Football

Rourke’s 394-yard performance powers B.C. Lions to 48-29 win over Montreal Alouettes

Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Updated: 2:11 AM CDT

VANCOUVER - Even Nathan Rourke gets tongue-tied.

The B.C. Lions quarterback met a childhood idol on Saturday when his team added 2006 Grey Cup MVP Travis Lulay to its wall of fame.

When the pair were introduced, Rourke started to call the Lions legend Travis but decided in the moment Mr. Lulay might be more appropriate.

"Then I came out somewhere in the middle," he said with a smile. "I told him I hope that we can chat sometime and just kind of pick his brain a little bit."

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Elks snap playoff drought with 53-16 win over Stampeders

Shane Jones, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Elks snap playoff drought with 53-16 win over Stampeders

Shane Jones, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 10:23 PM CDT

EDMONTON - The longest CFL playoff drought in Edmonton football history has finally come to an end.

Joe Robustelli caught a pair of touchdown passes as the Edmonton Elks clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2019 with a 53-16 rout over the rival Calgary Stampeders in the Labour Day rematch on Saturday.

Edmonton, which won its fourth straight game to improve to 10-3, snapped a five-year run of post-season futility which was the team's worst since the 1960s.

“That felt really good, a three-phase win,” said Elks head coach Mark Kilam. “This place was rocking, too. What we’re trying to build this place into, it’s going to be a hard place to come play in the playoffs.

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Updated: Yesterday at 10:23 PM CDT

Lirim Hajrullahu’s 29-yard field goal earns Argos 26-23 victory over Redblacks

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Preview

Lirim Hajrullahu’s 29-yard field goal earns Argos 26-23 victory over Redblacks

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 5:03 PM CDT

TORONTO - McLeod Bethel-Thompson doesn't believe in moral victories.

Lirim Hajrullahu's 29-yard walk off field goal earned the Toronto Argonauts a 26-23 victory over Ottawa on Saturday. But twice late in the contest the hard-luck Redblacks squandered opportunities to earn their first win.

"There are no moral victories when your backs are against the wall like this," said the veteran quarterback. "If you don't get that zero, that goose egg, off the board it means nothing.

"Just disappointed I played my role in the trials and tribulations of this tough season … I've been through a lot of tough times and here's another one right in front of your face."

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Updated: Yesterday at 5:03 PM CDT

Football

Zach Collaros hopes Blue Bombers bounce back against Roughriders

Judy Owen, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Zach Collaros hopes Blue Bombers bounce back against Roughriders

Judy Owen, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Friday, Sep. 11, 2026

WINNIPEG - Zach Collaros was so frustrated after last weekend's 32-26 overtime loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders that he forced himself to hold his emotions in check.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers veteran quarterback only talked for less than 50 seconds in his post-game media interview, with most of his answers being that he had to look at the film before commenting.

Saskatchewan quarterback Trevor Harris was asked earlier this week whether he had seen the footage. He hadn't, but said he'd heard about it and understood Collaros's frustration as he's been in his shoes after a loss.

Harris said it could make for an interesting clash in Saturday afternoon's Banjo Bowl rematch in Winnipeg in front of a sold-out crowd at Princess Auto Stadium.

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Friday, Sep. 11, 2026

Football

Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly (12) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats during second half CFL action in Toronto, on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Keito Newman

Argos quarterback Kelly expecting the unexpected in game versus winless Redblacks

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Argos quarterback Kelly expecting the unexpected in game versus winless Redblacks

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Friday, Sep. 11, 2026

TORONTO - Chad Kelly is preparing for the unexpected.

The quarterback will lead the Toronto Argonauts (6-6) against the struggling Ottawa Redblacks (0-11) on Saturday afternoon. Kelly and Co. return to BMO Field just five days after a 37-22 Labour Day win in Hamilton while the visitors have been off since dropping a 45-24 home decision to the B.C. Lions on Aug. 30.

The game will also be Ryan Dinwiddie's first in Toronto since leaving the club in the off-season to become Ottawa's head coach/GM. Dinwiddie led the Argos to two Grey Cups (2022, '24) and was the CFL's coach of the year (2023) over his five seasons with the franchise (2021-25).

Kelly's first four seasons with Toronto were with Dinwiddie, who also served as its offensive co-ordinator. Kelly enjoyed his best CFL season thus far under Dinwiddie, earning the league's outstanding player award in 2023 with 4,123 passing yards, 23 TDs and 12 interceptions while posting a 15-1 regular-season record as a starter.

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Friday, Sep. 11, 2026

Football

Elks can clinch playoff spot with win over Stampeders after five-year drought

John Korobanik, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Elks can clinch playoff spot with win over Stampeders after five-year drought

John Korobanik, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Friday, Sep. 11, 2026

EDMONTON - Riding the high of a three-game win streak and first place in the CFL West Division, the Edmonton Elks are on the verge of going where the team hasn’t been in six years — the playoffs.

Edmonton is hosting the Calgary Stampeders on Saturday and if the Elks can sweep the two-game Labour Day series against their rivals then the Elks will improve to 10-3 and clinch a post-season berth.

