TORONTO — Jake Dolegala is set to lead the B.C. Lions in an effort to break their losing streak. He will start on Sunday as the Lions (5-3) take on the Edmonton Elks (1-7), stepping in for veteran quarterback Vernon Adams Jr., who is sidelined with a lower-body injury sustained during last week’s 25-0 defeat to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
The Lions are seeking their first win in three games, while Edmonton is coming off a 42-31 victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders, marking Canadian Tre Ford’s first start of the season.
Dolegala completed one 12-yard pass on three attempts against Winnipeg. The 6-foot-7, 242-pound quarterback started nine of the 13 games he played last season with Saskatchewan and was signed by B.C. as backup in case of an injury to Adams.
Head coach Rick Campbell mentioned that while Adams’ injury is not expected to be long-term, he will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis.
Last season, Dolegala completed 216 of 333 passes (64.9 percent) for 2,641 yards, with 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He also rushed 26 times for 95 yards and a touchdown.
Edmonton is returning home after their recent win, where Ford, the 2021 Hec Crighton Trophy winner from Waterloo, completed 18 of 22 passes for 252 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception, along with five rushes for 46 yards.
Tevin Jones had three receptions for Edmonton, two of which were touchdowns, totaling 123 yards. Javon Leake, last season’s top special-teams player, rushed for 169 yards and three touchdowns on just 12 carries, in addition to three catches for 26 yards.
The Lions suffered their first shutout loss since October 23, 2021, managing only 102 net offensive yards and three first downs. Dolegala will face an Edmonton defense that ranks last in points allowed (30.1 per game), net offense (390.4 yards), offensive touchdowns (26), and second-down conversions (54.9 percent), and is second to last in passing yards (309.8).
Edmonton is tied for third in both sacks (17) and interceptions (eight), with linebacker Nyles Morgan leading the team with 56 tackles, including 11 in the game against Saskatchewan.
The Lions have won the last eight encounters between the two teams, including a 24-21 victory in Vancouver on June 27. Notably, B.C. has not lost three consecutive games since 2021.
Ford has thrown five touchdown passes in his last five quarters of play but is 0-2 against B.C.
Pick B.C.
Saskatchewan Roughriders vs. Ottawa Redblacks (Thursday night)
In Ottawa, the Redblacks (5-2) return from a bye week, boasting a perfect 4-0 record at TD Place and riding a three-game winning streak. Returner DeVonte Dedmon is back in the lineup. Saskatchewan (5-3) has lost two straight games and will be on short rest after their loss to Edmonton on Sunday. Veteran Trevor Harris (knee) has resumed practice, but Shea Patterson will remain the starting quarterback. Running back A.J. Ouellette (rib) and linebacker Jameer Thurman (elbow) will not play.
Pick Ottawa.
Calgary Stampeders vs. Toronto Argonauts (Friday night)
In Toronto, Calgary (4-4) outscored the Argonauts (4-4) 21-0 in the fourth quarter to secure a 27-23 victory at home on Sunday. The Stampeders’ defense recorded six sacks, including two by Mike Rose, but they are still winless on the road (0-4). Cam Dukes threw for a touchdown and ran for another but is questionable due to a leg injury. The loss overshadowed strong performances from safety Royce Metchie (nine tackles, an interception, and a forced fumble) and linebacker Jonathan Jones (11 tackles, two for loss, and a special-teams tackle).
Pick Toronto.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats vs. Montreal Alouettes (Saturday night)
In Montreal, the league-leading Alouettes (7-1) return home after a 33-16 victory at Tim Hortons Field. Davis Alexander is expected to make his second consecutive start for the defending Grey Cup champions, supported by the league’s top defense (allowing 17.8 offensive points per game). Hamilton (2-6) seeks its third win in four games, boasting the CFL’s top-ranked offense (318.5 passing yards and 378.1 net yards per game), but they are 1-3 on the road and share the distinction of allowing the most offensive points with Edmonton.
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