Skip to content

Stampeders win for Hicks, Tiger-Cats lose Collaros

REUTERS/Fred Thornhill

At the end of an emotionally wrenching week, the Calgary Stampeders extended their unbeaten streak to a team-record 13 games by handling the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 36-17 on Saturday.

Last Sunday, Stampeders defensive back Mylan Hicks was shot and killed outside of a Calgary nightclub. Given a respite from a week of grieving and a change of scenery with a road trip to Tim Hortons Field, Calgary (12-1-1) held Hamilton (6-8) to one late fourth-quarter touchdown.

Calgary's unbeaten streak, which includes 11 consecutive wins, is the longest within a single season in CFL history. The Stampeders' magic number over the BC Lions for clinching first in the West Division is down to two.

"The Star-Spangled Banner" was played before the game to honour Hicks, a Detroit native who was a four-season contributor at Michigan State. Following his 1-yard touchdown rush in the third quarter, running back Jerome Messam paid tribute to his slain teammate by holding up three fingers on his right hand and one on his left for 31, Hicks' jersey number. Veteran defensive back Jamar Wall also wore No. 31, after wearing No. 29 throughout his career.

The Tiger-Cats seemed off-kilter with head coach Kent Austin banished to the coaches' box and Jeff Reinebold in charge on the sideline. Austin was suspended from being on the field as punishment for striking an official with his hand while disputing a penalty during Hamilton's loss at Saskatchewan on Sept. 24.

Hamilton was further hampered when starting QB Zach Collaros was injured late in the first half. Collaros came down heavily on his right shoulder after being hit by Charleston Hughes. Backup Jeremiah Masoli took over in the third quarter, but couldn't generate a full touchdown drive.

Collaros was in street clothes on the Tiger-Cats' sideline in the second half. Luke Tasker and Chad Owens also sat out due to injuries.

Hamilton's only TD, a 4-yard rush by Masoli with 3:30 remaining, was set up a 58-yard interception return by Mike Daly. A subsequent two-point convert by Andy Fantuz pulled Hamilton to within 12 points.

On the ensuing kickoff, Fantuz tried an onside kick. Simon Charbonneau-Campeau took it on the run and ran through some arm tackles from Hamilton's hands team for a 48-yard kickoff return touchdown.

Calgary QB Bo Levi Mitchell was 21-of-30 for 299 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Receiver DaVaris Daniels had five receptions for 123 yards and two TDs, including a 59-yard strike in the second quarter. Kamar Jorden chipped in six receptions for 69 yards. Rene Paredes was 2-of-2 on field goals.

Collaros was 16-of-22 for 120 yards with one interception. Masoli was 16-of-28 for 151 yards, and also led Hamilton in rushing, albeit with only four carries for 26 yards. Fantuz had his best game of the season with 14 receptions for 126 yards. Brett Maher was 3-of-3 on field goals. Wide receiver Terrence Toliver (3-33) and speedster Brandon Banks (3-31) were held in check.

Calgary will try to extend its unbeaten streak against the Toronto Argonauts in a Thanksgiving Day game on Oct. 10. The Tiger-Cats have a bye in Week 13 before beginning a home-and-away series with the Ottawa RedBlacks that could decide first place in the East.

Collaros was out with a knee injury when Ottawa swept Hamilton late last season to get first place. Ottawa went on to defeat Hamilton in the East final.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox