SPORTS WITH HARP: BC Lions Fall to Montreal After Third-Quarter Collapse

BY HARPREET PANDHER Broadcaster on Hockey Night in Canada Punjabi and BC Lions Football Punjabi IG/X/TikTok: @harppandher MONTREAL — The BC Lions came into Montreal riding a wave of momentum, looking for their sixth consecutive victory. Instead, a dominant defensive performance early in the game was undone by a disastrous third quarter, as the Lions fell […]

Sep 11, 2026 - 08:45

SPORTS WITH HARP: BC Lions Fall to Montreal After Third-Quarter Collapse

BY HARPREET PANDHER

Broadcaster on Hockey Night in Canada Punjabi and BC Lions Football Punjabi

IG/X/TikTok: @harppandher

MONTREAL — The BC Lions came into Montreal riding a wave of momentum, looking for their sixth consecutive victory. Instead, a dominant defensive performance early in the game was undone by a disastrous third quarter, as the Lions fell 37–30 to the Montreal Alouettes.

The Lions were playing their second straight game on the road out east after staying in the region following their game in Ottawa. It was the first time since 2021 that the Lions had stayed out east between consecutive road games.

Standing in their way was the top team in the CFL’s Eastern Division. The Montreal Alouettes entered the game with an impressive 9–2 record, while BC came in at 6–5 and looking to extend its winning streak to six games.

Montreal opened the scoring with a touchdown on its first possession, but from there, the Lions’ defence was outstanding.

BC came up with a remarkable goal-line stand, stopping the Alouettes three consecutive times from the one-yard line. The defence gave the Lions a chance to stay in the game, and BC took advantage, heading into halftime with the lead.

MONTREAL, Quebec – SEPTEMBER 4: BC Lions vs Montreal Alouettes at the Percival Molson Memorial Stadium on September 4, 2026 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Vitor Munhoz / Vitor Munhoz Photography)

But the third quarter completely changed the game.

The Lions struggled to convert on third-and-one opportunities, getting stuffed twice. Then, Nathan Rourke threw a pick-six to Tyrice Beverette, giving Montreal a major momentum swing.

The Alouettes exploded for 20 points in the third quarter, turning what had been a tightly contested game into a steep uphill climb for the Lions.

BC battled back in the fourth quarter and got within striking distance, but the damage from the third quarter proved to be too much. The Lions ultimately fell 37–30, ending their five-game winning streak.

Despite the loss, the Lions showed plenty of fight, particularly with the way their defence responded after Montreal’s opening-drive touchdown. But against a team as talented as Montreal, one bad quarter can make all the difference.

Rematch Coming Saturday

The Lions and Alouettes will meet again this weekend in a rematch of their Week 14 battle. The game is part of a CFL quadruple header on Saturday, September 12, with BC and Montreal serving as the nightcap.

This time, the Lions will be back home and there will be plenty happening before kickoff.

The BC Lions will host their first-ever tailgate at the Plaza of Nations, giving fans a chance to get together and enjoy the atmosphere before heading into the game.

And there will be a special Punjabi presence at the event.

The BC Lions Football Punjabi team, along with the Bakra Chef and Vancouver Meat Market, will be bringing some Punjabi flavour to the tailgate.

Bakra chef pic provided by Bob Basi via Bakra Chef Instagram

The festivities get underway at 2 p.m., making it the perfect way to start a full day of CFL football. Fans are encouraged to come out, enjoy the food, music and atmosphere, and help make the Lions’ first Plaza of Nations tailgate a memorable one.

After a tough night in Montreal, the Lions now have a chance to get right back at the Alouettes, this time in front of their home fans.

Saturday can’t come soon enough.