Quarterbacks O'Connor, Fajardo in the spotlight as Riders visit Lions

VANCOUVER — Three months after Nathan Rourke silenced skeptics with a breakout start to the season, the B.C. Lions will have another Canadian quarterback under centre when they host the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Friday.

Watch the action Friday night at 10:30pm ET/7:30pm PT across the TSN Network and streaming on TSN.ca or the TSN App.

But Lions head coach Rick Campbell isn't expecting lightning to strike twice.

Michael O’Connor will make his first career start in place of the injured Rourke as the Lions (8-1) look to stretch their winning streak to six games. While Campbell is keen to see what the pivot from Ottawa can do, he is managing expectations.

“Have an open mind and don't make assumptions,” Campbell said Wednesday. “The guy can make the throws. He understands what we’re doing on the offence. I think he’s got a great opportunity for him personally. He’s got a great supporting cast, and so I’m looking forward to seeing how he goes.”

The 24-year-old Rourke, born in Victoria and raised in Oakville, Ont., was off to a record-setting pace in his first campaign as a starter before suffering a foot injury last Friday in Regina. Even if he doesn't return this season, Rourke's 79.2 per cent completion mark (minimum 300 passes) would stand as a single-season league record.

Without their star QB, the Lions are trying to approach Friday with a balanced mindset.

“We’ve got to know how to walk and chew gum — do two things at the same time,” said Antonio Pipkin, who moves into the backup quarterback position. “We feel sorry for Nathan, how the injury took place. But we’ve got to be able to continue to push forward.”

Now, the keys to the offence have been handed to the 26-year-old O’Connor.

After wins of 32-17 at Mosaic Stadium