McCallum's 2 field goals lift Lions over Redblacks 7-5 in Lulay's return

OTTAWA - A pair of Paul McCallum field goals were enough to lift the B.C. Lions to a 7-5 win over the Ottawa Redblacks on Friday night.

It was also a successful return to action for Lions quarterback Travis Lulay, but also potentially devastating as he left the game clutching his shoulder with 46 seconds remaining.

Lulay was making his first start in almost a year after injuring his throwing shoulder in a goal-line collision last September.

It was hoped the six-year veteran would be ready following off-season shoulder surgery, but his first start didn't come until the Lions (6-4) 10th game.

Lulay used his feet more than his arm in the win as he was the game's leading rusher in his return to action.

The Redblacks (1-9) defence kept Lulay and the Lions out of the end zone all night, but the Redblacks offence struggled once again, getting just a field goal.

They had their chances, though.

Midway through the fourth quarter, the Redblacks took possession of the football before a torrential downpour along with a strong easterly wind ensued.

The Redblacks persevered and managed to get into field goal range, where a successful attempt would have given them a one-point lead with four-and-a-half minutes to play.

Holder Danny O'Brien couldn't handle the wet ball on the snap though, and the Redblacks tuned the ball over on downs.

Moments later the referee suspended play due to lightning in the area. Play resumed after a 21-minute delay play. The Lions used up all but 30 seconds on the clock and the Redblacks failed to gain any ground in the dying moments.

Earlier in the half, punter Ricky Schmitt booted a 69-yard single for a 7-5 B.C. lead.

The first half began and ended with fields, one by each side as the Lions went into the break with a 6-5 lead.

On the opening drive of the game the Redblacks used two completions to get into field goal range before Maher connected from 35 yards to give the Redblacks a 3-0 lead.

The big play of the drive was a 26-yard completion to Marcus Henry, one of 13 completions for Burris in the first half.

The Redblacks did have some success moving the ball in the second quarter but an interception by Burris early in the quarter was returned 34 yards by Dante Marsh to the Ottawa 51-yard line.

Five plays later, McCallum kicked a 49-yard field goal to tie the game.

On the next series, a couple of elusive moves by Burris, a third down conversion and a B.C. penalty gave the Redblacks a first-and-goal on the Lions' eight-yard line.

After hauling in a Burris' pass though, Chevon Walker fumbled and the Lions took over on their own one-yard line.

The Redblacks defence tackled Andrew Harris in his end zone for a safety and a 5-3 Redblacks lead.

McCallum's 34-yard field goal on the last play of the half got the Lions their first lead of the game.