Stampeders score late for 28-23 win over Ticats

Calgary's Dedrick Mills capped off a dramatic comeback with a 49-yard touchdown run with 29 seconds remaining, leading the Stampeders to a 28-23 victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at McMahon Stadium on Saturday. The win improved Calgary's record to 5-6, marking their first success in four games. Mills, who finished with 118 rushing yards on 14 attempts, credited his offensive line for opening up space and his receivers for blocking downfield. His game-winning run came after quarterback Josh Love, making his first CFL start for the Stampeders, completed 25 of 36 passes for 274 yards. Love also threw a touchdown pass to Ajou Ajou, helping to keep Calgary competitive throughout the match. Hamilton's Tre Ford led the Tiger-Cats with two touchdown passes, including a 51-yard completion to Myron Mitchell. Ford also rushed for 80 yards on six carries. Despite the efforts, the Tiger-Cats fell to 4-8 following consecutive losses. Their offense struggled early, though they managed to take a 13-9 lead in the second quarter after a 38-yard field goal by Marc Liegghio. Calgary's Rene Paredes, returning from a groin injury, contributed five field goals, including a 42-yard kick to open the scoring. However, Paredes missed a 42-yard attempt later in the game. The Stampeders' defense played a crucial role in the victory, with linebacker Kyle Wilson intercepting a pass from Hamilton's backup quarterback Jake Dolegala to seal the win. Vernon Adams Jr., sidelined due to a head injury, was absent from the lineup, allowing Love to step in. Mills praised Love's performance, noting that the quarterback "put the ball in the right places" and "got the ball to the right people." The Stampeders' ability to respond under pressure was evident as they mounted a late-game drive that culminated in Mills' decisive touchdown. The crowd of 19,855 witnessed a thrilling contest, with both teams trading scores throughout the game. After Paredes' initial field goal, the Tiger-Cats countered with a 70-yard drive ending in Mitchell's touchdown reception. The Stampeders responded with a 45-yard field goal by Paredes, followed by a missed attempt from the same player. The game remained tight until the final moments, when Mills' heroics secured the win. Calgary's head coach and general manager, Dave Dickenson, expressed satisfaction with the team's resilience, particularly given their recent struggles at McMahon Stadium. He highlighted the importance of focusing on each play and executing under pressure, which the team successfully did. The victory provides a boost to the Stampeders' season, offering momentum heading into future matchups.