Sean Whyte kicks eight field goals as Lions down Argos
Jon Blacker/CFL.ca
Sean Whyte celebrating
TORONTO -- Sean Whyte's leg provided all the points for the BC Lions and the BC defence had a massive goal line stop to close out a 24-17 victory over the Toronto Argonauts at BMO Field.
Whyte was perfect for the Lions, as the steady leg of the veteran kicker knocked through all four of his first half field goal attempts as the Leos led 12-10 at the break. Whyte added four more field goals in the second half to set his personal record and a Lions franchise record for field goals in a single game (eight), falling one short of Vincent Blanchard's CFL record nine field goals that was set last week.
Neither offence could break into the end zone early in the game as both high octane offences were stifled in the red zone. It was not until Nick Arbuckle and the Argos' offence went into a hurry-up offence with under three minutes left in the half and connected with Makai Polk that the game's first touchdown was scored.
Deontai Williams got the Lions into their best starting field position to start the second half after tipping and intercepting an Arbuckle pass attempt. The Boatmen's defence held firm again though, and forced another Whyte field goal.
Nathan Rourke had a tough day against a stout Toronto defence. The reigning MOP threw for 254 yards on 15-of-32 passing with no touchdowns or interceptions. Rourke added 50 yards on the ground with his legs, but could not get the Lions' offence into the end zone.
James Butler and Zander Horvath split the lead-back role in the Lions' rush attack. Butler was the yardage leader gaining 64 yards on the ground in his nine attempts, with Horvath adding 37 yards on his 11 carries.
T.J. Lee put a halt to the Argos' late game drive picking off Arbuckle's pass in the red zone. The Double Blue defence forced a quick two-and-out to put the pressure right back on the Lions, but the Leos' defence stuffed Arbuckle on back-to-back sneak attempts from the one to seal the victory.
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In his first start of the season, Arbuckle went 27-for-33, accounting for 292 yards through the air with two touchdown passes and two interceptions.
David Ungerer III was the top target of the veteran signal-caller, hauling in all 12 of his targets for 124 yards and a touchdown. Damonte Coxie added 57 yards on four receptions with first year receiver Tyler Kahmann joining Coxie and Ungerer III in the 1,000 yard club as his 37 yards on the day put him over the milestone mark. Polk finished with three receptions and 30 yards, bringing in the other Arbuckle touchdown toss.
The BC Lions move into the driver's seat for the second West Division spot as they improve to 9-6. With the Argos falling to 9-7, the door is now open for the Alouettes to clinch the East Division on Saturday night against Winnipeg.
SCORING PLAYS
Sean Whyte 39-yard field goal (10:07, Q1) | BC 3 TOR 0
Lirim Hajrullahu 18-yard field goal (05:33, Q1) | BC 3 TOR 3
Sean Whyte 26-yard field goal (01:07, Q1) | BC 6 TOR 3
Sean Whyte 32-yard field goal (02:55, Q2) | BC 9 TOR 3
Nick Arbuckle five-yard touchdown pass to Makai Polk (01:35, Q2) | BC 9 TOR 10
Sean Whyte 12-yard field goal (00:00, Q2) | BC 12 TOR 10
Sean Whyte 19-yard field goal (10:41, Q3) | BC 15 TOR 10
Sean Whyte 40-yard field goal (04:00, Q3) | BC 18 TOR 10
Sean Whyte 30-yard field goal (12:27, Q4) | BC 21 TOR 10
Nick Arbuckle 36-yard touchdown pass to David Ungerer III (09:29, Q4) | BC 21 TOR 17
Sean Whyte 48-yard field goal (04:51, Q4) | BC 24 TOR 17
NEXT UP
The Toronto Argonauts head into a Week 19 bye before they take on the winless Ottawa REDBLACKS in Week 20. The Argos won their Week 15 matchup 26-23 with a walk-off field goal by Lirim Hajrullahu.
The BC Lions will host the Ottawa REDBLACKS in Week 19, in their only other meeting the Lions took a 45-24 victory at TD Place Stadium.