Mitchell, Stampeders steal win from Lions
The Calgary Stampeders foiled Jonathon Jennings when it mattered, stealing a 44-41 overtime win against the BC Lions in what was an early entry for game of the year.
Calgary quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell threw for two touchdowns and a game-tying two-point convert in the final two and a half minutes of the fourth quarter, forcing overtime after some Stampeders fans had already left McMahon Stadium. The game-tying drive was set up after Jennings, who had had his way with Calgary (3-1-1) for much of the second half, threw an interception that Calgary's Ciante Evans returned to the Lions' 32-yard line with 1:19 left.
Rookie Lemar Durant turned a screen pass into a 20-yard reception to get Calgary into the red zone, setting up Mitchell's 12-yard touchdown pass to Bakari Grant. Mitchell then completed a slant route to Anthony Parker for the equalizer. There was still 1:06 left when the Lions (3-2) got the ball back at their 25-yard line, but an illegal hands-to-the-face penalty killed any chance at a victory drive.
In overtime, Rene Paredes delivered a 42-yard field goal on Calgary's possession. The Lions had another chance to win after driving to the six-yard line. Pre-snap confusion led to a time-count violation. On second and goal from the 11, Jennings threw to Shawn Gore on a corner route, but Tommie Campbell high-pointed the ball for a game-saving interception.
The West Division rivals play again on Aug. 19 in Vancouver, with the winner claiming the season series and potentially useful tiebreaker. Their first meeting ended in a two-point BC win.
Mitchell was 29-of-44 for 364 yards with three touchdowns, shaking off four sacks and an early interception that set up a Lions touchdown. Newcomer Greg Wilson made three receptions for 118 yards and two touchdowns, including a 42-yard scoring grab with 2:11 left that gave Calgary a chance.
Tory Harrison also scored a touchdown for Calgary, which is 32-7 at home since 2012. Paredes was 5-for-5 on field goals, including three from beyond 40 yards, but had his sixth missed convert of the season. Rob Maver added a 52-yard punt single.
The Lions' chance of closing out Calgary was compromised by having a thin defensive line after starters Mic'hael Brooks and Craig Roh were injured. The late collapse spoiled a night full of highlight-reel plays from the 24-year-old Jennings and return specialist Chris Rainey.
Jennings was 26-of-41 for 374 yards and three touchdowns with two interceptions, and also led the Lions on the ground with five rushes for 44 yards and another TD. The quarterback directed second-half touchdown drives of 81, 65, and 75 yards.
Rainey scored on a 95-yard punt return in the first quarter, which was his fourth special teams touchdown against Calgary since September.
Lions slotback Bryan Burnham made nine receptions for 139 yards and a touchdown, while Emmanuel Arceneaux added six for 128. Gore and Geraldo Boldewijn also registered touchdown receptions. Richie Leone was 1-for-2 on field goals, with two singles, while Anthony Allen contributed a two-point convert.
Each team's next game in on Thursday. The Lions visit the Montreal Alouettes (2-4), while the Stampeders host Saskatchewan (1-4).
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