Sean Whyte boots OT winner as B.C. Lions edge Hamilton 41-38, improving to 4-5 in the CFL. Rourke shines, Butler scores. Recap inside.
Dramatic Overtime Deliverance
Sean Whyte delivered the game-winning kick in overtime, giving the visiting B.C. Lions a thrilling 41-38 victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats Thursday at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton. The win improves the Lions’ record to 4-5 in the CFL season.
Offensive Surge Ignites the Comeback
B.C.’s quarterback Nathan Rourke passed for a staggering 408 yards and two touchdowns, while former Tiger-Cat James Butler—returning to Hamilton—rushed for one major and caught another for a total of 85 rushing yards and 55 receiving yards. For the Tiger-Cats, Bo Levi Mitchell threw for 305 yards and three touchdowns, keeping the contest electric until the final seconds.
Early Mistakes, Mid-Game Turnaround
The first half was marred by errors, including a fumbled punt and a signature 84-yard return for Hamilton by Isaiah Wooden, which was countered by Whyte’s 41-yard field goal. The Lions ended the half up 13-7, thanks to Rourke’s late touchdown pass to Jevon Cottoy.
Momentum Shifts in a Back-and-Forth Battle
From there, both teams traded scores and momentum. Butler’s ground touchdown tied the game, only for Hamilton to answer through Mitchell and other key offensive plays. A standout third quarter saw B.C. even the score at 28-28, setting up a tense fourth quarter where neither side could seize control.
Climactic Final Minutes
In the closing moments, Hamilton took the lead with a field goal, but Rourke connected with Butler for a go-ahead touchdown with just 38 seconds remaining. Hamilton’s Marc Liegghio then tied the game with a clutch kick as time expired, forcing overtime.
Sealing the Win in Extra Time
In overtime, a deflected pass by Hamilton was recovered by B.C., giving Whyte the chance to kick a 20-yard field goal—and he did. The Lions walk away with the victory in one of the most dramatic games of the season.
This article is original and written specifically for SurreySpeak.com
