Latest news with #KennyLawler
CTV News
3 days ago
- Sport
- CTV News
B.C. Lions seek answers for high-flying Lawler and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats
B.C. Lions' Cristophe Beaulieu (29) breaks up a pass intended for Saskatchewan Roughriders' Dhel Duncan-Busby (18) during the second half of a CFL football game, in Vancouver, on Saturday, July 19, 2025. (Darryl Dyck / The Canadian Press) VANCOUVER — The B.C. Lions head into the weekend facing a riddle — how do you stop Kenny Lawler? The Hamilton Tiger-Cats receiver is on a tear, and leads the CFL in both receiving yards (644) and receiving touchdowns (eight). He'll look to add to those totals Saturday when the Ticats (4-2) visit the Lions (3-4). For Lions defensive coordinator Mike Benevides, the riddle's answer is simple. 'You don't stop Kenny Lawler,' Benevides said. The veteran CFL coach recounted a time when he tried to contain the 31-year-old American receiver by double teaming him, only to see Lawler still make 'hellacious plays.' 'You don't stop him. What you want to do is try to minimize it and just make sure he doesn't have one of those 250-yard games,' Benevides said. 'They're going to find ways to get him the ball, but you just want to make sure he's not the one continuously making the big play against you.' The Ticats started out the season with a pair of losses — both to West Division opponents — but have rebounded with four-straight victories, thanks in part to Lawler's solid play. He heads into Saturday's matchup with at least one touchdown in five of Hamilton's six games. That's of little surprise to Lions head coach Buck Pierce, who spent the last two seasons working with Lawler in Winnipeg where he served as the Blue Bombers offensive coordinator. 'He's a highly motivated, competitive, driven individual,' Pierce said. 'I loved my time with Kenny, watching him develop and grow. And watching him over the last couple of years, he's really matured and taken on a leadership role.' Taking Lawler out of the equation this week will require the Lions defence to focus on more than just the star receiver, said defensive lineman Mathieu Betts. Disrupting quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell — who leads the league in passing TDs with 12 and sits second in passing yards with 1,812 — will also be essential, he said. 'Us on the D line, if we can get pressure on Bo Levi to make him maybe not be as accurate as he used to be, or maybe throw from his back foot or just rattle him a little bit more, we'll help the (defensive backs) out,' he said. B.C. is looking to get back into the win column after dropping a 33-27 decision to the Saskatchewan Roughriders last week, but the squad will need to get past a stingy Ticats defence to do so. Hamilton has allowed the fewest passing touchdowns (five) and fewest completions of 30-plus yards (four) this season. The Ticats' defence is 'phenomenally coached,' said Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke. 'They challenge you. They play a lot of man coverage. They get up in your face, bring some pressures,' he said. 'I think their front four are very versatile, they get a lot of pressure. … They're always very polished, so I think it's going to be a good one.' HAMILTON TIGER-CATS (4-2) AT B.C. LIONS (3-4) Sunday, B.C. Place HELLO AGAIN: Lions running back James Butler is set to face the Ticats for the first time since being released by the team in January. He signed with B.C. as a free agent hours later and currently sits second the CFL in rushing yards, with 504 on the year. KICK'N IT: Both teams come in with kickers on hot streaks. Hamilton's Marc Liegghio has made his past 30 field goal attempts going back to last season while B.C.'s Sean Whyte has made 26 straight. HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE: Road teams across the CFL are 15-12 this season. B.C. is 1-2 at home. This report by Gemma Karstens-Smith of The Canadian Press was first published July 25, 2025.
