs. Redblacks

Nov 8, 2025; Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada; BC Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke (12) looks for a receiver downfield during the second half of the CFL Western Conference Final between the BC Lions and the Saskatchewan Roughriders at Mosaic Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-Imagn Images The BC Lions have reversed course from a disastrous start to the season. The Ottawa Redblacks, in turn, have been stuck in neutral since the tail end of last season. The red-hot Lions (5-5) will bid for their fifth consecutive victory on Sunday when they visit Canada's capital to face the winless Redblacks (0-10). Nathan Rourke has totaled seven touchdowns (six throwing, one rushing) over his last three contests, including two scores in BC's 30-16 victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders last Sunday. Although Rourke earned one of the CFL's Player of the Week honors, he said he expects more from himself on the field. "I think when it comes to me trying to become the best player I can be, I think I'm not where I want to be right now," Rourke told The Province. "So, I feel like I owe it to this organization to get better." Jevon Cottoy had six catches for 110 yards and one touchdown for BC. Zander Horvath found the end zone for the seventh time (six rushing, one receiving) in his last four games. His nine rushing touchdowns are second-best in the CFL, behind Saskatchewan's Tommy Stevens. Ottawa, meanwhile, has lost a modern-era CFL-record 16 consecutive games. The Redblacks' last victory was Sept. 5, a 34-33 win over the Lions at TD Place Stadium. Back to the not-too-distant past, Ottawa dropped a 46-16 decision to the Montreal Alouettes on Aug. 20. Redblacks quarterback Jake Maier completed 14 of 23 passes for 126 yards and two interceptions. "Our margin for error is small," Maier said. "And I think that when a play doesn't go our way, you can feel it a little bit more as a football team that's trying to find their footing." The generous Redblacks have permitted a league-high 368 points in 2026, 101 more than the Lions. --Field Level Media