A game for the ages by Ottawa receiver/returner Diontae Spencer led the Redblacks to a thrilling 41-36 victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at TD Place Stadium Friday night.
Spencer combined for a CFL single game record 496 combined yards to lead Ottawa back into first place in the East Division, one point ahead of the idle Toronto Argonauts with one week to play.
Spencer recorded 169 punt return yards, 165 yards on kickoffs, 133 receiving yards and 29 yards on a missed field goal return, breaking the record of 474 total yards by Winnipeg’s Albert Johnson in 2000.
Led by Jeremiah Masoli’s 438 passing yards and four touchdowns, the Ticats held a 33-22 lead midway through the fourth quarter before Ottawa mounted a wild comeback.
Kenny Allen gave Hamilton a 36-34 lead with 1:25 left in the game when he booted a 43 yard field goal.
But William Powell ran for two TDs, including a game winning 43-yard score with 31 seconds to play. Powell also scored on an eight yard scamper and twice converted two-point conversions for the defending Grey Cup champions.
Trevor Harris threw for 313 yards and two touchdowns for the 8-9-1 Redblacks. But he was also intercepted by Richard Leonard, Don Unamba and Courtney Stephen.
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Hamilton forced five turnovers in the game to Ottawa’s zero but could only score 14 points off those turnovers.
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Cats receiver Brandon Banks caught 13 passes for 193 yards and touchdowns of 12 and 42 yards while Luke Tasker made 12 receptions for 139 yards and a touchdown.
Redblacks receiver Greg Ellingson registered six catches for 65 yards and broke Ottawa’s single season record for receptions with 95.
Hamilton closes out the regular season next Friday night at home against the Montreal Alouettes.
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