Hamilton Spectator
4 days ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
B.C. Lions seek answers for high-flying Lawler and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats
VANCOUVER - The B.C. Lions head into the weekend facing a riddle — how do you stop Kenny Lawler? The Hamilton Tiger-Cats receiver is on a tear, and leads the CFL in both receiving yards (644) and receiving touchdowns (eight). He'll look to add to those totals Saturday when the Ticats (4-2) visit the Lions (3-4). For Lions defensive coordinator Mike Benevides, the riddle's answer is simple. 'You don't stop Kenny Lawler,' Benevides said. The veteran CFL coach recounted a time when he tried to contain the 31-year-old American receiver by double teaming him, only to see Lawler still make 'hellacious plays.' 'You don't stop him. What you want to do is try to minimize it and just make sure he doesn't have one of those 250-yard games,' Benevides said. 'They're going to find ways to get him the ball, but you just want to make sure he's not the one continuously making the big play against you.' The Ticats started out the season with a pair of losses — both to West Division opponents — but have rebounded with four-straight victories, thanks in part to Lawler's solid play. He heads into Saturday's matchup with at least one touchdown in five of Hamilton's six games. That's of little surprise to Lions head coach Buck Pierce, who spent the last two seasons working with Lawler in Winnipeg where he served as the Blue Bombers offensive coordinator. 'He's a highly motivated, competitive, driven individual,' Pierce said. 'I loved my time with Kenny, watching him develop and grow. And watching him over the last couple of years, he's really matured and taken on a leadership role.' Taking Lawler out of the equation this week will require the Lions defence to focus on more than just the star receiver, said defensive lineman Mathieu Betts. Disrupting quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell — who leads the league in passing TDs with 12 and sits second in passing yards with 1,812 — will also be essential, he said. 'Us on the D line, if we can get pressure on Bo Levi to make him maybe not be as accurate as he used to be, or maybe throw from his back foot or just rattle him a little bit more, we'll help the (defensive backs) out,' he said. B.C. is looking to get back into the win column after dropping a 33-27 decision to the Saskatchewan Roughriders last week, but the squad will need to get past a stingy Ticats defence to do so. Hamilton has allowed the fewest passing touchdowns (five) and fewest completions of 30-plus yards (four) this season. The Ticats' defence is 'phenomenally coached,' said Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke. 'They challenge you. They play a lot of man coverage. They get up in your face, bring some pressures,' he said. 'I think their front four are very versatile, they get a lot of pressure. … They're always very polished, so I think it's going to be a good one.' HAMILTON TIGER-CATS (4-2) AT B.C. LIONS (3-4) Sunday, B.C. Place HELLO AGAIN: Lions running back James Butler is set to face the Ticats for the first time since being released by the team in January. He signed with B.C. as a free agent hours later and currently sits second the CFL in rushing yards, with 504 on the year. KICK'N IT: Both teams come in with kickers on hot streaks. Hamilton's Marc Liegghio has made his past 30 field goal attempts going back to last season while B.C.'s Sean Whyte has made 26 straight. HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE: Road teams across the CFL are 15-12 this season. B.C. is 1-2 at home. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 25, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
4 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
B.C. Lions seek answers for high-flying Lawler and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats
VANCOUVER – The B.C. Lions head into the weekend facing a riddle — how do you stop Kenny Lawler? The Hamilton Tiger-Cats receiver is on a tear, and leads the CFL in both receiving yards (644) and receiving touchdowns (eight). He'll look to add to those totals Saturday when the Ticats (4-2) visit the Lions (3-4). For Lions defensive coordinator Mike Benevides, the riddle's answer is simple. 'You don't stop Kenny Lawler,' Benevides said. The veteran CFL coach recounted a time when he tried to contain the 31-year-old American receiver by double teaming him, only to see Lawler still make 'hellacious plays.' 'You don't stop him. What you want to do is try to minimize it and just make sure he doesn't have one of those 250-yard games,' Benevides said. 'They're going to find ways to get him the ball, but you just want to make sure he's not the one continuously making the big play against you.' The Ticats started out the season with a pair of losses — both to West Division opponents — but have rebounded with four-straight victories, thanks in part to Lawler's solid play. He heads into Saturday's matchup with at least one touchdown in five of Hamilton's six games. That's of little surprise to Lions head coach Buck Pierce, who spent the last two seasons working with Lawler in Winnipeg where he served as the Blue Bombers offensive coordinator. 'He's a highly motivated, competitive, driven individual,' Pierce said. 'I loved my time with Kenny, watching him develop and grow. And watching him over the last couple of years, he's really matured and taken on a leadership role.' Taking Lawler out of the equation this week will require the Lions defence to focus on more than just the star receiver, said defensive lineman Mathieu Betts. Disrupting quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell — who leads the league in passing TDs with 12 and sits second in passing yards with 1,812 — will also be essential, he said. 'Us on the D line, if we can get pressure on Bo Levi to make him maybe not be as accurate as he used to be, or maybe throw from his back foot or just rattle him a little bit more, we'll help the (defensive backs) out,' he said. B.C. is looking to get back into the win column after dropping a 33-27 decision to the Saskatchewan Roughriders last week, but the squad will need to get past a stingy Ticats defence to do so. Hamilton has allowed the fewest passing touchdowns (five) and fewest completions of 30-plus yards (four) this season. The Ticats' defence is 'phenomenally coached,' said Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke. 'They challenge you. They play a lot of man coverage. They get up in your face, bring some pressures,' he said. 'I think their front four are very versatile, they get a lot of pressure. … They're always very polished, so I think it's going to be a good one.' HAMILTON TIGER-CATS (4-2) AT B.C. LIONS (3-4) Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. Sunday, B.C. Place HELLO AGAIN: Lions running back James Butler is set to face the Ticats for the first time since being released by the team in January. He signed with B.C. as a free agent hours later and currently sits second the CFL in rushing yards, with 504 on the year. KICK'N IT: Both teams come in with kickers on hot streaks. Hamilton's Marc Liegghio has made his past 30 field goal attempts going back to last season while B.C.'s Sean Whyte has made 26 straight. HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE: Road teams across the CFL are 15-12 this season. B.C. is 1-2 at home. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 25, 2025.
