Under the bright lights of British Columbia, facing a team that had not lost at home in nearly a full calendar year, rookie quarterback Taylor Powell and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats were tasked with the impossible.
Prior to last Saturday night’s game, the Lions were 6-0 at BC Place dating back to 2022. This season, they’ve been dominant at home, holding visiting opponents to 9.3 points per game.
In only their second game with Senior Assistant Coach Scott Milanovich calling plays, Hamilton hit gears that nobody in British Columbia saw coming.
The Lions knew that James Butler would be difficult to stop. After all, they saw it first hand last year. Butler rushed for 1,060 yards, averaged 5.0 yards per carry and scored seven rushing touchdowns for BC in 2022.
He’s been nothing short of sensational for Hamilton this year. 121 carries for 638 yards, 5.3 yards per carry and six rushing touchdowns.
Against his for team, Butler delivered arguably his finest performance of the season. 21 carries for 118 yards, 5.6 yards per carry and a rushing touchdowns. He was targeted three times through the air and caught all three passes for 36 yards and a receiving touchdown. In total, Butler tallied 154 total yards and two touchdowns.
It would be cliché to say that it was a total team win and with that said—it was a total team win.
Seven players caught passes, led by Tim White who recorded five receptions for 57 yards.
14 players recorded tackles, led by Jameer Thurman who recorded six, recovered a fumble and hauled in an interception.
Kaare Vedvik averaged 40.8 yards per punt.
Marc Liegghio connected on three-of-three field goal attempts.
A failed onside kick late in the fourth quarter was returned by White for a 47-yard touchdown on special teams.
What more could you ask for?
How about a rookie quarterback who competed 18 of 23 passes (78.3%) for 222 yards (9.7 YPA), one touchdown and zero interceptions?
Over the last two games, Powell has completed 38 of the 49 passes he’s attempted (77.6%) with Milanovich calling the shots.
Don’t blink, but Hamilton has won four of their last seven games. Next up: the Labour Day Classic against the Toronto Argonauts at Tim Hortons Field on Monday September 4th, 3:30 PM EDT.
