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NFL usa, York, NY (2026)

10/19/2023

The Berlin Thunder are bringing back probably the best defensive player in the brief history of the European League of Football, as the team announced that Kyle Kitchens has re-signed with the team for the 2024 season.

Kitchens, 6’2″, 236 pounds, joined the ELF in its first season in 2021, signing with the Leipzig Kings. He racked up 12.5 sacks and 20.5 tackles for loss in 10 games, which earned him the honor of being the league’s first-ever Defensive Player of the Year. He signed with the Thunder ahead of the 2022 season and delivered another outstanding campaign. In 12 games in 2022, he posted a league-leading 16 sacks and 33.5 tackles for loss. Once again, he was named the Defensive Player of the Year for his efforts.

In 2023, Kitchens put together another great season in Berlin. He again led the league in both sacks and tackles for loss, with 15 and 21, respectively. However, he finally was beaten out for the Defensive Player of the Year honor, as Helvetic Guards cornerback Maceo Beard received the award. For the first time in three seasons, though, Kitchens’ team made the playoffs, as the Thunder made their first postseason appearance in team history. Unfortunately for them, they were defeated by the Frankfurt Galaxy in the wild card round.

The native of Decatur, Georgia played collegiately at Catawba College (NCAA Div. 2) in North Carolina where he was a three-time All American and two-time Conference Player of the Year. After graduating, he joined the Potsdam Royals of the German Football League in 2019 where he led the GFL in sacks (16) and was second in tackles for loss (31). He spent a couple of seasons in small leagues in the United States before joining the ELF in 2021.

10/18/2023

European League of Football: Playing GM – Munich Ravens
The Munich Ravens were undoubtedly the most entertaining team in the European League of Football last season.

Their standout wins were against the Stuttgart Surge and multiple high-scoring games that entered into the 50+ scoring mark many times. They averaged 35 points per game, second in the league only to the champions, the Rhein Fire. However, they did have their problems and it was obvious where it was, the defensive unit allowed 28 points per game. We can be contenders if we can sure up the defense and keep as much of the firepower as possible.

The head coaching position isn’t an issue with this rebuild. The Ravens announced the hiring of former Hamburg Sea Devils defensive coordinator, Kendral Ellison. Ellison has been part of the Hamburg franchise since the inception of the European League of Football and his defenses have been 2nd, 1st, and 9th over the past three seasons. There was a slight decline in 2023, but the Western Conference is the strongest in the league by far, so that is an important factor to consider. As for assistant staff, the head coach should certainly have a big say in who he wants as part of his organisation, if he wants a new DC or OC then he should be able to contribute to the discussion. The difficult part is to find an offensive coordinator who can be at the same level as last year when John Shoop was calling the offense. The natural progression would be to promote within the current offensive staff as all aspects of their offense were responsible for the great year. That would be a decision to be made through interviews and personality, but the choices would certainly all be internal.

The offensive strategy was abundantly obvious – keep the trio intact. Wide receiver Markell Castle, quarterback Chad Jeffries, and running back Tomiwa Oyewo were arguably the best offensive trio in league history. Castle is the second-ever triple-crown winner, Jeffries was the second-best quarterback in the league last year and Oyewo has a strong case for being the best back in the league. Marvin Rutsch at wide receiver was also a huge asset and he surprised a lot of people with his production this year, including this writer who had him as a slightly above-average role player. He certainly proved that he could be a leading number two receiver behind Castle. His 708 yards and 3 touchdowns had him 9th in yards among European receivers. He would be on the list of high priorities to retain. However, those three mentioned combined for 280 targets out of the 415 which was 67.4% of the total targets. So, let’s get another receiver who can contribute. Cedric Ellis from Murray State could be an option if he finishes his education in the Division One program. Caleb Schweigart of the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns, however, is the most likely option. An experienced, quick, physical receiver who achieved 883 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2023 in 15 games. He adds size and also has the complementary skill of being an elite return specialist.

Over to the offensive line, there have been some retirements over the last few weeks and hopefully, the recent trail in Munich has seen some depth pieces come in. But Noah Nnabuo in Black Hills State is in his senior year. Nnabuo is a Stuttgart native and was part of a strong rushing attack at the Division 2 level. If he is available, he is certainly a player we would want. If he is or isn’t we still, go to the tried and tested method of hunting the less successful teams for the more talented players. Fabian Kratz of the Cologne Centurions is one of the best young German talents on the line. He would pair excellently with the established players while keeping the core young with the potential star of Dominik Ondra. This leaves our American spots covered by Castle and Jeffries, our European spot reserved for Oyewo, and with the great base of German players and a retooled offensive line built around the German talent we can put a lot of emphasis on the defense becoming a formidable unit.

