Ottawa’s Ward sets record for consecutive field goals
For a guy who wasn’t expected to make the team out of training camp, Lewis Ward has quickly become a fan favourite and a key member of the Ottawa Redblacks’ offence.
Ward set a single-season mark for consecutive field goals Saturday to help the Redblacks (8-5) defeat the Edmonton Eskimos (7-6), 28-15, in Canadian Football League play.
Ward had four field goals in the first half alone to break the previous benchmark of 32 straight set by Rene Parades in the 2016 season with the Calgary Stampeders. Ward finished the game with seven and has now connected on 37 straight.
“It’s a lot of fun being able to contribute to the team the way I have and, obviously, winning football games is the most important, so to be able to do this in front of the home crowd is pretty special,” said Ward, who is no stranger to the Ottawa Football scene, having spent five season with the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees and is the school’s all-time points leader.
Parades also holds the overall consecutive record of 39 set between the 2012-13 seasons, also with Calgary.
A late drive that ended with a four-yard touchdown pass from Trevor Harris to Greg Ellingson at 11:16 of the fourth quarter gave the Redblacks a 25-15 lead after the Ward conversion.
Ward then kicked a 22-yard field goal with less than two minutes to play, giving him 22 points for the game.
Harris completed 23-of-30 passes for 313 yards, while his counterpart Mike Reilly was 27 of 40 for 276 yards. Both had a touchdown pass and an interception.
Eskimos coach Jason Maas said the team had “plenty of opportunities” to win the game, but couldn’t execute.
“Give them credit for making plays that they did, but it’s definitely not a great feeling. We have to learn quickly and move on,” said Maas.
“The opportunities we missed were the difference.”