The Canadian Press
TORONTO — It’s not over ’til it’s over.
The BC Lions proved exactly that when Richie Leone booted the game-winning field goal with no time left on the clock to seal his team’s victory over the Toronto Argonauts on Wednesday night.
It all started when quarterback Jonathon Jennings coolly led his team 61 yards down the field to set up Leone’s 30 yard field goal giving the Lions the 16-13 victory.
The 24-year-old pivot ended his night connecting on 22-of-31 passes for 199 yards and an interception. Leone converted on all three of his field goal attempts in the contest, after coming into the game only completing 17-of-26.
“Richie answered some of the critics about being consistent,” said Lions’ head coach Wally Buono. “If there was a difference in the game it probably was him. Again, to see Jonathon drive the team and put us in the position to kick the winning field goal (was great).”
It was just last week that this same Lions club turned things around when it mattered most, sealing the victory late in the fourth quarter in Ottawa against the REDBLACKS with Travis Lulay’s rushing touchdown. Late surges, especially when it matters most, seems to be a trend for the Leos, proving they’re a group that just doesn’t quit.
“Three out of the last four weeks that our offence, and our young quarterback, has turned the magic on when it counted the most,” said Buono. “This is what we talk about: winning football. It’s about learning that the game is over when there’s zeros left on the clock.”
Wednesday night’s game was the Lions’ last of a nine day stay in Ontario. The club first made its way to the nation’s capital for a tussle with the REDBLACKS and stayed there to practice and to bond as a team before heading to Toronto.
With both wins under their belt, the Lions improved their road record to 5-1 and registered their first-ever sweep of games in Ontario.
“It’s about learning that the game is over when there’s zeros left on the clock.”
Wally Buono
With the win, the Lions’ improve to 5-1 on the road and 7-3 on the season (The Canadian Press)
“I just say on the road maybe these guys are just more focused,” said Buono. “To me, I sell the focus factor, the playing hard factor, the playing as a team factor. One of the reasons why we stayed over was that I just felt that it could help that component.”
In the tight defensive battle, BC’s defence was led by Solomon Elimimian, who had an interception – that led to a Leone field goal that put the Lions’ up 13-10 in the third quarter – a sack and 14 tackles on the night.
“Solly’s job is to control the middle and make tackles,” said Buono. “If he has opportunities, he’s going to make them. Tonight he had a great interception and great sack.”
The club now heads back home to B.C. with confidence, and a 7-3 record, as they prepare to host the Montreal Alouettes in Week 12 – a game that Buono is insisting the Lions don’t take lightly.
“There are a lot of good teams in the league and if you don’t play hard, you’re going to lose.”
