B.C. Lions host Roughriders aiming to extend win streak

By Liam Tremblay — 23 August 2026 — 3 min read

Lions’ Offence on a Roll

The B.C. Lions are set to host the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Sunday at BC Place, looking to extend their current three-game winning streak. The Lions are coming off a victory against the Calgary Stampeders, while the Roughriders recently experienced a 26-19 loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. This upcoming game marks the second encounter between these two teams this season, with Saskatchewan having secured a 31-27 win in their initial matchup on June 13.

A key player for the Lions has been running back Zander Horvath, who has been a significant contributor to the team’s recent success. Over the last three games, Horvath has accumulated 355 running yards, averaging 7.4 yards per carry, and has scored six touchdowns, comprising five rushing and one receiving. The 27-year-old American attributes his performance to increased opportunities, noting that his play count and touches have gone up from a few per game to between 10 and 15 in some contests.

Lions head coach Buck Pierce has observed Horvath’s growing confidence and improved understanding of the team’s systems. Pierce highlighted Horvath’s dedication and physical preparation, describing him as a player capable of gaining tough yards and breaking away for longer runs. Horvath, who signed with the Lions in January 2025, has already surpassed his previous season’s totals of 231 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

The Lions currently lead the league in rushing offence, averaging 116.9 yards per game. Saskatchewan’s head coach Corey Mace acknowledged Horvath’s abilities, describing him as a formidable and agile player. Despite the attention, Horvath remains focused, emphasizing that each week presents a new challenge and opponent.

Roughriders’ Strategy and Key Returns

The Roughriders are preparing for a challenging defensive test against the Lions. Quarterback Trevor Harris will be central to their offensive efforts, aiming to improve his performance after throwing for 207 yards and two interceptions in the previous week’s game against Hamilton. Harris will receive a boost with the return of receiver Samuel Emilus, who has been sidelined since Week 8. In the Week 2 victory over the Lions, Emilus recorded 91 yards and caught all three touchdown passes.

On the defensive side, Saskatchewan’s secondary will need to perform strongly against the Lions’ rolling offence. Despite the absence of Tevaughn Campbell and Rolan Milligan Jr., defensive backs Jaxon Ford, Nelson Lokombo, and Marcus Sayles are expected to limit the impact of Lions’ stars Keon Hatcher Sr. and Justin McInnis. The Roughriders’ defensive front has been effective this season, allowing the second-fewest rushing yards per game at 64.6.

Coach Mace noted that the Lions appear to be a stronger team now compared to their early-season matchup, highlighting their developed run game, consistent defensive play, and aggressive special teams. He views the upcoming game as another significant test for his team. The Lions, meanwhile, will focus on maintaining defensive dominance, having allowed an average of 23 points in their recent wins, and aim for disciplined play after incurring nine penalties for 94 yards in their last outing.

Matchup at the Line of Scrimmage

The battle at the line of scrimmage is expected to be a crucial aspect of Sunday’s game. Horvath will challenge a Roughriders defensive front that allows an average of 78.4 yards on the ground per game. Since the Week 2 matchup where he had only three carries for five yards, Horvath has accumulated 413 rushing yards. The Lions’ defensive efforts will be led by defensive lineman Mathieu Betts and defensive back T.J. Lee, who will aim to contain Harris.

The game is scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff and will be broadcast on TSN in Canada, and CFL+ in the U.S. and internationally.

Source: sportsnet.ca