Finally, Hamilton tigers cats have welcomed the all-time greatest player that them have struggle with BC lions for many years.
On Friday, October 13, 2023, in Hamilton, Ontario, during the first half of a CFL football game, 27-year-old running back JaQuan Hardy of the B.C. Lions runs against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Peter Power, The Canadian Press
HAMILTON – The B.C. Lions defeated the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 33-30 on Friday night thanks to a dramatic field goal by Sean Whyte from 48 yards on the last play of regulation time.
After Whyte’s boot, injured starter Vernon Adams Jr.’s final drive was masterfully orchestrated by former Ticat quarterback Dane Evans. Evans gained 42 yards by successfully completing all four of his throws.
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With a minute remaining in the game, Marc Liegghio of Hamilton made a 48-yard field goal that struck the upright and went in to make it 30–30.
At 1:06 of the fourth quarter, Adams Jr.’s five-yard scoring pass to Alexander Hollins gave BC a 30-24 lead. The Lions’ lead was reduced to 30-27 at 8:43 by Liegghio’s 30-yard field goal.
Matt Shiltz’s 15-yard touchdown run was called back on account of a holding penalty, setting up the field goal.
In the West Division standings, B.C. (12-5) and idle Winnipeg (12-4) are now tied for first place. However, after sweeping the season series between the two clubs, the Blue Bombers not only hold the game in hand but also the tiebreaker.
In the fourth quarter, B.C. defensive lineman Mathieu Betts recorded his CFL-high 17th sack, tying the league record for most sacks by a Canadian in a single season. Former Lion Brent Johnson and Winnipeg’s Jamaal Westerman share the mark.
Before getting hurt on Dexter Lawson Jr.’s interception return late in the fourth quarter, Adams Jr. was 21 of 30 passing for 296 yards and the two touchdowns.
Shiltz gained 180 yards and a touchdown on 14 of his 19 throws completed. Prior to a Tim Hortons Field sellout of 23,891, the third for the team this season, he also had three runs for 36 yards.
The Lions victory moved Montreal (9-7) to second place in the East Division. On November 4, the team will play Hamilton, who is in third place, in the conference semifinal. On Saturday, the Alouettes play the Edmonton Elks (4–12).
Bo Levi Mitchell, a veteran, started for Hamilton for the second time in a row, although it was his first at home this season. After starting the second half with 13 of 19 throws for 135 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception, the 33-year-old Texan gave Bravo, Matt Shiltz.
Mitchell kicked off Hamilton’s 38–13 victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders on the road last week. Shiltz entered the game and finished 16 of 19 throwing for 271 yards with two touchdowns and an interception after the two-time Grey Cup champion and CFL MVP completed four of six passes for 129 yards and a touchdown.
Hamilton helped B.C. even the season series. On August 26, the Ticats triumphed 30–13 in Vancouver.
The other touchdowns for B.C. went to Dominique Rhymes and Josh Woods on a 46-yard interception return. Whyte booted the conversions and four field goals.
Hamilton’s touchdowns came from Terry Godwin II and Tim White, both with two. Liegghio added three field goals and the converts.
At 8:27 in the third, Whyte’s 42-yard field goal gave B.C. a 23-21 lead once more. However, at 13:04, Lieggho’s 27-yard field goal gave Hamilton a 24-23 lead.
In pouring rain, Shiltz’s seven-yard touchdown pass at 6:28 put Hamilton ahead 21-20. Betts was called for unnecessary roughness on successive plays and for contacting the kicker during a punt, which helped the Ticats mount a 12-play, 90-yard drive.B.C. led 20–14 at the half thanks to Whyte’s 36-yard field goal on the last play of the second quarter. On an 11-yard touchdown pass from Adams Jr. to Rhymes, Rhymes was penalized for pass interference.
