Stampeders raise tempo with officials, overtime drills during Friday practice

CALGARY — Calgary Stampeders quarterbacks rotated through situational football, red-zone work and an overtime-style finish Friday as the club continued CFL preseason preparations at McMahon Stadium.

Head coach Dave Dickenson said the practice was designed to simulate game conditions and increase urgency throughout the session.

“I think it’s good to always have the officials here,” Dickenson said. “Everything goes a little bit faster, and I think it’s good for our players to feel the urgency.”

Four quarterbacks cycled through team reps for Calgary, including Vernon Adams Jr., Josh Love, Ben Wooldridge and Jacolby Criswell.

Love connected with Rashod Owens, Tevin Jones and Rylan Davison during one offensive sequence, while Owens later added a red-zone touchdown catch from Wooldridge.

Practice concluded with an overtime simulation period where Adams Jr. completed passes to Dejon Brissett and Clark Barnes before finding Jalen Philpot over the middle for a touchdown.

Dickenson said the situational work was valuable during an preseason stretch where Calgary is balancing recovery, evaluation and preparation without an immediate game to prepare for.

He also emphasized the importance of players recognizing game situations, down-and-distance scenarios and field position during live reps.

“It’s still true competition,” Dickenson said. “Everybody’s got to compete.”

Special teams work remained active throughout practice, with Tyreik McAllister, Kaylon Horton and Nunu Whatley rotating through return duties. Mark Vassett handled the majority of the punting and kicking reps Friday.