Rainey lifts Lions over Stampeders in season opener

Things started off slow for Wally Buono and the BC Lions, however, in the end the Lions came away with the 20-18 victory over the Calgary Stampeders.

The Stampeders grabbed the early 10-3 lead at halftime and extended it when Jerome Messam scored from two-yards out to go up 17-6. However, that's when Chris Rainey showed up for the Lions. Rainey ran one in from one-yard out and then gave the Lions their first lead of the game when he returned a punt 72 yards for the touchdown.

Rainey finished the night with 157 total yards on eight touches and two scores. Lions quarterback Jonathon Jennings completed 24 of 42 for 248 yards, while Calgary's Bo Levi Mitchell was 16 of 27 for 233 yards and one touchdown.

Stampeders kicker Rene Paredes had a chance to tie the game late, but he missed his 31-yard attempt to give the Lions the victory.

Richie Leone made two of three field goals for the Lions, while Calgary receiver Kamar Jordan had the Stampeders' other touchdown.

The Lions travel to Hamilton to face the Tiger-Cats on Canada Day, while Calgary heads home to face the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.