Stamps edge Bombers for 10th straight win

The Calgary Stampeders refuse to lose, even when they almost totally collapse.

The first game in CFL history between two teams on winning streaks of at least seven games lived up to its billing. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers staged a 27-point second-half rally, culminating with a go-ahead touchdown with 20 seconds left. However, Calgary QB Bo Levi Mitchell used the sliver of remaining time to set up Rene Paredes' decisive 52-yard field goal for a 36-34 Stampeders victory.

Calgary (10-2-1) got the ball at their 29-yard line with only 15 seconds left at McMahon Stadium. Mitchell completed a 14-yard pass to Kamer Jordan, then threaded a 22-yard strike to a diving Lemar Durant at Winnipeg's 45-yard line. Paredes, who was playing with a leg injury, came on and converted his first attempt of the season from beyond 50 yards.

The Blue Bombers (8-5), trailed 30-7 in the third quarter before scoring three quick touchdowns - including a league-leading fifth defensive TD by Khalil Bass on a fumble return - to draw within three points with 12:48 left. Mitchell and the Stampeders then put together a pair of time-consuming drives that left Winnipeg looking at a six-point deficit with 1:44 left.

Winnipeg QB Matt Nichols, relying heavily on running back Tim Flanders, put together a gutsy 66-yard TD drive. Slotback Julian Feoli-Gudino scored from five yards out, forcing Calgary to conjure up a last-ditch response.

Calgary's 12-game undefeated streak - which includes 10 wins in a row - is tied for the third-longest in CFL history. Mitchell is the third quarterback in CFL history to post a 12-start undefeated streak. Only CFL and NFL legend Warren Moon (with a 12-0-1 skein spanning 1981-82) has had a 13-start undefeated streak. Calgary also has a good chance to keep winning, since its final five games are all against East teams.

Mitchell was 29-of-43 for 361 yards with two touchdowns. Jordan scored a touchdown and had nine receptions for 126 yards, while Durant (four catches for 74 yards) also had a TD grab. Veteran slotback Marquay McDaniel had five receptions for another 87.

League-leading rusher Jerome Messam had 12 carries for 71 yards before heading to the dressing room after hitting the back of his head against the turf while being tackled in the fourth quarter. Paredes was 5-of-6 on field goals.

Nichols was 27-of-44 for 287 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Ryan Smith led Winnipeg's receiving corps with six receptions for 95 yards, while Clarence Denmark added nine receptions for 84 yards and a TD catch. Flanders, replacing injured starter Andrew Harris (ankle), had 11 rushes for 95 yards, including a 50-yard TD run that was Winnipeg's only score of the first 30 minutes.

The Stampeders scored four of the first six times they had the ball. They didn't reach the end zone again, relying instead on Paredes' gimpy leg.

Calgary coach Dave Dickenson had two successful challenges, despite coming in with an 0-for-8 record in such situations.

Winnipeg is 3-23 at McMahon Stadium since 1992.

The Blue Bombers will take a two-game lead for the final West Division playoff berth into a home game against the Edmonton Eskimos (6-7) on Friday. The Stampeders visit the Hamilton Tiger-Cats the following day.