In one of the most stunning finishes in recent CFL memory, Calgary Stampeders kicker Rene Paredes launched a 62-yard field goal with just two seconds remaining to propel his team past the visiting Ottawa Redblacks 40-38 on Saturday night at McMahon Stadium.
The nail-biting victory marked the longest field goal of Paredes' storied career and kept Calgary's fading playoff hopes alive, though the Stampeders (6-8) remain anchored in last place in the West Division.
The Redblacks (0-13) continue their historic nightmare season, dropping their 13th consecutive game to start the year — joining the 1994 Shreveport Pirates as only the second team in CFL history to begin a season with such a devastating skid. When accounting for losses carried over from last season, Ottawa has now lost 19 straight games.
A Tale of Two Offences
Calgary's offensive firepower came from multiple sources. Running back Quincy Vaughn punched in two short-yardage touchdowns, while receivers Tevin Jones and Jalen Philpot each caught touchdown passes. Paredes was nearly perfect on the day, adding field goals from 57, 23, and 19 yards, along with four convert points in front of 20,113 fans.
Quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. completed 28 of 41 pass attempts for 357 yards and two touchdowns. He suffered a scare in the third quarter when he landed awkwardly on his left ankle after contact with an offensive lineman, but returned to the field the following series and led a critical seven-play, 57-yard scoring drive.
Ottawa's McLeod Bethel-Thompson, making his first start of the season, was remarkably productive despite the loss. The 38-year-old quarterback completed 27 of 48 passes for 379 yards with five touchdown throws — three caught by receiver Keelan White. However, he was intercepted once in what appeared to be a breakout performance for the struggling franchise.
Justin Hardy's touchdown reception with 72 seconds remaining gave Ottawa a 38-37 lead, but that sliver of hope evaporated when Paredes split the uprights from distance.
A Season of Heartbreak
The Redblacks mounted a respectable second-half comeback after trailing 24-14 midway through the third quarter. Kalil Pimpleton caught a touchdown pass to inch Ottawa within striking distance, and Brett Lauther's 37-yard field goal followed by Hardy's late touchdown catch had the Redblacks on the verge of a stunning upset.
But Paredes' thunderous kick was the dagger.
For Ottawa fans clinging to hope, the season has become an exercise in resilience. Every game brings another loss to an ever-growing tally that has put the franchise in rare historical company — and not in a good way.
This article is based on reporting from CBC Calgary.