Stampeders head to Winnipeg with a playoff spot on the line
WINNIPEG — The Calgary Stampeders can punch their ticket to the postseason on Saturday by putting up their fourth consecutive win.
The Stampeders (8-8) visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (7-8) at Princess Auto Stadium in Week 19 action, with kickoff at 5 p.m. MT on TSN in Canada, CFL+ internationally, and QR Calgary 770 AM on radio.
Winnipeg took the Week 1 meeting at McMahon Stadium; Calgary answered with a 52-30 rout in Manitoba in Week 8 that saw Dru Brown throw four interceptions. Saturday's winner holds the tiebreaker should the two clubs finish with identical records — and a Stampeders win would secure the season series outright, ensuring the Blue Bombers cannot pass Calgary in the standings.
History favours the visitors again this week. Over their last eight wins in Winnipeg, the Stampeders have outscored the Bombers by an average of 16.3 points.
Calgary arrives playing its best football of the season. Last Friday's 37-31 win at Mosaic Stadium in Regina saw Vernon Adams Jr. complete 76 per cent of his passes and throw four touchdowns — the 150th TD pass of his career. Jesulayomi Ojutalayo recovered a muffed Roughriders punt return to set up the opening score, and the defence finished with five knockdowns from four different defenders. Clarence Hicks recorded his 12th sack of the season, a single-season personal best.
The win also moved general manager and head coach Dave Dickenson into sole possession of second place in victories in franchise history with 103.
Winnipeg, meanwhile, is reeling. The Blue Bombers were dismantled 37-10 in Montreal last weekend, managing just six first downs to the Alouettes' 36 and holding the ball for only 19:22. Running back Brady Oliveira, still working through an ankle injury, was held to nine carries for 44 yards. The lone bright spot was receiver Ontaria Wilson, who caught five passes for 109 yards and the team's only touchdown, while defensive back Trey Vaval posted a game-high eight defensive tackles.
The matchup numbers tell a clear story through the air. Calgary leads the West with 29 completions of 30 or more yards; Winnipeg sits at a CFL-low 13. Both defences have been vulnerable on the ground, yielding 20 rushing majors apiece.
Injury-wise, the news is mostly good for the red and white. Thursday's final practice report had receiver Jalen Philpot (foot) and offensive lineman Bryce Bell (shoulder) as full participants, along with defensive lineman Daniel Joseph (knee), who progressed from not practicing Tuesday to full Thursday, and Folarin Orimolade (illness). Elijah Hills (ankle) and Preston Nichols (pectoral) were full all week.
The concerns are on the offensive line and at receiver. Brad Ashmore (foot) and Zack Williams (ankle) did not practice all week, nor did linebacker Eric Rascoe (hamstring) — the O-line injuries prompted this week's signing of veteran Tyler Packer. Receiver Reggie Begelton, just back from a head injury, did not practice Wednesday or Thursday with a new knee injury. Receiver Ajou Ajou (neck) was limited all week.
Calgary closes the regular season in Week 20 at home against the BC Lions on Oct. 17 — René Paredes' farewell. Winnipeg finishes with road trips to Edmonton and Vancouver.
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