By Max Campbell                                                                                          
Stampeders.com

After more than 57 minutes of play before attempting a field goal in Friday’s Week 1 win against the Tiger-Cats, Rene Paredes was more than ready when his number was called.

The fifth-year Stampeder nailed a 43-yard field goal with 2:39 remaining to cut Calgary’s deficit to one point before splitting the uprights as time expired to earn a 24-23 victory over the visiting Ticats.

“It was a close game,” Paredes stated after booting the game-winner. “I didn’t get any field goals until the last two minutes of the game but, as a professional, you have to be ready for anything to happen in the CFL with under three minutes (remaining). I’m happy my teammates put me in a situation to succeed and I’m truly honoured.”

Asked about his emotional state prior to the final play, the 30-year-old pointed to his focused approach and expressed gratitude toward the Stampeders faithful who filled McMahon Stadium.

“My mindset is the same if I kick any kick,” explained a cool, calm and collected Paredes. “The only difference is it was a game-winner with a little more pressure, but the good thing is we were at home so I wasn’t distracted by any noise or anything like that. It was a tough game, but the team pulled it out at the end.”

With an accurate snap from 13-year veteran Randy Chevrier and a stellar hold by backup quarterback Drew Tate, Paredes was confident he had secured the come-from-behind triumph once the ball took flight from 50 yards out.

“Once I kicked it, halfway through the kick I knew it was in,” said Paredes, who also made a 50-yarder on his first career attempt as a CFL rookie back in 2011. “I’m excited. I’m proud of my teammates and the coaching staff for the way we played.”

After an outstanding 2013 campaign — which saw the Venezuelan-born placekicker take home the league’s special teams player of the year award after converting nearly 95 per cent of his field goals — Paredes suffered through a sub-standard 2014 season. The former Concordia Stinger is looking to improve upon his 73.3-per cent success rate from last year, and Friday night was definitely a step in the right direction. 

“I needed this,” confessed Paredes. “After the season I had last year, it feels good.”