CFL Notebook: Watermelon Smash & Week 11 Players Of The Week

(Vancouver)- It has become a summer party like no other! The BC Lions return home to clash with the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Sunday, August 23 in the fourth annual Watermelon Smash.

Kickoff at Save-On-Foods Field at BC Place is 4:00 pm PT.

The fun gets going at NOON with the Backyard Party on Terry Fox Plaza. This week’s ceremony will commence with the first Watermelon being smashed from 20 feet in the air on a scissor lift by a special guest.

The Orange versus Green battle continues with fans of the Lions and Riders engaging in the annual Watermelon-eating contest with bragging rights on the line until next year.

The pre-game party also includes a musical performance from Josephine and the Guys, facepainting and $5 beers for those 19 and over. On this special occasion, that will include Pilsner products for those on team Green.

Tickets for this massive Week 12 game start at $19, as we anticipate the biggest crowd of the season to date!

Sunday’s game also includes a GUARANTEED 50/50 jackpot of $100,000, with proceeds supporting amateur football in our province.

Click HERE to secure your seats.

(BC Lions Communications/Matt Baker)

J.J. Ross, Cody Fajardo and Zander Horvath have been named Week 11 Players of the Week in the Canadian Football League (CFL). The honour spotlights exceptional statistical performances, pivotal plays, game-breaking feats and more.

1. J.J. ROSS | DB | EDMONTON ELKS | EDM 42 – TOR 12
   • Four defensive tackles
   • Two interceptions, including an 85-yard pick-six in the fourth quarter
   • First career multiple-interception game
   • First career touchdown
   • One forced fumble in the third quarter that was recovered by Edmonton, which led to a touchdown
2. CODY FAJARDO | QB | EDMONTON ELKS | EDM 42 – TOR 12
   • 25-of-31 (80.6 per cent) with zero interceptions
   • 301 passing yards; fourth 300-yard+ game of the season
   • One touchdown pass, a 10-yard effort to Joshua Cephus in the fourth quarter
   • Three carries for 50 yards, including a 44-yard effort in the second quarter
   • Efficiency rating of 120.5
   • Second Player of the Week honour (W8)
3. ZANDER HORVATH | RB | BC LIONS | BC 30 – CGY 26
   • 15 carries for 102 yards; third consecutive game with 15+ rushes and third career 100-yard+ rushing game
   • Two 20-yard+ rushes, including a 40-yard effort in the third quarter
   • One rushing touchdown; a two-yard effort in the second quarter
   • Third straight game with a rushing major
   • Three receptions for 32 receiving yards ​
   • Second Player of the Week honour (W9)