“What a great opportunity for us,” said quarterback Cody Fajardo. "Here at home in front of our fans, an opportunity to clinch a playoff spot, which this organization talked about all off-season."

It’s an scenario few of the current Elks have experienced as the team suffered through five losing seasons.

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Friday, Sep. 11, 2026

Football

B.C. Lions' Mathieu Betts, right, and Hayden Harris celebrate after Betts sacked Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly, not seen, during the first half of a CFL football game, in Vancouver, on Saturday, July 25, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Defensive lineman Betts signs one-year extension with B.C. Lions to avoid free agency

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Defensive lineman Betts signs one-year extension with B.C. Lions to avoid free agency

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Friday, Sep. 11, 2026

VANCOUVER - Two-time CFL most outstanding defensive player Mathieu Betts has signed a one-year contract extension with the B.C. Lions, keeping the star defensive lineman from hitting free agency.

The 31-year-old Montreal native was selected in the first round (third overall) of the 2019 CFL draft by the Edmonton Elks. He spent two seasons with Edmonton before joining the Lions as a free agent ahead of the 2022 season.

In 2023, Betts recorded a franchise-record 18 sacks to go with 44 defensive tackles, three tackles for a loss and three forced fumbles.

The defensive lineman capped the season by earning his first CFL most outstanding defensive player award and parlayed that success into a contract with the NFL's Detroit Lions.

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Friday, Sep. 11, 2026

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Football

B.C. Lions' Ryan Phillips, left, intercepts a pass intended for Saskatchewan Roughriders' Weston Dressler during first half CFL action in Vancouver, B.C., on Friday October 2, 2009. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

‘This is everything’: Former Lions defensive back Phillips cherishes wall of fame nod

Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Preview

‘This is everything’: Former Lions defensive back Phillips cherishes wall of fame nod

Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Friday, Sep. 11, 2026

SURREY - Ryan Phillips shed some tears when he learned his name was being added to the B.C. Lions' wall of fame.

The former defensive back was stunned to learn his name would soon be enshrined alongside players he holds in high regard, from legendary kicker Lui Passaglia and CFL Hall of Fame quarterback Dave Dickenson to record-setting receiver Geroy Simon and history making linebacker Solomon Elimimian.

“Those guys have been the best in the CFL," said Phillips, now B.C.'s secondary coach and pass game coordinator. "So being in that category, for me, is nothing short of everything that you strive for as a player.

"You’ve got individual goals, and that's just the reality, right? You want to win championships, but you also want to achieve greatness as a player. So for me, this is everything.”

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Friday, Sep. 11, 2026

Football

Jacob Doerksen (left), works with quarterback Sean Kelly (right) at Neelin Trojans practice on Wednesday at Neelin High school. This is Doerksen;s first full season as a head coach. (Rowan McCarthy/The Brandon Sun) Sept. 9, 2026.

Doerksen brings Vikings values to Spartans football

Rowan McCarthy 7 minute read Preview

Doerksen brings Vikings values to Spartans football

Rowan McCarthy 7 minute read Thursday, Sep. 10, 2026

A new coach and a new crop of Grade 9s promises to make this an interesting season for the Neelin Spartans football team.

Jacob Doerksen took up the reins as head coach of the Spartans during the off-season due to the departure of longtime head coach Rob Cullen.

Growing up in the area, Doerksen started playing football at age six and went on to play for the Vincent Massey Vikings. After graduating, he’s continued to be involved in football as a coach in the Winnipeg Youth Football Association and the Vikings JV team.

“It’s a lot of fun,” said Doerksen about taking up his first head coaching job. “I love football. I love the kids and it’s a lot of fun.”

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Thursday, Sep. 10, 2026

Football

Plainsmen drop football opener to Pirates

2 minute read Thursday, Sep. 10, 2026

The Crocus Plains Plainsmen lost the opening game of the Winnipeg High School Football League season to the Grant Park Pirates 29-22 on Thursday night.

“There were moments where we beat ourselves. We made a few mental errors that we can clean up in practice and we can talk about some simple things,” said head coach Mason Kaluzniak. “When you play a team like Grant Park, who notoriously finish in the top-six in our province, you can’t make those mistakes and it cost us today.”

The Plainsmen went to the ground game often during the contest. Gage Emberly rushed 20 times amassing 85 yards and two touchdowns. Between that, Cory’s running and nine yards from Easton Durgan, the team wracked up 158 rushing yards during the game.

Quarterback Jake Cory performed well in the contest, going 8-for-13 through the air for 120 yards while adding 57 rushing yards on four attempts.

Football

Drew Lock stays ready for the call if he’s needed to lead Seahawks again

Anne M. Peterson, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Drew Lock stays ready for the call if he’s needed to lead Seahawks again

Anne M. Peterson, The Associated Press 4 minute read Thursday, Sep. 10, 2026

SEATTLE (AP) — Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock has a whiteboard next to his bed at home where he can draw up plays if he's inspired in the middle of the night.

It helps, he said, because as a backup he's not getting a lot of reps.

That's one way Lock stays ready for when he's thrust into a game, like on Wednesday night when Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold injured his hip on Seattle's opening drive against the New England Patriots.

