During the first half of a CFL game in Calgary on Thursday, August 15, 2024, Ottawa Redblacks' Alijah McGhee watched as Calgary Stampeders' Ishmael Hyman made a catch. The play was captured by Canadian Press photographer Jeff McIntosh.
In a nail-biting finish at McMahon Stadium, Lewis Ward’s 51-yard field goal in the final seconds secured a thrilling 31-29 victory for the Ottawa Redblacks over the Calgary Stampeders. Ward’s decisive kick, which split the uprights as the clock ran out, left him momentarily unsure of how to react. "I didn’t know what to feel," Ward admitted, reflecting on the emotionless moment before the excitement of the win set in.
This victory extends the Redblacks’ unbeaten streak to five games, with a record of 6-2-1, thanks in part to Ward’s three field goals during the game. Ottawa’s head coach, Bob Dyce, was unsurprised by Ward’s calm under pressure, praising his kicker’s consistent ability to deliver in high-stakes situations. "We call him Money Lew for a reason," Dyce said, emphasizing Ward’s unwavering focus even when Calgary’s coach Dave Dickenson called a timeout in an attempt to rattle him.
Quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, who completed 27-of-35 passes for 254 yards, contributed to the victory with a touchdown pass to Devonte Dedmon. Masoli, making his first start since recovering from a severe Achilles injury last season, acknowledged the intense battle on the field, noting that close games in the CFL require a team to find ways to win.
The Redblacks’ offence was further bolstered by touchdowns from Ryquell Armstead and Dustin Crum, with Richie Leone adding a single point. Meanwhile, Calgary’s Tommy Stevens, known for his short-yardage expertise, ran for three touchdowns, yet the Stampeders still fell short of victory. Despite Calgary’s home-field advantage and a solid performance by starting quarterback Jake Maier, who threw for 269 yards, they couldn’t clinch the win, suffering their first home loss of the season.
After a field goal by Calgary’s Rene Paredes put the Stampeders ahead 29-28 with just over two minutes remaining, the stage was set for Ward’s game-winning heroics. Paredes, who also contributed two field goals earlier in the game, watched as his efforts were ultimately overshadowed by Ward’s final kick.
Calgary’s head coach, Dave Dickenson, expressed disappointment following the narrow loss, highlighting the emotional investment his team had made in the game. "It felt like we put so much into finally getting that lead, but we just couldn’t finish," Dickenson said, acknowledging the hard-fought battle on both sides.
The game’s back-and-forth nature was evident from the outset, with both teams exchanging touchdowns and field goals in a closely contested match. Ottawa’s early lead, courtesy of Armstead’s 25-yard touchdown run, was quickly answered by a one-yard touchdown rush from Stevens. The Redblacks’ offensive momentum carried them through the second and third quarters, with Masoli leading an 83-yard drive that culminated in a touchdown by Crum.
As the final moments of the game unfolded, Ward’s poise under pressure and his ability to execute the game-winning field goal highlighted the Redblacks’ resilience and determination. For the Stampeders, the loss served as a reminder of the thin margins that define success and failure in the CFL.
