THE CANADIAN PRESS

REGINA -- Calgary Stampeders running back Joffrey Reynolds says an "almost catch here, almost catch there" doesn't cut it when you're trying to get to the Grey Cup.

The lack of catches - just one for a touchdown - and three interceptions lead to the Calgary Stampeders downfall Sunday in the CFL West Division final against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Calgary took an early 10-0 lead, but Saskatchewan rallied from behind and never looked back.

The Riders roared to a 27-17 home victory over the Stampeders, thrilling more than 30,000 rabid fans and sending the defending Grey Cup champions packing.

"The biggest challenge was just us executing during the noise, that's kind of evident with the penalties that we had early on," said Reynolds.

"And then for us to sustain drives and put points on the board. (There was) just a lack of execution by everybody. You have to make plays in games like this to win."

Calgary had 12 penalties while Saskatchewan had four.

Reynolds, the CFL's rushing leader and the West Division's nominee for outstanding player, rushed for 90 yards. He was held to just 30 yards in receiving.

It was a particularly tough night for Stampeders quarterback Henry Burris. Burris passed for 250 yards with a touchdown, but he also threw three interceptions and was sacked four times.

"The one pick was a poor decision. I'm not going to soft soak that," said Stampeders head coach and general manager John Hufnagel.

"The second, Cope (Jeremaine Copeland) was coming out of his break and he slipped, the ball was already in the air and so it looked like a bad decision, bad throw - it really wasn't. Cope doesn't slip, I would expect that to be a completion."

Hufnagel said after the first quarter, it was tough for the Stampeders to do a lot until they got some momentum going in the fourth.

"The Saskatchewan defence played very well," he said.

In fact, Saskatchewan has had Calgary's number for the entire season. Saskatchewan finished tied with Calgary atop the West Division with 10-7-1 records, but the Riders beat the Stampeders 2-0-1 in head-to-head meetings.

The loss in the West Division final also means that the Stamps won't get the chance to defend their title on home turf. Calgary will host the Grey Cup next Sunday where, for the first time in CFL history, the Montreal Alouettes and Saskatchewan Roughriders will meet.

Reynolds said after the game that the loss hasn't really hit him yet.

"It's an awesome feeling (to go to the Grey Cup). I think that's the most disappointing thing right now is to come fresh off the feeling and to be in the opportunity to get there again and just to lose that," said Reynolds.

"The year that we had, it was a great year. It's always tough to repeat, but hats off to the Riders."