CTV News
6 days ago
- Sport
- CTV News
Veteran receiver Kenny Lawler making an immediate impact with Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Hamilton Tiger-Cats' Kenny Lawler catches a pass against the Ottawa Redblacks during second half CFL action in Hamilton, Ont. on Saturday, July 12, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Geoff Robins Kenny Lawler hasn't wasted any time making an impact with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The six-foot-one, 180-pound receiver, who signed a two-year deal with Hamilton (4-2) in free agency, leads the CFL in receiving yards (644), touchdowns (career-high eight) and 30-yard receptions (eight). Lawler has 33 catches overall and registered touchdown receptions in five of six games this season. Lawler, 31, has developed a solid chemistry with Hamilton starting quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell, the CFL leader in passing yards (1,812), touchdowns (12) and 300-yard games (four). Hamilton leads the league in offensive points (27 per game) and is tied with B.C. for passing TDs (both 12). The Ticats are also second in net passing yards (303.8 per game) behind the Lions (310.6). Hamilton visits B.C. (3-4) on Sunday night having won four straight. All of the victories have come against East Division rivals as the Ticats head into this contest 0-2 versus the West Division. Hamilton's defence has allowed just five TD passes and four 30-yard completions _ both league lows. The Ticats also lead the CFL in turnover ratio (plus-eight). B.C.'s offence isn't exactly chopped liver as quarterback Nathan Rourke has thrown for over 300 yards in four of his five starts. The Victoria native is averaging 321.4 yards per start, second only to Saskatchewan's Trevor Harris (325.2). Veteran Keon Hatcher Sr. is second overall in receiving yards (574) but tops in yards after catch (204). The Lions also sport the CFL's leading rusher in James Butler (504 yards), who'll face his former team for the first time. Both teams also have reliable veteran kickers. Hamilton's Marc Liegghio has made 30 straight field goals while B.C.'s Sean Whyte has converted on his last 26 attempts. Another wildcard for Hamilton this season has been returner Isaiah Wooden Sr., the CFL leader in combined yards (876). Wooden leads the league in kickoff returns (19), yards (538), 40-plus yard returns (four) and touchdowns (two) and is second in punt returns (18 for 271 yards, 15.1-yard average). Pick: Hamilton. Montreal Alouettes versus Calgary Stampeders (Thursday night) At Calgary, the Stampeders (5-1) chase their first four-game win streak since 2022. Veteran kicker Rene Paredes needs one field goal to become the sixth player to reach 600 for his career. Last week, Vernon Adams Jr. had three TD strikes in the club's 41-20 road win over Winnipeg. He's 3-0 versus Montreal (4-2), having passed for 982 yards and six TDs. Veteran McLeod Bethel-Thompson starts for Montreal, which is 3-0-1 in it last four games versus Calgary, with incumbent Davis Alexander (hamstring) on the six-game injured list. Alexander's 10-yard TD run late in the fourth rallied the Als past Toronto 26-25 last week. Pick: Calgary. Edmonton Elks versus Saskatchewan Roughriders (Friday night) At Regina, the Riders (5-1) have won 11 of their last 15 matchups versus Edmonton (1-4) but the Elks have claimed their last two contests in Saskatchewan. Harris needs 226 passing yards to become the 13th player to reach 35,000 for his career. He has completed 59-of-74 passes (79.7 per cent) for 820 yards and four touchdowns in his last two games. It's unclear who will start under centre for Edmonton but incumbent Tre Ford is 2-0 versus Saskatchewan while backup Cody Fajardo, a former Rider, hasn't started against the squad. Receiver Kurleigh Gittens Jr. has scored touchdowns in his past two games, Pick: Saskatchewan. Winnipeg Blue Bombers versus Toronto Argonauts (Saturday night) At Toronto, Nick Arbuckle is expected to make a seventh straight start at quarterback for the Argos (1-5) as Chad Kelly continues his recovery from the leg injury he suffered in last year's East Division final. The Argos are 20-4 with Kelly, the CFL's outstanding player in '23, and 7-11 without him. They're 3-1 in their last four home games versus Winnipeg (3-2). Receiver Kevin Mital had a career-high 10 catches versus Montreal and leads the CFL with 37 receptions. Zach Collaros was injured in last week's loss to Calgary but was a full participant in practice and will start for Winnipeg. Collaros is 10-7 over his career against Toronto but the Bombers have lost consecutive games by 20-plus points for the first time since 2014. Pick: Winnipeg. Last week: 2-2. Overall record: 16-11. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 23, 2025. Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press
