Lions roar past Tiger-Cats

Oct 22, 2006, 5:15 GMT

Vancouver, BC - Mark Washington returned an interception for a touchdown, and Paul McCallum drilled three field goals to lead British Columbia past Hamilton, 23-17.

Dave Dickenson completed 11-of-15 passes for 152 yards for the Lions (12-5), who have clinched first in the CFL's Western Division. Joe Smith had 49 yards rushing and a touchdown on 10 carries and added five receptions for 51 yards.

Kevin Eakin and Richie Williams each threw a touchdown pass for the Tiger-Cats (4-14), who sport the CFL's worst record. Terry Vaughn and DaVon Fowlkes each had a TD reception.

The Lions took an early 3-0 advantage on McCallum's 20-yard field goal but the Tiger-Cats quickly answered with a 14-yard TD pass from Eakin to Vaughn with 5:15 left in the first quarter.

Jamie Boreham then gave Hamilton a 10-3 advantage with a short 11-yard field goal in the second quarter.

The Lions finally awoke in the third quarter and took control with 20 straight points. First, McCallum drilled his second field goal, an 18-yarder. Then, the defense took over and Washington took back an ill-advised Eakin pass 40 yards for a touchdown.

Smith kept the momentum going by plunging in from a yard out and McCallum capped the quarter with a 28-yard field goal to give British Columbia a 23-10 edge.

The beleaguered Tiger-Cats didn't give up, however. An 18-yard touchdown pass from Williams to Fowlkes drew Hamilton to within 23-17 with 4:04 remaining in the game.

But, the Lions were able to control the clock in the waning moments and escape with the victory.

Game Notes

B.C. is 7-1 at home while Hamilton is 2-7 on the road.

In B.C.'s last meeting with Hamilton, the Lions coasted to a 28-8 win.

B.C.'s Lavar Glover had two interceptions in the game.

© 2006 The Sports Network