Paredes hits winning FG to lead Stampeders to opening night win over Alouettes

CALGARY — Pulling wins out of tight games in the final three minutes was among coach Dave Dickenson's stated goals for the Calgary Stampeders during training camp.

The Stampeders delivered in their 30-27 victory over the Montreal Alouettes to open the CFL season on Thursday when Rene Paredes kicked a 38-yard field goal with 30 seconds remaining.

Trailing 24-14 at halftime, the Stampeders outscored the Alouettes 16-3 in the second half.

"I'm not going to say it was a clean game in any three of the three phases, special teams, offence and defence, but the guys kept battling and rallying," Dickenson said. "We were the ones that made the plays late.

"It was a good start to the year."

Stampeder running back Ka'Deem Carey scored a pair of rushing touchdowns and Malik Henry caught a touchdown pass in front of an announced crowd of 21,139 at McMahon Stadium.

Paredes was good on his three field-goal attempts, including two in the third quarter that ate into the 10-point halftime deficit.

"Rene, say what you want, the guy is money," Dickenson said.

Stampeders quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell completed 21 of 34 passing attempts for 199 yards. Calgary's starter threw a touchdown pass and was intercepted once.

Mitchell limping slightly as he headed to the sidelines in the fourth quarter, backup Jake Maier drew in for Calgary's final two drives.

Maier, who went 4-for-5 for 57 passing yards, navigated the Stampeders to field-goal range for Paredes to finish the job.

Dickenson thought Mitchell suffered a muscle spasm or cramp in his leg.

"He was immobile and I'm not playing a guy that can't move, especially in Game 1," Dickenson. "I thought Bo fought hard in the second half and really made some good plays for us and brought us back.

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