Original start time 7:30 pm local and not scheduled to be televised.

Game Summary

It was do or die for the hometown Lions, as anything short of a win would put an end to their 1996 playoff hopes. The 18,031 fans in attendance saw Edmonton kicker Sean Fleming draw first blood with a 51 yard field goal. The Lions countered two minutes later when B.C. hoofer Lui Passaglia split the uprights from 45 yards out. The Eskimos then rounded out the first quarter scoring with a 10-point scoring barrage. Following a Fleming 45 yard field goal, WR Eddie Brown scored a 28 yard TD putting Edmonton up by a 13-3 count after one period of play. The always strong Eskimos defence got into the act when LB Willie Pless broke through the Lions’ offensive line and sacked QB Damon Allen recording a safety. RB Tony Burse continued the Eskimos onslaught with a 9 yard TD. This was followed by Fleming’s third field goal of the day, this one from 32 yards out giving Edmonton what would seem to be a comfortable 25-3 lead. The Lions would cut into that lead with just 56 seconds left to play in the first half when WR Mike Trevathan hauled in a 9 yard pass for the major. The score at the end of two quarters of play showed the Eskimos up by 15, 25-10. B.C. Head Coach Joe Paopao’s words of inspiration during the half-time seemed to have an astounding effect on the play of his team. They came out in the third quarter and put up 21 points on touchdowns by Brandon Hamilton, Matt Clark and Mike Trevathan. Fleming’s 47 yard field goal accounted for the only Eskimo points of the quarter as the Lions took a slim 31-28 lead into the fourth quarter. The two teams’ defences controlled the fourth quarter but at 12:26 Fleming connected for his fourth field goal of the game to tie the match at 31. Then an unfortunate incident would cost the Lions, not only the game, but also their hopes of advancing to post-season play. Fleming had the opportunity to win the game with no time left on the clock, but his 33 yard field goal attempt was wide. Lion’s RB Cory Philpot, made a heads up play by booting the ball back out of the end zone preserving the tie, however, Brandon Hamilton jumped on the loose ball and was charged with no yards. After the application of the penalty, Fleming was left with a chip shot for the win. The final score, Edmonton 34, B.C. 31.