Rest, Skill, and Preparation. With only four games left in the regular season, the Calgary Stamps have already clinched a home playoff date. They are on the verge of winning the West and booking a home date for the Western Final on Nov. 19 at McMahon Stadium.
It could happen this weekend with a win in Hamilton and a Winnipeg loss to the BC Lions.
As last year proved, a great regular season means nothing if it doesn’t end with a championship. Hopefully, this year will be different.
The schedule did not favour the Stampeders last season. In the run for a record regular season, they played 15 consecutive weeks before having their final bye on the last weekend of the regular season. Playing 15 consecutive weeks took a toll on the team, even though they would never use it as an excuse.
This year is different. The team is coming off a much-needed break in week 16. They will play four more regular season games (three against tough Western division teams) and then have another break before they host the Western Final.
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It’s a schedule that should keep this team mentally and physically engaged even if there’s not a lot on the line.
It’s a schedule that will give special teams player of the year, Roy Finch, a chance to heal his body. The same goes for Spencer Wilson on the offensive line. It’s a schedule that will give receivers Kamar Jordan and DaVaris Daniels a chance to return to form.
LISTEN: Catching up with Stampeders head coach Dave Dickenson as the team closes in on clinching first place in the West
While the Stampeder offence has been good this season, it’s fair to say, they have not played to their full potential because of injuries.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are a much-improved team compared to the one that lost 60-1 in Calgary earlier this season. They must win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. However, it sucks to be a Tiger-Cat fan when you know your team has lost 12 consecutive games to the red and white and the Stampeders are a perfect 15-0 coming off a regular season bye week.
It doesn’t suck to be a Stampeder fan as the Stamps have won 10 straight – 17 in a row at home and 16 in a row against the West.
By the way, kicker Rene Paredes has now made 18 consecutive field goals: another streak that is on the line at Tim Hortons Field.
Our pre-game show is on the air at 3:30 p.m. Mark Stephen and Greg Peterson will have the exclusive radio play-by-play call at 5 p.m.
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