Lions 20 - 17 Blue Bombers
Final
  for this game

McCallum's FG on final play lifts Lions over Blue Bombers

Aug 25, 2012 - 3:56 AM Winnipeg, MB (Sports Network) - Paul McCallum drilled a 41-yard field goal as time expired on Friday and the BC Lions edged the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, 20-17, at Canad Inns Stadium.

The Blue Bombers (2-6) tied the game courtesy of Justin Palardy's 31-yard field goal with 31 seconds to go, but Travis Lulay set up the winning kick with a pair of quick completions -- a 16-yarder to Ernest Jackson and a 24- yarder to Geroy Simon.

Lulay finished with 220 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions on 16-of-26 passing for the Western Division-leading Lions (6-2), who have won four straight games.

Joey Elliott, who stepped in for Alex Brink and threw for 406 yards last week against Hamilton, completed 20-of-42 passes for 256 yards with an interception in the setback.

BC held a 10-0 lead at the half courtesy of a 23-yard field goal by McCallum, a five-yard touchdown reception by Andrew Harris and another strong showing by the defense.

With the shutout first half, the Lions, who had held their previous three opponents to single digits, lengthened their streak to 15 straight quarters without allowing a touchdown.

That changed in the third quarter when Brink converted a 3rd-and-1 quarterback sneak from the goal line. The Bombers also had a single in the quarter, making it 10-8.

Winnipeg then went ahead in the fourth on consecutive field goals -- of 17 and 31 yards -- by Palardy, but the Lions responded with a 75-yard drive, capped by a short touchdown plunge by Harris, for a 17-14 edge.

"We felt we should have won the game," said Winnipeg defensive back Jovon Johnson. "They made more plays than us down the stretch and that was the outcome."

Game Notes

BC won the first matchup between the teams this season, 33-16, in June ... Elliott made his fourth career start. Against Hamilton last week, he became the first Winnipeg quarterback since 2009 to eclipse the 400-yard mark and in doing so earned himself CFL Offensive Player of the Week honors.






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