Game Summary

An outstanding performance by the B.C. Lion defence was the major contributor to the team’s victory on Friday night at B.C. Place Stadium as 25,849 spectators watched their home team defeat the ’Riders in overtime. A total of 24 of the 33 B.C. points were scored as a result of turnovers as the Lions intercepted one pass (Tracy Gravely), knocked down 6 passes, blocked a punt and recovered the ball (Sean Millington), and sacked Saskatchewan QB Kent Austin 6 times throughout the night. Leo pivot Danny Barrett showed his stuff as he completed 28 of 47 passes for 368 yards and 2 TDs, including a 20-yard pass to Ray Alexander in the 1st O/T period after rookie punter Mike Vanderjagt was tackled on 3rd down by veteran Less Browne to give up the ball on his own 39-yard line. Barrett opened the scoring by tossing a 12-yarder to Matt Clark and 18-year veteran K Lui Passaglia counted his first 3-pointer of the night to the make the score 10-0 after the 1st quarter. Saskatchewan K Dave Ridgway connected on a boot from 36 yards out and one from 17 yards to give his team their first points in the 2nd period while B.C. RB Chris Skinner completed a 25-yard with 1-yard TD to give the Lions a 17-6 edge at the half. After exchanging FGs in the 3rd quarter, Passaglia scored his 3rd FG on the night, before Jeff Fairholm caught a spectacular pass from Austin for a 75-yard major. Another exchange of FGs brought the score to 26-19. With less than 2 minutes left in the game. Austin again found his receiver, this time CFL Outstanding Canadian Ray Elgaard, to send the game into extra innings. Over 900 yards of offence contributed to a wide open contest as the Lions got off to a better start than expected after their 3-15 record of last season.