Lions maul Roughriders in Week 1 of preseason

In a game that was delayed for over an hour because of a power outage, the BC Lions showed no loss of on-field power.

The Lions handed the Saskatchewan Roughriders their first loss of the preseason, 28-16, at Mosiac Stadium on Saturday.

Jeremiah Johnson and J.C. Coleman both recorded seven carries for the victorious Lions. Johnson rushed for 45 yards while the latter scampered to a total of 32 yards. Terrance Cobb was the primary ball carrier for the Roughriders, rushing 10 times for a total of 58 yards on the ground.

Travis Lulay led the Lions in passing attempts, going 5-of-14 for only 28 yards, but Jonathon Jennings went 2-of-5 for 70 yards - 46 of which came on a pass to Emmanuel Arceneaux in the second quarter.

The recipient of Jennings' 46-yard bomb finished with two catches and 56 yards. Shawn Gore caught the only touchdown pass of the night for the Lions, a 24-yard pass from Jennings, and finished with two catches and 29 yards receiving.

The Roughriders were the more active team through the air, with Clarence Denmark hauling in three catches for 66 yards and the team's only touchdown reception, while Rob Bagg reeled in the longest pass of the evening, a 55-yard strike from B.J. Coleman on the Roughriders' second play of the game.

Brett Smith and B.J. shared passing duties for the Roughriders, compiling totals of 6-of-14 for 106 yards and 8-of-15 for 90 yards, respectively. Smith recorded one touchdown and one interception, while B.J. fired two interceptions in the loss.

The Lions' kicking game was perfect as Richie Leone knocked down all four attempts he made, the longest coming from 48 yards away. Roughriders kicker Tyler Crapigna was 2-of-3 with his longest coming from just 22 yards out.

The Lions will take on the visiting Calgary Stampeders in Week 2 of the preseason, while the Roughriders will travel to Commonwealth Stadium to take on the Edmonton Eskimos.