The Canadian Press
CALGARY — The BC Lions entered their Week 18 matchup against the Calgary Stampeders knowing they needed a win to keep pace with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the West Division. The Leos didn’t disappoint in head coach Wally Buono’s final regular season game at McMahon Stadium, coming out on top with a 26-21 victory while handing Calgary their first home loss of the season.
The Lions now hold an 8-7 record and have won five of their last six games.
“We knew it was going to be a tough game,” Buono said after the win. “Calgary’s a very good football team, and they’ve got a great defence. It was nice to see our guys play a full 60 minutes, and I thought our defence was pretty good.”
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Buono was honoured in front of the Calgary home crowd before the game for his invaluable contributions to the franchise during his successful tenure as the Stamps’ head coach and general manager. Buono remarked on the added importance this win held for him.
“Ok, I’m going to admit it’s extra special,” Buono said. “Coming in here and beating the Stampeders is a great tribute to our players and our coaches. My fondness comes from the years that I was wearing red and white, and when we had the great teams and went 27-0 and when we did a lot of things at that point to make the Stampeder organization successful.”
Newly acquired running back Tyrell Sutton made a big impact for the Lions in the win over Calgary, finishing the game with 22 carries for 106 hard-earned yards and two touchdowns. Buono was pleased with the physical running style the 31-year-old was able to add to the offence.
“Tyrell is exactly what we wanted,” Buono said. “You know, a guy that’s going to pound the ball, pound the ball. And he’s going to get better.”
While Travis Lulay only managed to throw for 193 yards without a score against the Stamps’ top ranked defence, Buono was happy with the way his quarterback came back after being sidelined with a shoulder injury for three games.
“This is Travis’ first game back under a lot of pressure playing against a great defence,” Buono said. “Would I like to have seen some throws back? I would’ve, but you know what, 26 to 21, I’m pretty happy.”
Buono revealed that he helped inspire his team earlier in the day by showing them a legendary boxing match between Thomas Hearns and Marvin Hagler. Buono said he wanted to send his team a message about rising above adversity and overcoming pressure.
“Part of that was to show the players how two great champions come together, and how they have to be able to deal with the good and the bad,” Buono said. “There’s gonna be a time where you’re gonna want to quit; there’s gonna be a time where you feel like you’re beaten, and you can’t give up at the time when it’s most desperate.”
The BC Lions will look to keep their momentum going when they host the Edmonton Eskimos next Friday in Week 19 action.
