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In a tense and exciting match, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats secured a narrow victory over the Edmonton Elks with a 29-27 scoreline, thanks to a last-minute 41-yard field goal by Marc Liegghio. This thrilling encounter occurred during the annual Hall of Fame game, where every point was critical.
The final moments captivated the crowd at Hamilton Stadium, with an audience of 22,114 witnesses to a remarkable comeback.
Head coach Scott Milanovich exhibited remarkable composure, choosing to stay focused away from the action as Liegghio’s decisive kick sailed through the uprights.
This tactic, adopted last season, reflects his unwavering belief in the kicker’s abilities, especially given Liegghio’s impressive record of 18 consecutive successful kicks.
The final drive and Liegghio’s clutch performance
With just 1:37 left on the clock, Hamilton took possession of the ball starting from their own 10-yard line.
Quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell orchestrated a masterful 13-play drive covering 67 yards, ultimately setting the stage for Liegghio’s game-winning attempt. The drive was significantly aided by a roughing the passer penalty against Elks’ player Jordan Williams, much to the delight of the home crowd.
Mitchell’s leadership shines
Mitchell’s overall performance was commendable, completing 28 of 40 passes for a total of 311 yards, along with two touchdowns and one interception. His ability to maintain composure under pressure was evident during the final drive, where he completed seven of nine attempts for 52 yards.
“I have immense trust in Marc,” said Mitchell, reflecting on the crucial moments. “If I can get him within reach, I know he will deliver.”
Challenges faced and lessons learned
Despite the victory, the Tiger-Cats encountered challenges throughout the game.
A significant moment occurred earlier when Hamilton reached the Elks’ 50-yard line but failed to convert on a critical third-down play, leading to a turnover that allowed Edmonton to take control with 2:51 remaining. Milanovich expressed frustration regarding the team’s penalties, stating, “I’m still fuming about the mistakes we made. Typically, when you play like we did, it comes back to haunt you.”
Edmonton’s response and resilience
The Elks demonstrated resilience after losing a close match the previous week. Edmonton’s head coach Mark Kilam noted the efforts of the special teams and emphasized the need for improved performance in critical situations. Following Liegghio’s field goal that put Hamilton ahead at 5:38, the Elks quickly responded with their own scoring drive, reclaiming the lead at 27-26 thanks to Vincent Blanchard’s 12-yard field goal.
Standout performances and future prospects
In addition to Liegghio’s impressive kicking, Hamilton’s offense showcased several key players. O’Leary-Orange and Kenny Lawler each contributed touchdowns, while Liegghio’s five field goals proved crucial to the team’s success. For Edmonton, Justin Rankin and Kurleigh Gittens Jr. found the end zone, with Blanchard converting four field goals and securing two converts.
As the season progresses, Hamilton (9-5) finds itself in a strong position, sitting atop the East Division standings with a four-point lead over Montreal. Conversely, Edmonton (5-9) remains in fifth place in the West Division, struggling to catch up to B.C. and Winnipeg, both holding records of 7-7.
In conclusion, the Hall of Fame game showcased not only the intense rivalry between the Tiger-Cats and the Elks but also the determination of both teams to improve as they move forward. As Hamilton prepares for their next matchup, they must address the mistakes made in this game to continue their winning streak.
