Calgary Stampeders open preseason with 20-15 win over Roughriders

CALGARY — Multiple Calgary quarterbacks moved the offence effectively Monday as the Calgary Stampeders opened preseason play with a 20-15 win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders at McMahon Stadium.

Vernon Adams Jr. led Calgary’s opening offensive series and connected with Jalen Philpott for a 70-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter to give the Stampeders a 7-0 lead.

Adams Jr. also added an 11-yard scramble during his brief outing before Saskatchewan responded with a pair of field goals to cut the lead to 7-6.

Calgary’s defence created a key turnover later in the first quarter when Kyle Wilson intercepted a tipped pass from Roughriders quarterback Jack Coan.

Josh Love helped extend Calgary’s lead before halftime, leading a scoring drive that included a 27-yard completion to running back Kay’ron Lynch-Adams and a 21-yard scramble by Love before finishing the drive himself with a one-yard quarterback sneak.

The Stampeders led 14-6 at halftime.

Quarterback Ben Woolridge also showed mobility in the second half, extending multiple plays outside the pocket while helping move Calgary into scoring position for a 37-yard field goal from Jude McAtamney that pushed the lead to 17-6.

Calgary’s defensive front continued to pressure Saskatchewan throughout the game, with Daniel Joseph and Steven Kpehe recording sacks.

Saskatchewan quarterback Brayden Schager scored on a 20-yard rushing touchdown with five seconds remaining, but the Roughriders failed on the two-point conversion attempt as Calgary held on for the preseason victory.