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CFL B.C. Lions

Must-Win Territory as Lions Battle Stamps

November 11, 2021 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
B.C. Lions News Release


(Vancouver)- With their playoff fate hanging in the balance, the BC Lions (4-8-0) hope a return home following a 27-day absence is just what the doctor ordered as they battle the Calgary Stampeders (6-6-0) on Friday night at BC Place Stadium.

The stakes for the third and final regular season meeting between these two Western rivals are huge as the hometown Lions must win in order to keep their post-season hopes alive.

Following a solid week of preparation, it's clear everybody knows what's on the line.

"I think our guys understand we have still an opportunity," said quarterback Michael Reilly.

"We've got to get a little bit of help from Winnipeg (in the last week of the season) but the only way that even matters is if we take care of business in our two games. Treat them like playoff games because that's what they are at this point. We want to get to the playoffs so we've got to win two playoff games just to get to the playoffs. I think that's the mindset our guys are taking the approach of."

Despite the losing streak, Reilly remains second in the CFL with 2,943 passing yards, just 169 behind Zach Collaros who will take this week off for the Blue Bombers. Number 13 has been satisfied with what the offence has been able to churn out in the games they've won, even the 15-9 triumph at Calgary in week two where they managed just one touchdown.

"When the opportunity is there, you have to take advantage of them and there are going to be opportunities," added Reilly. "If we execute how we did in week two, then we'll be fine."

Bo Levi Mitchell and the Stampeders are coming off a bye week that was followed by a gritty 26-13 win at Ottawa on October 29th to get them back to .500. Mitchell's 2,291 passing yards are good for fourth overall amongst CFL quarterbacks while running back Ka'Deem Carey is second in the league with 784 yards on the ground.

It's all shaping up to be another decent test for a Lions defence that recorded four interceptions and held Calgary out of the end zone in that August victory at McMahon Stadium.

A win for the Lions on Friday would assure them of owning the head-to-head tiebreaker and keep alive a scenario where they could punch their playoff tickets with another win next week at home to Edmonton and a Calgary loss to Winnipeg in their season finale. Definitely an uphill climb, but head coach Rick Campbell says the group still believes.

"I don't have to be a car salesman. I can tell them the truth and the truth is if we beat Calgary Friday night, we hold the tiebreaker. And then it comes down to the last week of the season," said Campbell. "We can put ourselves in the best situation we can and make them earn it."

Game Info: BC Lions vs. Calgary Stampeders. Friday, November 12. BC Place. 7:30 PM PT.

TV: TSN and ESPN+. Broadcast team: Farhan Lalji, Glen Suitor, Blake Price.

Radio: AM730, Lions Radio Network and Sirius XM 167 Canada Talks. Broadcast team: Bob Marjanovich, Giulio Caravatta. Pre-game 6:30 PM PT.

Check out the B.C. Lions Statistics



Canadian Football League Stories from November 11, 2021


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