Lions’ Canadian QB Rourke named CFL top performer for second time in three weeks

TORONTO — B.C. Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke has been named the CFL’s top performer of the week for the second time this season.

The Victoria-born pivot headlined the league’s top performers for Week 3 after throwing for 436 yards — a CFL single-game record for passing yards by a Canadian quarterback — and four touchdowns in the Lions’ 44-3 thrashing of visiting Toronto on Saturday.

Rourke was also the top performer in Week 1 after throwing three touchdowns and rushing for two more in a 59-15 rout of Edmonton. The Lions had a bye in Week 2.

Rourke has passed for 748 yards and completed 87.8 per cent of his passes with seven touchdowns to no interceptions so far this season.