Sean Whyte sealed the victory for the B.C. Lions by kicking a 43-yard field goal, extending their season with a 33-30 win over the Calgary Stampeders in the West Division semifinal held in Vancouver on Saturday. Quarterback Nathan Rourke impressed with 223 passing yards, completing 16 of 23 attempts and scoring a rushing touchdown.
B.C.’s Jeremiah Masoli and Robert Carter Jr. contributed a one-yard touchdown and a 95-yard kickoff return touchdown, respectively. Whyte’s four successful field goals, including the game-winning one, were crucial for the Lions’ triumph. On the other side, Calgary’s quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. threw for 334 yards, completing 23 of 33 passes and throwing touchdowns to Clark Barnes and Jalen Philpott. Quincy Vaughn scored a rushing touchdown for the Stampeders, and Rene Paredes added two field goals, one from 50 yards.
The Lions will now advance to face the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the West Division final in Regina on November 8. In a separate game on the same day, the Montreal Alouettes defeated the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 42-33 in the East Division semifinal, earning a spot in the East final against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, also taking place on November 8. The winners of the division finals will compete at the Grey Cup in Winnipeg on November 16.