CFL.ca Staff

CALGARY -- Nik Lewis couldn't be more proud of those playing around him.  As the resident veteran and leader of the Calgary Stampeders' receiving corps, Lewis was quick to compliment a host of receivers that have really started to gel in recent weeks, more notably last Friday in a win over Edmonton.

When your running back rushes for 180 yards, it is difficult not to overlook a group of pass-catchers that each contributed to a dominant 39-15 victory; six of which recorded receptions.

"I love the way Marquay [McDaniel] was playing, Joe [West], Romby [Bryant], [Johnny] Forzani", Lewis told a scrum of media following Friday's win. "Those guys are going out there and making big play after big play and I just love watching them.

It helps when those guys step up like that and go out there and play like they did".

Perhaps the most impressive in the win was West, who after exploding on the scene in his first game (a win in Saskatchewan in August), had a career night - finishing with six receptions for 135 yards with a long of 50.

It is representative of an offence that is getting contributions from pretty much everyone eligible to catch or carry a football from quarterback Kevin Glenn.

Forzani has recorded a reception of over 30 yards in seven of his last eight contests, while rookie and hometown product Matt Walter has been making his mark when spelling Jon Cornish at tailback.  He too recorded a career high against the Eskimos with 55 yards on six carries.

Still, the horse that carries the Stamps has been Cornish, who became only the eighth Canadian-born back to record 1,000 yards rushing in CFL history - a feat that doesn't shock teammates such as Lewis.

"He is an exceptional player", Lewis said. "He is getting better every week and he is not surprising anybody in this locker room."  

"Jon Cornish was a man possessed this evening," said Calgary head coach John Hufnagel. "He was motivated to do something and he accomplished it. He had another great game for us. Our offensive line was patchwork when Edwin (Harrison) went down, so Spencer Wilson bounced out to left tackle and Obby Khan came into the game at guard and they both did a nice job."

As for Cornish, he was humble after learning of the feat but states that he believes running the ball consistently sets the tone for the rest of the offence.

"The running game, in any type of football, establishes momentum and I think everybody sees that", he said.  "When you lay big blocks or you run the ball well people get more into the game."

The Stamps, winners of five of their last six games, have suddenly pulled within one game of the first place BC Lions who have sat relatively comfortably for most of the season.  A win in Vancouver this weekend could give them a share of top spot as they attempt to secure a home playoff game with five weeks left in the regular season.