Horvath hitting highs for streaking B.C. Lions

Vancouver, Zander Horvath is drawing increasing praise for his contributions to the B.C. Lions' recent success. The running back, entering his second season with the team, has become a key figure in the franchise's three-game winning streak. Over the past three contests, Horvath has recorded 355 rushing yards, averaging 7.4 yards per carry, and six touchdowns, including five rushing scores and one reception. The Lions, currently sitting at 4-5, will attempt to extend their winning run when they host the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Sunday. The Riders, boasting a 6-3 record, pose a formidable challenge, having narrowly defeated the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 26-19 last week. Horvath, 27, acknowledged the growing attention surrounding his performance. “It’s been a lot better than what it has been,” he said, reflecting on his improved output. However, he emphasized that the team’s collective effort plays a crucial role in their success. “It’s not just a one-man show. It’s everyone doing their job up front, receivers carrying out the fakes, quarterbacks carrying out the fakes. It’s everyone doing their 1/12 on the field, not just me.” This sentiment aligns with the coaching staff’s assessment of the team’s progress. The Lions’ head coach, Buck Pierce, noted a marked increase in Horvath’s confidence and familiarity with the team’s offensive schemes. “The more reps you get, the more comfort you’re going to have,” Pierce explained. “Zander works extremely hard, and that shows in his performance.” His ability to adapt and thrive under pressure has translated into tangible results, with the Lions leading the league in rushing offense at 116.9 yards per game. Horvath’s journey to the CFL has been marked by perseverance and resilience. Selected in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Chargers, he spent time with several teams before joining the Pittsburgh Steelers’ practice squad. After stints with the Chargers and Los Angeles, he trained with multiple teams in the United States before signing with the Lions as a free agent in January 2025. His transition to Canadian football has been steady, characterized by his work ethic and willingness to embrace new challenges. Pierce highlighted Horvath’s physicality and athleticism, noting that his size and speed make him a valuable asset. “He’s extremely aware of his body and what he has to do each week physically to prepare,” the coach said. “But when you talk about his attributes, he’s able to get the tough yards, but he’s also able to break one. That’s a credit to him and the way that he prepares. He’s a good football player that has a great combination of strength and speed.” Saskatchewan’s head coach, Corey Mace, echoed similar sentiments when discussing strategies to counter Horvath. “He’s a behemoth of a human being,” Mace remarked. “You’ve got to be sound in your tackling and you can’t sleep on his athleticism. Everyone wants to talk about how big he is but that joker still, he’s agile, he’s athletic and still fast.” These observations underscore the respect Horvath commands within the league. Despite the praise, Horvath remains grounded. “Every week’s different and every opponent’s different, so take it with a grain of salt and focus on the bigger picture,” he said. As the Lions prepare for their upcoming match against the Riders, the focus will remain on executing the game plan and maintaining momentum. With the team showing signs of improvement and Horvath delivering consistent performances, the outlook for the remainder of the season appears promising.