Stampeders face Lions in Kelowna

CALGARY — Two teams still looking to get into the win column meet Saturday at the Apple Bowl, where the Calgary Stampeders take on the BC Lions in a matchup between winless West Division rivals.



The Lions are playing their home games in Kelowna while BC Place is unavailable during the FIFA World Cup.



Although Calgary enters the weekend with an 0-2 record, the Stampeders have shown signs of progress. They rushed for 171 yards against Winnipeg before adding 129 against Saskatchewan, while quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. has thrown for 493 yards and two touchdowns through the club's first two games.



For Adams, the priority isn't changing the offence—it's executing it more consistently.



"It's all about starting fast and finishing strong," Adams said following Thursday's practice. "We want to be consistent."



Asked what it will take to produce a quicker start, Adams pointed to execution.



"Executing exactly. Just lining up, alignment and assignment."



Head coach Dave Dickenson believes the Stampeders have taken steps forward in some areas, while identifying the running game as an area that can still improve.



"I think the defensive line did play better, especially the second half last game," Dickenson said. "We are protecting the quarterback fairly well. We've been a little inconsistent in moving people in the run game."



Dickenson expects another difficult challenge from a BC team led by quarterback Nathan Rourke.



"They've got a good D-line as well, and their offensive line, although it's beat up a little bit, they've got good players," Dickenson said. "Very mobile quarterback, a lot of weapons. So we'll have to be at our best."



Centre Chris Fortin said the offensive line knows it has to improve after Calgary's 0-2 start.


"We need to be better," Fortin said. "Right now, we're focusing on BC and we need to win every play."



The Stampeders also received positive news on the injury front Thursday. Defensive lineman Folarin Orimolade is listed as available after Dickenson said he was "trending" toward his season debut.



Running back Ludovick Choquette, defensive back Jaydon Grant, offensive lineman Christy Nkanu, receiver Jalen Philpot and defensive back Anton Haie are also available. Defensive back Adrian Greene and linebacker Eric Rascoe have been ruled out.



Saturday's game presents an early opportunity for one club to gain traction in the West Division. For Calgary, sharper execution could be the difference between an 0-3 start and the team's first win of the season.