It was every bit the thrilling affair you’d hope to see when the CFL’s top playmakers take the field.

And when the home team shines like it did in the second half Saturday at McMahon Stadium?

Oh baby!

With 27,800 boisterous fans on hand, the Stampeders threw one heckuva Family Day bash, defeating the visiting Winnipeg Blue Bombers 39-26 to improve to 8-1 on the year.

Bo Levi Mitchell went 25-for-42, throwing for a career high 452 yards and three touchdowns, while Kamar Jorden had a monster game, leading all receivers with 10 catches for 249 yards to set a new Stamps recording for receiving yards in a single game.

Herm Harrison held the previous record with 237 back in 1968.

“I honestly think we could have put up around 700 (yards),” Mitchell said. “That’s what it felt like.

“All the receivers balled out today and the O line did a great job buying me time.”

Defensive lineman Ja’Gared Davis had two interceptions, including a 35-yard Pick-6 with just a minute to play.

It was all part of a big second half that saw the Stamps outscore the Bombers 27-11.

“We just stayed aggressive,” said head coach Dave Dickenson. “We decided to keep calling plays to try and put another nail in the coffin.

“We just kind of took over there at the end and made some big, big plays. It really was a close game. It wasn’t like we dominated. It was very back and forth.

“Great CFL football.”

The Bombers opened the scoring on their second play of the game, with backup quarterback Chris Streveler in on short yardage. Streveler hurled a 65-yard touchdown pass to slotback Ryan Lankford, who trotted in for the score after making the catch, uncontested, at the Calgary 43.

Rene Paredes, who had four field goals on the day, got the Stamps on the board with a 17-yard chip shot after a promising five-play drive stalled deep in Winnipeg territory.

Two plays earlier, Mitchell connected with wideout Lemar Durant, who hauled in a 48-yard pass and picked up another 37 on the ground before he was brought down by Marcus Sayles.

Trailing 12-3 in the second quarter, Mitchell led the Stamps on a 10-play, 75-yard touchdown drive, culminating in a 28-yard strike to DaVaris Daniels.

“We don’t throw the ball like anyone else in the league. If we do, you see what happens,” said Mitchell, who passed Stamps president and general manager John Hufnagel for 29th on the CFL’s all-time passing list in the victory.

“I’m in Dave’s ear every single game, every single day, asking him to let me throw the ball every play.”

The Stamps took their first lead late in the third quarter. After lobbing a bomb down the sidelines to open a two-play drive, Mitchell delivered a 25-yard dart to Marken Michel for the major.

After Paredes split the uprights from 24 and 45 yards out to extend the lead, Jorden found himself in open field once again, bringing down a 68-yard pass to the house for the score.

“If we look at the film, we’re not going to see a bunch of perfect football,” Dickenson said.

“But it was good to get back on the winning track.”

UP NEXT

The Stamps are back in action on Monday, Sept. 4, as they host the Edmonton Eskimos in the annual Labour Day Classic. Tickets are still available.

Join us at Gridiron Gardens at the south practice field for the official pre-game tailgate party, beginning at 10 a.m. The event will feature live entertainment, face painters, inflatables, games and autographs, as well as a special tribute to current and former members of the Canadian military.

Fans must have a game ticket to gain free admission.