Munich LB Josh Akena #40 tackling Milano ball carrier Photo: Steve Bunkahle

As previously mentioned, the defense in 2023 was one of the leakier units. To improve the weapons here we will start with the defensive line. Johannes Zirngibl led the team with 5.5 sacks, then Amin Black who left the team in week 9 was in second place with 4. It’s of utmost importance that we find a dominant pass rush. Teams in 2023 had far too long to throw the ball so Julius Welschof from the Charlotte 49ers is a graduate student and, currently a top target for my version of the team. Secondly, Leander Strathmann of the Concordia Stingers is a senior defensive end who possesses years of experience in Canada. He could also be a huge asset in adding to the quality of the Munich defensive line. Within Germany, it’s very much expected that Ellison will try to take a few of the foundations of his scheme in Hamburg. Evans Yeboah on the inside of the defensive line would be an incredible addition and was a huge part of Ellison’s defensive unit and not the last player we will see that makes the move. Lastly, on the defensive line, let’s use one of the European spots to push this new team forward. Ellison likes to use speed rushers in his system, so I want to go after Emil Hovde the Swedish end from the Berlin Thunder. He could be a serious weapon in the defense and was an underrated talent last season, notching seven sacks in his rookie year.

Moving into the linebackers, the Ravens struggled massively with the American import spot last season. Ffor this reason, we will start afresh at the position. A.J. Wentland was heavily linked with the Ravens once he hit free agency in the midseason. Wentland was the best tackler in the league and most importantly, was super durable. We need that as a team as there was so much inconsistency with the American position last year and with AJ it should be a locked-in position. As for his support, we still have several Europeans left to allocate, so Antony Rodrigues, the French former Enthroner, is a player who suffered an early injury and seems to be under the radar. In addition to Rodrigues, Lucky Ogbevoen from the Raiders Tirol is a primary target. It’s an extremely unlikely acquisition given the Raiders hiring a Superbowl-winning linebacker coach and the opportunity to play with his brother. However, those three would be the core of a strong linebacker group. The emergence of Kevin Titz as a homegrown player early in the season before his injury adds to the team value in the position. Ambroise Mati, the current Hamburg Sea Devil, would also be a player we would be trying everything to get, he is a young star and extremely underrated. This means we could have a lot of rotation in the linebackers, keeping players fresh and being able to be an extremely diversified scheme. Mati has had his best seasons under Ellison so it isn’t a reach to say he could reunite with his head coach.

The secondary is also in need of development. They ranked 14th in the passing game overall. Justin Rogers is a multiple-time All-Star so building around him once again is preferred. He was an All-Star in Ellis’ defense in 2021 and 2022 so this is a match made in heaven. A gem of a player who could be a game-breaker is Deon Montgomery from Fordham University. He’s American born but attended high school in Germany. Montgomery played under Michael Lave at Spangdahlem High School. If he is a German national or the League allocates him as a homegrown player, he is immediately placed into the cornerback spot which gives the team Division One experience and athletic ability. William James, again another Leipzig King who moved to the Panthers following the collapse, is the main target for the secondary. We are doubling up at defensive back for European players and the other target has to be Dutch All-Star Roedion Henrique, also formerly of the Kings before a season-ending injury in week one. If he is good to go, we could have one of the best secondaries in the league with Rogers, James, Montgomery, and Henrique. This is a group of players that is as good as it gets for creating turnovers and getting the ball back to our offense.

Special Team upgrades
The special teams unit isn’t in much need of immediate improvement. Marvin Rutsch and Caleb Schweigart are excellent return specialists and the kicking was about average for the league standard. If a kicker did attend the try-outs and had success it could be an option but isn’t a main priority for the team at this time. The defensive overhaul should also be a big asset to stopping returns, but once again they only allowed two last season so it isn’t a huge concern.

In summary…
This is perhaps my best rebuild. I’m extremely happy with the team that I have “built” and I honestly believe it could compete for a championship. Every signing has an opportunity to be a massive improvement. Let me know what you think. Until next time.