“My biggest thing is always just drawing every play as much as I can. Literally drawing,” Lock said. “Whiteboard. I got one next to my bed. I’ll do it at night. I’ll do it in the morning, and that’s just kind of been my thing, being able to visualize it. So when I read it out, it’s just there in my head because of the lack of reps.”

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Thursday, Sep. 10, 2026

Football

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) is surrounded by guard Grey Zabel (76), tackle Abraham Lucas (72) and guard Anthony Bradford (75) after being sacked during the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Seahawks QB Sam Darnold has a muscle injury. His status for Seattle’s next game is uncertain

Anne M. Peterson, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Seahawks QB Sam Darnold has a muscle injury. His status for Seattle’s next game is uncertain

Anne M. Peterson, The Associated Press 2 minute read Thursday, Sep. 10, 2026

SEATTLE (AP) — Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold's hip injury appears to be muscle-related, and his status for next week's game at Arizona is as yet undetermined, coach Mike Macdonald said Thursday.

Darnold was injured on Seattle's first series of Wednesday night's season-opening game against the New England Patriots. Darnold was sacked by New England's Dre’Mont Jones and shortly thereafter limped off the field. He did not return.

Backup Drew Lock replaced him and went 16 of 22 for 187 yards and a touchdown as the Seahawks rallied for a 13-10 victory.

Following the game, Macdonald said Darnold's hip was not fractured, but said he would undergo additional tests.

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Thursday, Sep. 10, 2026

Football

Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Trevor Harris looks to make a pass during first-half CFL action against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in Regina on Sept. 6, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Kayle Neis

Beverette, Duncan-Busby and Harris named CFL players of the week

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Beverette, Duncan-Busby and Harris named CFL players of the week

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Wednesday, Sep. 9, 2026

TORONTO - Montreal's Tyrice Beverette and Saskatchewan teammates Dhel Duncan-Busby and Trevor Harris were named CFL players of the week on Wednesday.

Harris threw for 362 yards in Saskatchewan's 32-26 overtime win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers last weekend. He had three completions of at least 30 yards and moved into 10th place in league history with 41,590 career passing yards.

Duncan-Busby caught 10 passes for a career-high 148 yards in the victory. Six of those receptions came in the fourth quarter and overtime.

Alouettes linebacker Tyrice Beverette had a 57-yard interception return for a touchdown in Montreal's 37-30 victory over the B.C. Lions. He also had six defensive tackles and one special-teams tackle.

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Wednesday, Sep. 9, 2026

Football

Bills to play O Canada at home opener amid strained cross-border relations

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Bills to play O Canada at home opener amid strained cross-border relations

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Thursday, Sep. 10, 2026

BUFFALO - The Buffalo Bills are taking a page out of the Sabres’ playbook when it comes to cross-border relations.

The NFL club says both O Canada and The Star-Spangled Banner will be performed before its Sept. 17 home opener against the Detroit Lions, the first regular-season game at the new Highmark Stadium.

Canadian band Barenaked Ladies will perform O Canada, while actress and singer Auliʻi Cravalho will perform the American anthem.

The move comes as Canada-U.S. relations have deteriorated amid an escalating trade war and U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated threats to Canadian sovereignty.

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Thursday, Sep. 10, 2026

Football

Edmonton Elks return home looking to earn Labour Day sweep of Calgary Stampeders

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Edmonton Elks return home looking to earn Labour Day sweep of Calgary Stampeders

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Wednesday, Sep. 9, 2026

Vernon Adams Jr. and the Calgary Stampeders don't have time to lament their Labour Day loss to the Edmonton Elks.

Edmonton (9-3) rallied for a 38-28 road win over Calgary (5-7) on Monday. The Stampeders led by as many as 18 points early in the second half and 25-17 after the third quarter.

But Edmonton outscored Calgary 24-3 in the fourth to earn the win and remain atop the West Division, two points ahead of the Saskatchewan Roughriders (8-4).

Calgary faces Edmonton on Saturday night in the rematch at Commonwealth Stadium.

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Wednesday, Sep. 9, 2026

Football

Ticats rookie Cromwell makes CFL debut in Labour Day loss to Argos

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Ticats rookie Cromwell makes CFL debut in Labour Day loss to Argos

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Tuesday, Sep. 8, 2026

HAMILTON - It went down as a loss in the standings but Devynn Cromwell's CFL debut was a moral victory.

The six-foot, 200-pound safety made his first appearance with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on special teams Monday afternoon in their 37-22 home loss to the Toronto Argonauts. It came after Cromwell suffered a torn meniscus during Michigan State's pro day that required surgery.

"Rehab was tough, it's always tough," said Cromwell, who underwent shoulder surgery at Texas Tech in 2024. "When your passion is football and being able to play and be on that field, it's not easy when you're not able to and have to sit behind and just watch.

"But being around this staff, these players, really helped the journey because when you're not playing, sometimes a lot of people don't always feel like they're not part of a team. But in this organization, they keep you around and involved, they're super friendly and help you along that journey."

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Tuesday, Sep. 8, 2026

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