Winnipeg Free Press
6 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Veteran receiver Kenny Lawler making an immediate impact with Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Kenny Lawler hasn't wasted any time making an impact with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, The six-foot-one, 180-pound receiver, who signed a two-year deal with Hamilton (4-2) in free agency, leads the CFL in receiving yards (644), touchdowns (career-high eight) and 30-yard receptions (eight). Lawler has 33 catches overall and registered touchdown receptions in five of six games this season. Lawler, 31, has developed a solid chemistry with Hamilton starting quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell, the CFL leader in passing yards (1,812), touchdowns (12) and 300-yard games (four). Hamilton leads the league in offensive points (27 per game) and is tied with B.C. for passing TDs (both 12). The Ticats are also second in net passing yards (303.8 per game) behind the Lions (310.6). Hamilton visits B.C. (3-4) on Sunday night having won four straight. All of the victories have come against East Division rivals as the Ticats head into this contest 0-2 versus the West Division. Hamilton's defence has allowed just five TD passes and four 30-yard completions _ both league lows. The Ticats also lead the CFL in turnover ratio (plus-eight). B.C.'s offence isn't exactly chopped liver as quarterback Nathan Rourke has thrown for over 300 yards in four of his five starts. The Victoria native is averaging 321.4 yards per start, second only to Saskatchewan's Trevor Harris (325.2). Veteran Keon Hatcher Sr. is second overall in receiving yards (574) but tops in yards after catch (204). The Lions also sport the CFL's leading rusher in James Butler (504 yards), who'll face his former team for the first time. Both teams also have reliable veteran kickers. Hamilton's Marc Liegghio has made 30 straight field goals while B.C.'s Sean Whyte has converted on his last 26 attempts. Another wildcard for Hamilton this season has been returner Isaiah Wooden Sr., the CFL leader in combined yards (876). Wooden leads the league in kickoff returns (19), yards (538), 40-plus yard returns (four) and touchdowns (two) and is second in punt returns (18 for 271 yards, 15.1-yard average). Pick: Hamilton. Montreal Alouettes versus Calgary Stampeders (Thursday night) At Calgary, the Stampeders (5-1) chase their first four-game win streak since 2022. Veteran kicker Rene Paredes needs one field goal to become the sixth player to reach 600 for his career. Last week, Vernon Adams Jr. had three TD strikes in the club's 41-20 road win over Winnipeg. He's 3-0 versus Montreal (4-2), having passed for 982 yards and six TDs. Veteran McLeod Bethel-Thompson starts for Montreal, which is 3-0-1 in it last four games versus Calgary, with incumbent Davis Alexander (hamstring) on the six-game injured list. Alexander's 10-yard TD run late in the fourth rallied the Als past Toronto 26-25 last week. Pick: Calgary. Edmonton Elks versus Saskatchewan Roughriders (Friday night) At Regina, the Riders (5-1) have won 11 of their last 15 matchups versus Edmonton (1-4) but the Elks have claimed their last two contests in Saskatchewan. Harris needs 226 passing yards to become the 13th player to reach 35,000 for his career. He has completed 59-of-74 passes (79.7 per cent) for 820 yards and four touchdowns in his last two games. It's unclear who will start under centre for Edmonton but incumbent Tre Ford is 2-0 versus Saskatchewan while backup Cody Fajardo, a former Rider, hasn't started against the squad. Receiver Kurleigh Gittens Jr. has scored touchdowns in his past two games, Pick: Saskatchewan. Winnipeg Blue Bombers versus Toronto Argonauts (Saturday night) At Toronto, Nick Arbuckle is expected to make a seventh straight start at quarterback for the Argos (1-5) as Chad Kelly continues his recovery from the leg injury he suffered in last year's East Division final. The Argos are 20-4 with Kelly, the CFL's outstanding player in '23, and 7-11 without him. They're 3-1 in their last four home games versus Winnipeg (3-2). Receiver Kevin Mital had a career-high 10 catches versus Montreal and leads the CFL with 37 receptions. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. Zach Collaros was injured in last week's loss to Calgary but was a full participant in practice and will start for Winnipeg. Collaros is 10-7 over his career against Toronto but the Bombers have lost consecutive games by 20-plus points for the first time since 2014. Pick: Winnipeg. Last week: 2-2. Overall record: 16-11. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 23, 2025.
