Lions edge Argonauts on Whyte's record field goals, late goal-line stand

TORONTO — Sean Whyte kicked a club-record eight field goals and the B.C. Lions' defence made a game-saving goal-line stand in the final seconds for a 24-17 victory over the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday.

The Lions stopped Toronto quarterback Nick Arbuckle at the B.C. one-yard line on third down with 11 seconds remaining to seal the win before 13,974 spectators at BMO Field.

"We preach having grit and fighting for anything we can do to win the game for our team," said Lions defensive back T.J. Lee, who also had a late interception. "Anytime we get on the field our defence has the mindset that it's an opportunity and we took advantage of it today."

READ MORE: Toronto Argonauts' Javon Grant Sets CFL Record with 128-Yard Missed Field Goal Return Touchdown

READ MORE: Stampeders Stun Redblacks with Walk-Off 62-Yard Field Goal to Keep Ottawa Winless

Whyte, 40, was perfect on the day, finishing one field goal short of the CFL record. He broke the B.C. mark he shared with Lui Passaglia.

"Sean Whyte, we know he's clutch," Lee said. "It's like a free throw for him, every kick is a free throw."

Arbuckle, making his first start of the season in place of the injured Chad Kelly, completed 27-of-33 passes for 292 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions.

"It's a tough loss. Any loss is tough," Arbuckle said. "Losing by 1 yard or half a yard on the last play is devastating."

His 36-yard touchdown strike to David Ungerer III with 5:30 left in the fourth quarter pulled Toronto to within 21-17. Whyte's 29-yard field goal at 2:33 restored a seven-point lead.

Toronto's defence kept the Lions' offence out of the end zone entirely. B.C. quarterback Nathan Rourke was 15-of-32 passing for 254 yards.

"I feel like two out of the three facets of our team really played extremely well," Rourke said. "Offensively we've got to do better and it starts with me."

B.C. head coach Buck Pierce credited his defence for the win.

"Throughout the course of this last little stretch (the Lions' defence) has been fantastic," Pierce said. "It was fitting the way that game ended because of how well they've played."

Ungerer III caught all 12 of his targets for 124 yards and the touchdown, becoming one of three Toronto receivers to surpass 1,000 receiving yards this season.

"Historically, I haven't played that great against them," Ungerer III said of facing B.C. "So today I was really focused on just being the best version of myself."

Arbuckle, who found out Friday he was starting, said his nickname for Ungerer III is "Hungry Man."

Toronto defensive lineman Shawn Lemon, who had a sack, said the team's confidence remains high despite the loss.

"Confidence is high. We can beat anybody in this league," Lemon said. "Only team that can beat us is ourselves. And unfortunately, we beat ourselves tonight."

The Lions (9-6) earned their third straight win and seventh in eight games. They moved two points ahead of Calgary and Saskatchewan in the West Division.

The Argonauts (9-7) had their four-game win streak snapped and suffered their first loss in five home games this season. They will finish second in the East Division behind Montreal.

Makai Polk had Toronto's other touchdown on a five-yard grab in the second quarter. Lirim Hajrullahu added two converts and a field goal.

Both teams have a bye next week.

Up next: Toronto visits the Ottawa Redblacks on Friday, Oct. 16.

With files from The Canadian Press, CFL News Hub and Sportsnet