The Calgary Stampeders secured a 28-23 victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on August 29, 2026. A late 49-yard touchdown sprint by Dedrick Mills sealed the win at McMahon Stadium.
Dedrick Mills' 49-yard sprint with 29 seconds left
The game reached a climax when Dedrick Mills broke free for a 49-yard touchdown run with just 29 seconds remaining on the clock. According to the report, Mills finished the contest with 118 yards on 14 carries, providing the explosive ground game the Calgary Stampeders needed to overcome a late deficit. Mills credited his offensive line for opening the necessary hole and the receivers for their downfield blocking to ensure the score.
This late-game surge allowed the Calgary Stampeders to move to a 5-6 record, while the Hamilton Tiger-Cats fell to 4-8. The victory was particularly sweet for the home crowd of 19,855, as coach and general manager Dave Dickenson noted that the team had struggled previously at McMahon Stadium.
Josh Love's 274-yard debut in place of Vernon Adams Jr .
Quarterback Josh Love stepped into his first CFL start after Vernon Adams Jr. was sidelined with a head injury. Love proved capable in the high-pressure environment, completing 25 of 36 passes for 274 yards. As reported, Love also threw his first profssional touchdown pass in the league, a strike to Ajou Ajou that Love noted mirrored a look the team had practiced earlier in the week.
Love's poise was a critical factor in the Calgary Stampeders' ability to stay competitive. He also connected with Dejon Brissett for a 55-yard gain during the first half, a play highlighted by a forward somersault that kept the Calgary offense moving during a tight contest.
Rene Paredes' five field goals after groin injury
The special teams unit provided essential stability through Rene Paredes, who made his first appearance of the season following a groin injury sustained during training camp. Paredes was highly efficient, connecting on five field goals from 42, 32, 45, 51, and 47 yards. his consistency kept the Calgary Stampeders within striking distance throughout the game.
While Paredes missed one 42-yard attempt, his overall performance ensured that Calgary could capitalize on drives that stalled in the red zone. This reliability contrasted with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats' inability to maintain their lead in the final minutes of the fourth quarter.
The 13 different scorers fueling Calgary's offensive diversity
With the touchdown catch by Ajou Ajou, the Calgary Stampeders now boast 13 different players who have scored a touchdown this sesaon. This statistic gives Calgary the lead in that category across the CFL, suggesting a balanced offensive attack that is difficult for opposing defenses to predict.
This trend of distributed scoring reflects a broader shift in the Calgary Stampeders' strategy under Dave Dickenson. By utilizing a wide array of targets and runners, the team is mitigating the risk associated with injuries to key players, such as the absence of Vernon Adams Jr. in this specific matchup.
Why Hamilton's fourth-quarter lead evaporated
Despite touchdown catches by Myron Mitchell and Kenny Lawler—both thrown by Tre Ford—the Hamilton Tiger-Cats could not close out the game . Coach Scott Milanovich admitted he was dissatisfied with the team's halftime mood and lamented the failure to protect a fourth-quarter lead. the report indicates that Hamilton's defense, while aggressive with pressure from Philip Ossai, ultimately failed to stop Dedrick Mills in the closing seconds.
Several questions remain regarding the Hamilton Tiger-Cats' trajectory. It is unclear if the "flustered" emotion described by Tre Ford in the locker room is a symptom of a deeper cultural issue or simply the result of a heartbreaking loss. Furthermore, the team's inability to finish games is becoming a pattern that may define their 2026 campaign.
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