2025 @BCLions
The BC Lions officially punched their ticket to the 2025 CFL playoffs with a 38–24 victory over the Calgary Stampeders, powered by explosive offense, clutch defense, and a roaring home crowd that brought playoff energy weeks early. The Lions came out sharp, controlling the tempo from the opening kickoff. Quarterback Nathan Rourke set the tone with pinpoint throws and confident leadership, spreading the ball between receivers like Keon Hatcher, Alexander Hollins, and Justin McInnis. By halftime, the Lions held a comfortable 21–6 lead, thanks to Rourke’s accuracy and the defense’s ability to limit Calgary’s run game.
Things tightened up in the fourth quarter. Calgary clawed back into the contest with a pair of quick touchdowns off B.C. turnovers, cutting the lead to just one possession. The tension inside BC Place was electric you could feel the nervous energy buzzing through the crowd.
That’s when Rourke and the offense responded. On a crucial late drive, Rourke found Hatcher down the sideline for a 36-yard completion, setting up Zander Horvath’s game-sealing 33-yard touchdown run. The stadium erupted, and so did the playoff celebrations. Defensively, Robert Carter Jr. delivered two timely interceptions, both
2025 – @BCLions
coming at pivotal moments that stopped Calgary drives before they could gather momentum. It wasn’t a perfect night but it was a gritty, confident performance that screamed postseason readiness. First-year head coach Buck Pierce, who took over after the departure of Rick Campbell, has successfully guided this team through ups and downs, transforming them into one of the CFL’s most balanced squads. His mix of creativity on offense and discipline on defense is paying off when it matters most.
The Lions have now won four straight and six of their last eight. That kind of momentum heading into November is something every playoff team craves. The chemistry between Rourke and his receivers is peaking, and the defense anchored by a strong secondary continues to create turnovers when the lights shine brightest. With a playoff spot locked, the next goal is home-field advantage. If the Lions can win out, they could host a playoff game in front of their fans something the team hasn’t done since before the pandemic. The Lions are back, and they’re not sneaking into the playoffs they’re roaring in.