Burnham steals show in Williams' return as Lions hammer Roughriders

Chris Williams made his BC Lions debut Saturday, but it was his fellow receiver Bryan Burnham who turned in the star performance.

Burnham connected with quarterback Travis Lulay five times for 131 yards and a score as the Lions doubled up the Saskatchewan Roughriders 30-15 at BC Place.

Williams, playing for the first time since tearing his ACL with the Ottawa RedBlacks last season, finished with three catches for 75 yards, including a 49-yard deep ball that reminded CFL fans how fast the diminutive wideout is. His presence gives Lulay another weapon, and the veteran pivot took full advantage in his 338-yard performance.

The Lions raced out to a 30-0 lead thanks to scoring drives on each of their first five possessions and a dominant defensive showing against the Roughriders' offense. Kevin Glenn finished with just 186 yards passing and two interceptions, and the team rushed for only 49 yards total on the night.

Canadian quarterback Brandon Bridge entered the game late in the fourth quarter and sparked a furious comeback attempt in the final minutes, completing a perfect 6-of-6 passes for 114 yards and two scores, but it was too late for the Riders.

While Bridge's performance had little effect on the final outcome, it gives head coach Chris Jones some options at the quarterback position should Glenn falter.

The win takes the Lions to 5-2 on the season, just one point behind the Calgary Stampeders for second place in the West, while Saskatchewan drops to 2-4 and remains in the division basement.