Pierce, Jackson lead Lions past Tiger-Cats

Sep 30, 2006, 23:50 GMT

Hamilton, ON - Jarious Jackson took over for an injured Buck Pierce, throwing for 180 yards and two touchdowns as British Columbia clinched a playoff spot with a 28-8 win over Hamilton.

Jackson replaced Pierce late in the first half when the Lions' starting quarterback left the game with an arm injury.

Before he exited, Pierce threw for 139 yards with two touchdowns and an interception for British Columbia (10-4), which was coming off a loss to Calgary last week.

Jason Mass completed 13-of-28 passes for 128 yards, while also rushing for a score for the Tiger-Cats (4-12), who were officially eliminated from the playoffs. Jesse Lumsden ran 13 times for 73 yards.

The Lions took an early 7-0 lead on their first possession of the game when Pierce hooked up with Gilles Colon for an 18-yard score.

Pierce then hooked up with Paris Jackson for a 16-yard strike in the second quarter to give BC a 14-0 lead at halftime.

Hamilton came out strong in the second half and briefly made a game of it, marching down the field on its first drive of the game and scoring on Maas' one-yard touchdown dive that made it 14-7.

However, Jackson and the Lions answered with a score on their next possession. Jackson connected with Geroy Simon on a short touchdown reception that made it 21-7.

A single brought the Tiger-cats within 13 and Kendrick Jones pulled in a seven-yard touchdown score on the last play of the third quarter that extended BC's lead to 20. The Lions defense took care of the rest, shutting out Hamilton in the fourth quarter.

Game Notes

Simon finished with six receptions for 132 yards, while Jackson caught five balls for 92 yards.

Pierce also ran twice for 67 yards.

© 2006 The Sports Network