Entering the fourth quarter, Hamilton tiger-cats was kept near B.C Lions, only below 5.
But in a short week, flying across the country, it appeared that Hamilton’s energy waned and the Lions took advantage after a week.
Oakville-born QB Nathan Rourke came on as advertised for the Lions, throwing 250 yards on 22 of 30 connecting on the 2nd TD.
In the first quarter, the Ticats forced two turnovers on the first two BC assets – including a stop on the third down and an unexpected interception from defensive lineman Julian Hausare.
Despite the turnover, offenses from Dane Evans and Hamilton did not take advantage of it.
However, the Tickets were only down 3-0 at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the Tickets found some momentum, scoring a few field goals off the foot of Seth Smalls, but fell 10-6 in the half.
The Ticats received a second-half kickoff, and after skillfully swinging the ball, Tim White turned it down, and the Lions paid off Hamilton. Rourke drove the Lions down the field and completed a 33-yard touchdown pass to Lucky Whitehead, extending their lead to 17-6.
At the end of the third, the Tickets responded with a drive of their own, with Evans lobbying a 32-yard TD pass to Steven Dunbar Jr. – his team finished fourth of the season. The team missed the conversion by two points, making the score 17–12 for BC.
In the fourth quarter, the Ticats had their chances, including a Tunde Adelke interception in the BC area with less than two minutes to spare. However, Tickett was unable to do anything and swung the ball down.
A last-second Hail Mary attempt was aborted.
Dane Evans 26-38 was passing for 297 yards and a TD, and an interception.
The Tickets fall 1-5 in the season, while the BC Lions improve at 4-1. The Cats’ next game is against the Montreal Alouettes on July 28 at Tim Hortons Field.
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