10/16/2023

Potsdam Royals win GFL Bowl with dominant performance over Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns

The Potsdam Royals captured their first ever German Football League title Saturday at Stadion an der Hafenstraße in Essen after defeating the defending GFL champions, the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns 34-7.

With the win, the Royals also atoned for the loss they suffered a year ago to the Unicorns in the 2022 GFL Bowl.

Potsdam quarterback Jaylon Henderson was the key. Although he completed only 10 of 14 passes for 102 yards, the elusive signal caller rushed for 140 yards and three scores. Running back Heiko Bals had three carries for 41 yards while Brandon Polk scored on a 12 yard carry. Wide receiver Thomas Jenkins had two catches for 39 yards and Simon Fons two for 35.

For the Unicorns, quarterback Ian Gehrke only threw for 96 yards on 14 completions with Julius Klenk catching seven for 59 yards and Tyler Rutenbeck two for 33 yards. Schweäbisch Hall running back Mike Gentili led all rushers with 32 carries for 182 yards but only found the end zone once.

With the Royals starting on offense, Henderson led his team on a flawless 75-yard drive to open up scoring. Big completions to Simon Føns and some strong quarterback runs helped set Potsdam up in the red zone, where Henderson was able to punch in the first score from three yards out. The former Boise State star then failed to converts the two-point, setting the Royals six points above the Unicorns.

The Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns responded on their next drive with a 13-play, 87-yard drive, culminating in a touchdown by Mike Gentili from 5 yards out. The extra point was good, making the score 7-6 in favor of the defending champions.

Unfortunately, this would be the only time the Unicorns found the end zone all day as the Royals racked up 28 unanswered points.

The first of these came In the second quarter, when the Potsdam Royals extended their lead with another touchdown by Jaylon Henderson, this time a five-yard rush. Henderson drove into the endzone to make up for the previous failed conversion, making the score 14-7.

The Royals added one more score before the half; a 57-yard rush from Henderson on third-and-short brough Potsdam into close proximity of the goal line, before Brandon Polk picked up a score with and 11-yard rush to increase the lead to two scores.

The Unicorns opened up the third period with a solid drive, resulting in a missed field goal from 36 yards out, giving the ball back to Henderson’s offense.

Both offenses remained quiet for the remainder of the third quarter before an 80-yard drive to close the period resulted in yet another Jaylon Henderson rushing score.

The final score of the game came not from the Royals’ offense but by way of the Unicorns offense. Following a solid drive from Schwäbisch Hall, Mike Gentili made a push for extra yards near the goal line only to be stripped of the ball by Mario Wokocha. Michael Lawson of the Royals picked up the ball, returning the pun 95-yards for a touchdown.

After another unsuccessful drive from the Unicorns, the Royals were able to end the game in victory formation to earn their first every GFL Bowl. Not surprisingly, Jaylon Henderson was awarded MVP after a superlative individual performance.

10/16/2023

Global American football family reacts to confirmation of flag football’s inclusion in the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028

The International Federation of American Football, the NFL and USA Football – the national governing body of American football in the United States – have joined forces to welcome today’s vote of the IOC Session in Mumbai, India, which will see American football feature on the official program of the Olympic Games for the first time in history when flag football makes its debut appearance in Los Angeles 2028.

Today’s decision follows prior recommendations by the IOC Executive Board, IOC Olympic Program Commission and Los Angeles 2028 Organizing Committee and concludes a two-year process of evaluation.

It comes after IFAF and the NFL formed Vision28 – a unique joint venture and partnership model – which places flag football at the heart of shared sport development goals globally.

Flag football – a short, fast, non-contact and gender-equal format, renowned as the most accessible and inclusive version of American football – is spearheading exceptional worldwide participation growth in American football, especially among women and girls.

An estimated 20 million in more than 100 countries currently play the discipline, which is growing in tandem with the exploding international popularity of the NFL, as America’s favorite spectator sport continues to build on a global fanbase of 340 million.

This year will see 65 national representative teams participate in IFAF continental flag football competition, building towards the biggest-ever IFAF World Flag Football Championships to be held in Lahti, Finland in August 2024.

Pierre TROCHET, President of the International Federation of American Football, said:

“This is a huge moment for our sport and our global American football community. We are grateful to everyone who has played a part in what has been a truly collective journey – and a journey that will now continue in partnership with LA28, whom we thank for their vision and leadership.

