STAMPEDERS 14 LIONS 7

CALGARY (CP) – The return of running back Jon Cornish and the resurgence of the Calgary Stampeders defence after a couple of porous performances were the difference in a 14-7 win over the B.C. Lions on Saturday.

The highest-scoring team in the CFL couldn’t muster a touchdown, but Stampeders kicker Rene Paredes made four of his six field-goal attempts and Cornish rushed for 156 yards to get the team into scoring position.

Cornish sat out last week’s loss to the Montreal Alouettes to rest a sore neck. Calgary quarterback Drew Tate used him early and often as the CFL’s star running back carried the ball 20 times.

“He’s a hero I guess is what he is,” Tate said. “He really is just unbelievable.”

Calgary remained atop the CFL and West Division standings at 11-2, while the Lions dropped to 7-6 and in fourth spot in the division.

B.C. edged Calgary 25-24 at McMahon Stadium on Aug. 1, so the season series between the two clubs will be decided Nov. 7.

Tate was 12-for-23 in passing for 162 yards in his second straight start for Calgary this season.

Needing more time to recover from a sprained ankle and stretched knee ligament he sustained Sept. 13, Bo Levi Mitchell dressed as the Calgary’s No. 3, but did not play.

Lions backup quarterback John Beck scored B.C.’s lone touchdown on the first drive of the game on a two-yard plunge. Glenn completed 14 of 25 passes for 127 yards. He was intercepted in the first half by Calgary’s Brandon Smith.

“I was seeing the field a lot better than I was last week. I missed some throws,” Tate said. “I can’t keep missing throws and giving the other team an opportunity to capitalize on that.

“That was a fight. Those guys are good over there. They’re tough. We’re just excited to get the win. That’s what it’s all about. That’s why we play. That’s why we showed up. That’s why you all showed up.”

Cornish said it felt like an odd game because his contributions didn’t turn into touchdowns.

“I don’t really care if I score touchdowns, but I want someone to score touchdowns,” Cornish said. “As an offence, we like putting up points and that gives you something to celebrate.

The Lions take on the host Hamilton Tiger-Cats (5-7) on Saturday and are at home to the Ottawa Redblacks a week later.