Fresh-look B.C. Lions aim to spoil Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ playoff bid

VANCOUVER – The B.C. Lions have little to play for in the CFL's final week of the regular season, but head coach Buck Pierce insists his team is motivated to win. "You play to win. You don't do it any other way," Pierce said, emphasizing the Lions' excitement to take the field and play hard. The Lions (10-7) have already secured a playoff spot and will host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (8-9) in the West Division semifinal on Oct.

31, regardless of the outcome of their Friday match against the Bombers. A B.C. victory would end Winnipeg's season and pave the way for Calgary Stampeders (9-9) to secure the 10th playoff berth. The Bombers, however, are counting on a win to give themselves a shot at post-season play. Star running back Brady Oliveira expressed his team's determination, stating, "We just want to give ourselves an opportunity to compete in the post-season."

Winnipeg and B.C. have faced each other once this season, with the Lions emerging victorious in a 35-19 game on July 30. B.C. quarterback Kaidon Salter, who rushed for 160 yards and a touchdown in that game, will start again on Friday. The Lions have made nine personnel changes for the match, including the return of running back Emani Bailey and the debut of Seven McGee, who had been sidelined with a foot injury.

The Bombers, meanwhile, must be at their best regardless of who the Lions field, according to head coach Mike O'Shea. "I don't think you'll find a pro who takes the field — whatever anybody else wants to call them — who doesn't think they're a starter and isn't going to have their foot on the gas the entire time," O'Shea said.