Stampeders' three-game win streak snapped in 33-28 loss as postseason hopes hang by a thread
WINNIPEG — The Calgary Stampeders dropped a 33-28 heartbreaker to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Saturday night at Princess Auto Stadium, snapping their three-game win streak and leaving their postseason hopes in jeopardy.
The loss dropped the Stampeders to 8-9, while Winnipeg improved to 8-8 and secured the head-to-head tiebreaker by winning two of the teams' three meetings this season.
Calgary head coach Dave Dickenson acknowledged Winnipeg deserved the result.
"We felt like we were going uphill the entire game, and even though the fight was there, just not good enough football," Dickenson told reporters afterward. "They made more plays than us and deserved to win."
Calgary controlled possession for nearly 21 minutes in the opening half but trailed 17-9 at the break, undone by Winnipeg's ability to generate explosive plays.
"First half, had one too many field goals," Adams told reporters after the game. "I want to help the defense out more."
Defensive back Ashton Miller-Mélançon intercepted Zach Collaros with 5:11 remaining in the second quarter, setting up a Calgary possession that ended with a 43-yard field goal from René Paredes, his 652nd career make.
The kick pulled Calgary within 10-9, but Winnipeg answered in just 30 seconds. Collaros connected with Nic Demski for a 25-yard touchdown, completing a three-play, 70-yard drive to restore the Blue Bombers' eight-point advantage.
Winnipeg struck again immediately after halftime when Trey Vaval returned the opening kickoff of the third quarter for a touchdown, extending the lead to 24-9.
The Stampeders responded with a drive highlighted by a 25-yard completion from Vernon Adams Jr. to Jalen Philpot and a 45-yard run by Deonta McMahon. The running back capped the possession with a six-yard touchdown run with 7:53 remaining in the third quarter, cutting Winnipeg's advantage to 24-16.
McMahon struck again with 58 seconds left in the quarter, hauling in an eight-yard touchdown pass from Adams. The two-point conversion failed, leaving Calgary within 24-22.
Sergio Castillo pushed Winnipeg's lead back up with three fourth-quarter field goals — from 48, 44 and 33 yards — before Calgary's final push.
Short-yardage quarterback Quincy Vaughn scored on a one-yard plunge with 17 seconds remaining to bring the Stampeders within five. The ensuing two-point conversion failed, and Calgary was unable to recover its onside kick, allowing Winnipeg to secure the victory.
Adams finished 29-of-43 for 284 yards and a touchdown. McMahon ran 13 times for 77 yards and caught a touchdown. Collaros went 19-of-27 for 349 yards, two touchdowns and an interception for Winnipeg.
The Stampeders now turn their attention to their October 17 regular-season finale against the BC Lions at McMahon Stadium, where a postseason berth remains at stake.
"Whatever we start, we finish," Dickenson said. "There's still a big game ahead of us."
Calgary's path is tenuous but they are still alive. The Stamps must beat BC to finish 9-9. Winnipeg (8-8) owns the head-to-head tiebreaker, so the Bombers can't be caught if they win again. With Hamilton (5-12) long eliminated, the East's third playoff spot will go to the fourth place West team, and a 9-9 Calgary finish could claim it.
The Stamps own the tiebreaker over Saskatchewan (8-7) on aggregate points, so they would need the Riders to go 1-2 or worse over their final three games to get in.
Even with a loss to BC, Calgary could still qualify at 8-10 if Saskatchewan loses all three remaining games, leaving the Stamps ahead on the tiebreaker.
Saskatchewan closes with three games: Monday Oct 12 at Montreal (12-3), Saturday Oct 17 at home to Montreal, and Saturday Oct. 24 at home to Edmonton (12-4).
Winnipeg finishes with two road games: Friday Oct. 16 at Edmonton and Fri. Oct. 23 at BC (10-6).
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