THE CANADIAN PRESS
The core of the Calgary Stampeders has been down this road before. Clinching first place with time to spare in the season, then gearing up for the post-season and
trying for the Grey Cup. The team has the first place part down to a science. It finished in first three of the last six regular Canadian Football League seasons.
It’s the Grey Cup part that has been trickier. The team has just two Grey Cup appearances in that time. For that reason, the chance to clinch top spot this weekend in Winnipeg is not drawing big notice in the Calgary Stampeders’ dressing room. They know this is a big step, but only a step, towards their ultimate goal.
“I mean, eleven years and two Grey Cup appearances, I feel like we have underachieved,” noted veteran Stampeder slotback Nik Lewis. “And I think anyone else that has been around would feel the same way. We’ve had the best record in the league at least two or three times and we’ve been the best in the West two or three more times.”
“I definetly feel we’ve underachieved when it comes to playoff success.”
That sums up the Stampeders’ feelings. First place is nice but only a stepping stone.
However, first place is the first step towards hosting another Western Final. Jon Cornish wants another crack at that West Final.
“The game we lost versus Saskatchewan (2013 West Final) wasn’t the biggest loss of my life but I would say it was the most influential game of my life,” said Cornish, who is back to full health after missing a chunk of the pre-bye week game in Regina, “it illuminated me to the existence of momentum as being a real thing.”
The Stampeders intend on building some of that momentum coming down the stretch. The team has four games remaining, including a pair with Winnipeg. It will also host Saskatchewan and travel to British Columbia to end the regular season.
The Stamps will field a near-complete line-up for the trip to Winnipeg —- their first regular season meeting with the Blue Bombers.
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Bo Levi Mitchell returns as the starting quarterback. Jon Cornish has been given the green light to play, after missing the last half of the Saskatchewan game. Corner Buddy Jackson returns after an extended absence with a hamstring injury. The team will also have returner/running back Jock Sanders available for duty. Defensive lineman Cory Mace is also set to return after departing with turf toe during the Sept. 13 Toronto game.
However, defensive end Charleston Hughes’ return will have to wait a week. He is fighting a foot injury and is expected back next week against Saskatchewan. The season is also over for receiver Jeff Fuller. He suffered an ACL injury in Regina and will rehab for the next few months — although no surgery will be required.
The Stampeders know they have to balance their immediate, short-term goals, with the longer-term goals of winning the Grey Cup. Saturday in Winnipeg, they will get a chance to achieve one of those short-term goals. Just don’t expect a big celebration.
