Canadian QB Rourke leads Lions sweep of Week 1 top performers

TORONTO — Led by Canadian quarterback Nathan Rourke, the B.C. Lions swept top performer honours for Week 1 of the 2022 CFL season.

Running back James Butler and defensive back T.J. Lee were also honoured for their contributions to the Lions' season-opening 59-15 rout of visiting Edmonton on Saturday.

Rourke was 26-of-29 passing (89.7 per cent) for 282 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in his first game as the Lions' full-time starter.

The Victoria native was just as dangerous on the ground, rushing for 78 yards and two touchdowns.

Butler had 108 rushing yards on 17 carries and two TDs and added six receptions for 33 yards and two scores.

Lee led the defence with three tackles and two interceptions. He picked off Elks quarterback Nick Arbuckle in the first quarter and intercepted backup Tre Ford in the second.

The Lions' 42 points over the first two quarters set a team record for points in a half, and its 59 points was the third-highest total in franchise history.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 14, 2022.