By Zsolti Horvath
Eagle News Service
(Eagle News Service) — In the first home game in 656 days, the BC Lions sold out their 50% allowed capacity at BC Place Stadium. In front of a loud and proud crowd, the Lions lost to the newly named Edmonton Elks by a score of 21 to 16.
The Lions got off to a quick start with Chris Rainey returning the opening kickoff 57 yards, but the drive ultimately ended in a field goal. Other than a couple more field goals and single points, Michael Reilly and the Lions offense couldn’t really get going until late in the third quarter, but by then it was too little too late.
Post game, Reilly was asked about his thoughts on the offense:
“Not good enough. I mean every person that was on the field, not good enough offensively,” Reilly said. “I just felt, really from the first snap of the game, it seemed like we didn’t match the intensity that Edmonton was bringing. I felt like that was the biggest factor. It felt like that most of the game. We kind of came out with a little bit of spark in the second half after halftime. With all that being said, we’re still down to the wire at the end with the ball in hand and a one score game and a chance to win the game. It’s moment’s like those you got to take advantage of. We obviously didn’t do it tonight so we got to figure out how to improve.”
Reilly ended the night going 15 for 25 passing for only 128 yards and a rushing touchdown.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Lions couldn’t stop the running attack. Elks running back James Wilder, Jr. was almost unstoppable, especially on the Elks last drive of the night, which sealed the victory. But Lions defensive back Garry Peters attributes the tough loss on the multiple mistakes they committed.
“Pretty much just overwhelmed with the whole game. I mean that last drive we could have got a stop and got off the field,” Peters said. “For me, that one drive just defines the game, penalties, being smart, knowing downs and distance, a lot of small things killed us tonight. That last drive just added to it. It pretty much summed up how the whole night went.”
Despite the loss, and only have a maximum of 12,500 fans in the stands due to Covid restrictions, the crowd in the stadium definitely let the players hear their excitement for the league to be back in Vancouver after 656 days.
Lions Head coach Rick Campbell talked about what that experience was like.
“Pretty emotional to get back in there. It’s been a long time for the Lions. Disappointed we couldn’t get it done but it was pretty awesome.” Campbell said. “But I thought the crowd was pretty good tonight. It was actually loud on the field down there several times where you had trouble hearing and talking, which is a good thing. We got to do our part and win football games and keep having this be a fun place to be and keep getting good crowds.”
The Lions next home game is September 11 against Ottawa. If all goes according the the provinces restart plan, 100% capacity will be allowed in the stadium.
(Eagle News Service)