“We are convinced that flag football will offer an exciting new dimension to the Games – uniting them, for the first time in history, with America’s number one sport in its youngest, most accessible and inclusive format, which is already spearheading extraordinary growth, particularly among youth audiences, women and girls and in new countries worldwide. We have no doubt that inclusion in the Olympic Games will further accelerate this dynamic.”

Diana FLORES, The World Games gold medalist and Chair of the IFAF Athletes’ Committee, said:

“To compete in the Olympic Games is the ultimate dream of every athlete, and millions of flag football players around the world will go to sleep dreaming of Los Angeles 2028 tonight. I want to thank everyone who has made this possible – including all my fellow athletes and ambassadors who have played such a central role in driving the project forward.

“Together, we are determined to use this incredible stage to showcase the best of flag football – its speed, athleticism and creativity, and also its power to transform lives and include new communities in sports. As an athlete community, we are proud to be leading the way, but our goal must be to use this opportunity to inspire, lift up and empower a new generation around the world.”

Roger GOODELL, National Football League Commissioner, said:

“Congratulations to the International Federation of American Football on this landmark achievement for flag football and the global community that loves and plays our game.

“It’s a tremendous honor for any athlete to represent their country at the Olympics. We have no doubt that this decision will inspire millions of young people around the world to play this game in the years ahead.

“The NFL is committed to working together to strengthen flag football’s place in the Olympic movement long term, and we look forward to continuing this exciting journey with IFAF, the LA28 Organizing Committee, the International Olympic Committee and USA Football.”

Scott HALLENBECK, CEO of USA Football and IFAF Vice President, said:

“Today is a momentous day for American football. We are incredibly thankful to the IOC and LA28 Organizing Committee for recognizing flag football as a sport worthy of inclusion in the Olympic Games, and we share our excitement and celebrate this historic occasion with the millions of flag football players across our country.

“The decision to add flag football to the 2028 Summer Olympic program in Los Angeles is an acknowledgment of the sport’s tremendous international growth and appeal as a fast, exciting and competitive sport.

“USA Football works tirelessly to support the sport’s exponential growth at all levels by encouraging the creation of more pathways to play, and inclusion in the Olympic Games will have a transformative impact on our sport – from the grassroots level to our elite US National Teams.

“As the governing body of American Football in the United States, we are committed to continuing to work closely with IFAF, the USOPC and the NFL as we pursue our collective efforts to grow the game for current and future generations.”

10/15/2023

Stampeders stay alive with comeback win over Saskatchewan Roughriders

The Stamps overcame a 13-point deficit on their way to an eventual 26-19 win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Friday night at McMahon Stadium.

Saskatchewan pulled away 13-0 before Calgary found a way to put five points on the board late in the first half before eventually scoring 21 more in the second to keep their hopes of a playoff berth alive.

The win moved the Stamps to 5-11 and within two points of the Riders for third place in the West Division with two more games left to play for Calgary and one for Saskatchewan.

Quarterback Jake Maier was pivotal in the comeback effort and completed 17 of 29 for 184 yards and a major to receiver Floyd Allen. Running back Ka’Deem Carey had 77 total yards and backup pivot Tommy Stevens added a touchdown on the ground in the winning effort for Calgary.

The momentum changer in the game for Dave Dickenson’s team was a pick six by linebacker Cameron Judge in the third quarter who took a pass by the Riders Jake Dolegala to the end zone to put the home team ahead for the first time in the game.

Dolegala finished 23 of 33 for 272 yards and the interception while running back Jamal Morrow added 86 yards and a major as the Riders couldn’t close out a win that would have clinched a spot in the post-season.

Receiver Shawn Bane Jr. had seven catches for 103 yards and Samuel Emilus added 57 more on four reception for a now 6-11 Saskatchewan team.

Teams traded punts early in the game as both offences struggled to find a rhythm. It looked like Saskatchewan would be the first to break the stalemate but a great defensive play by defensive back Branden Dozier on a pass breakup forced the visitors to kick the ball back to Calgary one more time.

Jason Shivers’ defence returned the favour with a play of their own when defensive lineman Pete Robertson broke contain on his way to the backfield for a sack on Maier that put the Stamps behind the sticks and forced a two-and-out.

Calgary also didn’t allow a first down to the Green and White on their next drive when defensive lineman Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund stayed on his pass rushing lane and eventually got to Dolegala for a sack as the pivot couldn’t find an open target down the field.

It was only in the second quarter that the Roughriders found a way to put points on the board. Kicker Ryan Meskell split the uprights from 34 yards out to make it 3-0 in favour of the visitors early in the second.

