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Jock Wilson: It’s RSP season for the Calgary Stampeders

Calgary Stampeders quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell (19) is pictured.
Calgary Stampeders quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell (19) is pictured. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Peter Power

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.

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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

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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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