Big games call for big-game players.

And the biggest of moments for them to shine.

With another stellar outing in the biggest game of the season, Rene Paredes proved – once again – how he thrives under the pressure of the these moments and makes a living making life difficult for the Stamps’ biggest rival.

“It’s the Labour Day Classic,” he said. “Man, I love it.

“It’s what you play for.”

With no time on the clock and 30,000-plus on hand, rising in unison, Paredes nailed the game-winning field goal from 43 yards out to give the Stamps a 23-20 over the visiting Edmonton Eskimos.

With the game tied in the final minute of the fourth quarter, an illegal contact penalty to Eskimos DB Chris Edwards kept the Stamps’ offence on the field.

Four plays later and with the ball on the left hash where the veteran likes it, Paredes took to the field in a situation he’s found himself in countless times in the past.

“It never gets old,” he said. “Doesn’t bother me.

“If the game comes down to my kick, I’m alright with it. I’ve done it before many times in my career and I take the same approach every time.

“You just have to be ready when you’re called upon; especially in this game, when these two teams are going at it and anything can happen.”

The Eskimos tried to ice Paredes by calling a timeout just prior to the snap, but when he and punter/holder Rob Maver lined up for a second time, there was no doubt.

“I love moments like that,” he said. “The emotion – everything. It’s the Labour Day Classic. How could you not (love it)?”

Paredes went 5-for-6 on field-goals – his longest, a 50-yard bomb with the aide of the wind. He had a rare miss from 31 yards out, recording the rouge but failing the tie the game at a critical juncture in the contest.

It’s life as a kicker. Hero or goat.

Oftentimes, there’s no in between.

“I curse myself for five seconds and move on,” said Paredes, who’s missed only three of his 27 attempts this year. “I hit it well, but it didn’t go through. The wind just took it.

“Like every kick, I take the approach of (focusing) on the next one.

“I have to get over it at that point, right?”

Did he feel extra motivation to make amends?

“Maybe,” he replied. “Missing that one made me a little more focused on the next one.

“And the next one.

“I put up six points to win the game.”