Two possessions later Saskatchewan was back at it with their offence driving down the field. Morrow got things going with a first-down run over the middle and Dolegala found a rhythm with short passes to move all the way to Calgary’s 13-yard line. From there it was No. 25 juking his way into the end zone to extend the lead to 10-0 with 6:49 left in the half.

Dolegala got his team in position to score again later in the quarter with a rainbow throw to receiver Shawn Bane Jr. who caught it over the shoulder for 42 yards. The drive stalled in Calgary territory and Meskell converted his second field goal of the night to make it 13-0.

The Stamps got their first points when punter Adam Korsak took the safety going out of the end zone instead of kicking it away deep down his own territory, pushing the score to 13-2 with 1:05 to go in the second quarter.

Calgary made use of the time with Maier moving the team close enough for a field goal attempt by Rene Paredes. The veteran converted to make it 13-5 going into halftime.

The Riders added three more points with Meskell in their opening drive of the second half.

Two possessions later Mario Alford fumbled the ball on a punt return and gave the Stamps a chance to start the drive in the red zone. Maier made the most of it by finding Allen close to the goal line and the receiver punched it in for Calgary’s first major of the night. The extra point by Paredes made it 16-12 halfway through the third quarter.

Saskatchewan was driving down the field looking to extend their lead once more but a third-and-two run with Morrow was stuffed by Calgary’s defence for a turnover on downs. The play set up a chain of events that eventually gave the Stamps the lead. Maier and the offence went two-and-out and punted the ball back to the Riders. Dolegala then took the field and was immediately picked off by Judge who returned it for a score to make it 19-16 with the point after by Paredes.

The pivot rebounded by driving his team into field goal range. Dolegala completed three passes for 39 yards and Meskell tied the game with 14:21 to go.

Maier threw a strike to receiver Marken Michel to kickstart a scoring drive halfway through the fourth. Running back Peyton Logan then added 17 more yards on a catch over the middle to move across midfield. That was when Maier uncorked a dot to the left to receiver Luther Hakunavanhu all the way to Saskatchewan’s one-yard line. Stevens punched it in to get six more points on the board and Paredes made it 26-19 with just over five minutes on the clock.

Dolegala converted a crucial third down on the next possession for the visitors with a short pass to Morrow to keep their chances of tying the game alive. Brent Monson’s defence stopped a third-and-six a few plays later though to get the offence back on the field with a chance to end the game.

The Riders forced a quick two-and-out to get another shot at scoring but the Stamps stopped a third-and-15 to secure the victory.

It was Maier’s fourth win in five games against the Roughriders. The Stamps have two more games to play while the Riders play their last match next week.

Calgary travels to BC to face the Lions on Friday, October 20, while the Riders return home to host the Toronto Argonauts on Friday, October 21, in Week 20 action.

10/15/2023

The Milano Seamen, who just completed their first season in the European League of Football, have announced the signing of former Helvetic Guards defensive coordinator, Jim Ward, as their new head coach.

The Seamen finished the 2023 season with a 2-10 record winding up last in the Central Conference.

The 66-year-old Ward, from Canyon, Texas ran the defense for the Helvetic Guards, one of the newest members of the ELF in 2023 and in addition to his head coaching duties, will also serve as defensive coordinator for Milano. He had moved to the Guards from the Braunschweig New Yorker Lions in the German Football League where he served as defensive coordinator in 2022. The Lions defense proved to be one of the few bright sparks for the team that season, ranking third overall in the GFL for points and yards allowed.

Prior to that, Ward led the Fehervar Enthroners to their first ever Hungarian Football League championship in 2019 in his first year as Head Coach. He had spent the two previous seasons coaching the Carinthian Lions in Austria’s Division 1 after having been head coach of the Prague Black Panthers in the 2015 and 2016 seasons playing in both the Austrian Football League and the Czech league. The Black Panthers won back-to-back Czech titles while also reaching the Austrian semifinals in 2015.

Jim Ward coaching the Prague Black Panthers in 2015 Photo: Svatopluk Samler

In 2013, he guided the Örebro Black Knights to the Swedish Superserien title game. In his first two seasons coaching in Europe, Ward was at the helm of the Seinäjoki Crocodiles in Finland’s Maple League and led the team to a 19-4 overall regular season record, taking the team to the Maple Bowl championship game in 2011 and the semifinals in 2012.

