Roar Report: Stampeders remain in first place with victory over Lions

Bo Levi Mitchell threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns en route to a 37-9 Stampeders victory at BC Place on Friday night. With the victory, Calgary moves three points ahead of the Lions for top spot in the competitive West Division. Richie Leone kicked three field goals and Solomon Elimimian led the way on defence, recording 11 tackles. Jason Arakgi became the all-time CFL leader in special teams tackles when he brought down Calgary’s Tory Harrison on the game’s opening kickoff. The Lions fall to 5-3 and now get set for two games in Ontario, starting with next Thursday’s clash against the REDBLACKS. 

Jonathon Jennings struggled in the loss, completing just ten of 22 passes for 153 yards before Travis Lulay took over on the Lions’ opening drive of  the fourth quarter. It was the second time in eight games Lulay has been pressed into service. “We left some points on the board in the first half, the second half we couldn’t just find a rhythm at all,” Lulay said. “Our first down production, particularly in the third quarter, needs to be better.”

“As I told the players, we got out-coached and outplayed,” said Wally Buono. “There was just no emotion, no intensity and it wasn’t the same BC Lion team that we’ve been lining up with for the last number of weeks.”

Along with the three-point cushion atop the West, Mitchell and the Stamps also claim the season series by winning two of three meetings with the Lions. Should Buono and company want revenge, it would have to wait until November and a possible playoff match up. For now, the focus is on righting the ship in time for Thursday’s matchup in our nation’s capital. After taking on the REDBLACKS, they will practice in Ottawa for a few days and then head to Toronto to meet the Argonauts August 31st at BMO Field.

Matt Baker: mbaker@bclions.com