Lawler's touchdown, 81 yards lead Tiger-Cats past Lions 41-27

Kenny Lawler proved his value to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Friday, delivering a standout performance with a team-high 81 receiving yards and a touchdown in their 41-27 win against the B.C. Lions. Lawler's presence on the field, even when not the primary target, has been a strategic advantage for Hamilton.

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I know at the end of the day we’ve got guys at every wide receiver position who’re able to make plays. To be honest, I find much more happiness when everybody eats … because I know I’m doing my job without the ball.

Lawler, who led the CFL in touchdown catches and long receptions in the 2025 season, acknowledged that defenses often focus heavily on him. "We’re just seeing a lot of double coverage and a lot of zones rotating to my side, and I expected it," he said. This attention, however, creates opportunities for other receivers.

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We’re just seeing a lot of double coverage and a lot of zones rotating to my side, and I expected it.

Teammates Kiondre Smith and Keric Wheatfall have capitalized on the attention Lawler draws. Smith recorded six catches for 75 yards, while Wheatfall added 102 yards, with Smith also securing two touchdown grabs. This balanced attack demonstrates the team's depth and ability to exploit matchups.

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Just go watch that play. He (Lawler) is five yards behind the defensive backs (and) I throw the ball to a spot (where) I think he can make a play. He takes his eyes completely off the ball, runs around the DB, retracks (the ball) and finds it and puts his hands on it. It just shows you who Kenny Lawler really is and the appreciation you should have for some of the great plays he’s made.

Quarterback Mitchell highlighted Lawler's exceptional 49-yard touchdown catch, which extended Hamilton's lead before halftime. Mitchell described Lawler's play as a testament to his skill and dedication, emphasizing his ability to track the ball even when closely guarded. "He takes his eyes completely off the ball, runs around the DB, retracks (the ball) and finds it and puts his hands on it," Mitchell said. This play underscored Lawler's philosophy of never giving up on a route, a principle Mitchell actively preaches to his receivers.

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It’s something I’ve preached for a long time that as a receiver you just have to run. It’s a huge field and even though they (defensive backs) are back there … and they’re supposed to have that play covered, as a receiver, if you just run, I can put the ball out there and let you go find it. Our guys are great at tracking it.