Ward has spent many years as a high school football coach in Texas while also coaching various positions at the University of Mary Hardin Baylor (NCAA Div. III) and Carson Newman College

10/14/2023

HAMILTON – Coming to Tim Hortons Field from the west coast, the BC Lions spoiled Bo Levi Mitchell‘s home debut as they defeated the Hamilton Tiger-Cats with a last-second field goal to win 33-30.

Vernon Adams Jr. threw for 296 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in the win while Keon Hatcher led BC in receiving with 92 yards and Alexander Hollins caught seven receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown.

Dane Evans threw for 42 yards, going four-for-four, on the game-winning drive against his former team.

Mitchell threw for 135 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in the loss, while Matthew Shiltz threw for 180 yards and a touchdown while Tim White led the receiving corps with 112 yards and two touchdowns.

The visitors took no time to make noise in the first quarter as the Lions were the first team to get on the board, as Sean Whyte successfully kicked his 46th field goal of the season to take the lead.

But the Lions would not have an easy path downfield as the Ticats defence sacked Adams Jr. three times in the first quarter, with Casey Sayles and Jameer Thurman taking turns making the play.

BC’s defence would also be on their toes looking to make a big play at any moment, and a pick-six interception by Josh Woods for 46 yards on the first play of the second quarter proved just that.

On the next drive the Ticats had an answer, as Mitchell found one of his reliable targets in White for 21 yards to move downfield before a roughing the passer penalty put the Ticats in perfect field positions on the Lions’ eight-yard line.

Mitchell was able to find Godwin down the middle for five yards and put Hamilton on the board.

The Lions used up six minutes of clock to answer with a touchdown of their own, as Hollins made multiple big plays including snatching the ball for a first down and 12 yards to keep drive alive at the Hamilton five-yard line.

Adams Jr. was able to throw to Dominique Rhymes, coming off a game in which he pulled down five catches for 107 yards, who circled into the end zone with open space in the end zone for a touchdown to extend the Lions lead.

With Mitchell wanting to make an impact in his home debut, he found White for a 21-yard catch to move to midfield, before using a combination of White, Godwin and Kiondre Smith to move the chains.

Once a pass interference play put the Ticats on the Lions’ 11-yard line, Mitchell connected with White once again, this time for a touchdown, marking White’s seventh touchdown of the season.

As the Ticats fought back and scored on their final two drives of the half, Whyte and the Lions kicked a 36-yard field goal to end the half with a six-point lead.

Opening up the second half, Matthew Shiltz took the field in place of Mitchell after a penalty gave the Ticats a fresh set of downs, and Shiltz had no delays in finding his rhythm as he found White for his second touchdown of the night, a seven-yard score, and Hamilton’s first lead of the game.

A 49-yard kickoff return by Terry Williams put BC in field position to score a 42-yard field goal, allowing them to take the lead back despite momentum on Hamilton’s side from their hot start to the half.

The Ticats continued to move downfield, and while unable to score once again, a 27-yard Marc Liegghio closed out the third quarter with optimism heading into the final frame of action.

Kicking off the fourth quarter with possession, Adams Jr. found Cottoy for 16 yards to get down to the Hamilton five-yard line before connecting with Hollins for a score to take the lead back.

With Hamilton in position to score once again, Matthew Betts saved a score and kept the Lions ahead with his 17th sack on the season, and the Ticats opted for another field goal to put points on the board, with Liegghio successfully putting a 30-yard attempt through the uprights.

Looking like the Lions were going to extend their lead to double digits, a throw from Adams Jr. on a play where he was injured was intercepted by Dexter Lawson Jr. in the end zone that was taken 85 yards before being moved back due to an illegal blocking penalty.

Needing a score to keep their hopes for a second seed in the playoffs alive, Liegghio hit a 48-yard field goal off the upright and in, leaving a tie game with less than 60 seconds remaining.

Put in for the last minute of play, Evans threw three consecutive first downs on the game-winning drive, putting the Lions in position at the Hamilton 41-yard line to set up a last chance field goal attempt to prevent overtime.

With one second left on the clock, Whyte kicked a 48-yard field goal for the win, securing victory after a back-and-forth game.

Hamilton will rest in Week 20 before they head on the road to face Montreal, while the Lions head home to host the Calgary Stampeders during Week 20 action on Friday, Oct. 20 at 10:00 p.m. EDT at BC Place.

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