Stampeders hold on to claim 102nd Grey Cup title

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Drew Tate plunged into the endzone for a pair of one-yard touchdowns in the first half, and the Calgary Stampeders survived a late scare to beat the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 20-16 in the 102nd Grey Cup game at BC Place.

Hamilton’s Brandon Banks returned a punt to the endzone with just over one minute to play in regulation, but the play was called back for an illegal block on the return. The touchdown would have given the Ticats their first lead of the game.

Calgary quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell was named MVP of the game as he completed 25-of-34 pass attempts for 334 yards in his first Grey Cup appearance. Andy Fantuz of the Ticats was named the top Canadian. He had six catches for 81 yards.

Mitchell got the Stamps rolling just over five minutes into the game, as he connected with Nik Lewis for a big gain, which set up a first-and-goal from the one-yard line. Tate came into the game and found his way across the line for the opening score.

Tate scored again in the opening minute of the second quarter to put Calgary ahead 14-0.

The Ticats finally got some offensive momentum and got the ball into field goal range, but Justin Medlock’s try was blocked by Calgary. The Stampeders then moved the ball down field to set up a field goal of their own, which increased their lead to 17-0.

Hamilton got back in the game with 1:21 to play in the second quarter. Zach Collaros heaved a long ball for Banks, who hauled it in for a 45-yard touchdown.

The teams traded field goals to make it a 20-10 lead for Calgary early in the fourth quarter. After Hamilton booted two more field goals to pull within four points, Banks had the potential go-ahead score called back. Collaros had one last chance to give his team the victory with a hail mary pass, but he had his arm hit as he tried to throw and the ball fell short.

The win gives Calgary its first Grey Cup title since 2008. It’s the seventh Grey Cup championship in franchise history.