BC Lions win Grey Cup

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – The BC Lions are the Grey Cup Champions after defeating the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 34-23. Lions quarterback Travis Lulay threw second half touchdown passes to Kierrie Johnson and Arland Bruce.

The Leos opened the scoring when Winnipeg native, Andrew Harris, powered his way into the endzone from 19 yards out.

BC increased it’s lead with 22-yard field goal from Paul McCallum and a single point from a McCallum punt to make it 11-0. The 41-year-old placekicker added another field goal and the Lions took a two touchdown lead.

The Blue Bombers managed to get a pair of field goals from Justin Palardy before the first half ended, as they trailed the Lions 14-6 at the break.

Early in the second half the Bombers pulled within five points as Palardy booted his third field goal of the game, a 33-yarder.

After McCallum hit the right post on a 48-yard attempt to give the Lions their eight point cushion back, he made good from 22 yards putting the Lions up 17-9.

Just before the third quarter ran out, Lulay made his biggest play of the day as he threw a perfect 66-yard touchdown strike to Kierrie Johnson. It was the first touchdown catch of Johnson’s career.

Lulay would add another touchdown in the fourth quarter when he hit Arland Bruce in the endzone to give BC a 31-9 advantage.

The Bombers got two late touchdown catches from Greg Carr and Terrence Edwards before Paul McCallum put the game out reach with a field goal in the final two minutes.

The Lions are just the fourth team to win the Grey Cup at home in CFL history, and it’s the first time it’s been done since the 1994 Lions did it.

Travis Lulay was named MVP of the game as he was 21-of-37 for 320 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions.

Andrew Harris rushed for 65 yards and a score and was named the game’s top Canadian.

Lions quarterback Travis Lulay threw second-half touchdown passes to Kierrie Johnson and Arland Bruce.

Winnipeg’s two touchdowns came late in the fourth quarter. First Buck Pierce hit Greg Carr for a 45-yard score and then he found Terrence Edwards in the endzone from 13 yards out.

This is the sixth Grey Cup title for the Lions and first since 2006.

The victory, before an ear-splitting BC Place sellout of 54,313, capped a stunning turnaround for the Lions, who opened the season 0-5.

BC became the first team in CFL history to win the Grey Cup after losing its first five regular-season games.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who was at the game, congratulated the Lions.

“On behalf of Canadians, I would like to congratulate the BC Lions on their excellent season and unwavering drive and determination which culminated in their victory at this year’s Grey Cup in Vancouver,” his statement reads.

“I would also like to congratulate the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on their significant achievement of winning the East Division Final and reaching the championship.”

Jann Arden sang the national anthem, and Nickelback rocked the half-time show.

Vancouver Police have a large presence around the stadium and in the city’s entertainment district as fans celebrate the win.

Fan photos

We’ll be collecting fan photos all night as Lions fans celebrate! Tweet yours to us @News1130Radio or email us at news1130.ckwx@rogers.com.