THE CANADIAN PRESS
They have heard the whispers. They have seen the sideways glances. They know the narrative when it comes to the Stampeders in advance of the Western Final.
The narrative heaps praise on the Stampeders for their ability overcome adversity, their ability to stay consistently successful, their ability to find players and immediately plug them into the lineup with success. They’ve heard the commendations on their drafting record.
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And they have heard the talk about how all that success isn’t reflected in the playoffs.
Now the big question on how to overcome those playoff hurdles, as they prepare to meet the Edmonton Eskimos in a Western Final for the first time since 2001 (They have played in Semi-Final games in 2005, 2009 and 2011).
The most obvious path to success is ball security. In last season’s playoff loss to Saskatchewan, the Stampeders came up with an uncharacteristic spate of turnovers. No matter what the records are entering the game, seven turnovers are a great equalizer. That must change.
The Stampeders also have to hope Bo Levi Mitchell keeps up his regular season level of performance in this, his first playoff start.
Mitchell demonstrated a quiet effectiveness in his first year as full-time starter. Coach John Hufnagel expressed faith in Mitchell this week, saying he didn’t think “. . . the game would be too big for Bo.”
High praise and a big demonstration of faith.
The team is also hoping rush end Charleston Hughes is also able to crack the lineup this week. Hughes has been sidelined with a foot injury since mid-September. He will be monitored this week to see if his health allows him to return. Hughes, along with Shawn Lemon, form a formidable tandem that they hope will keep Edmonton quarterbacks in the pocket.
The centerpiece of the Stampeders’ plans heading into the Western Final is running back Jon Cornish. He has had many productive games in his Canadian Football League career, but seems to save his best for the Edmonton Eskimos. In two appearances this year against the Eskimos, Cornish totaled 272 yards on 34 carries and an eight yard average per carry. Cornish sat out the final regular season game, but has been given the green light to suit up in the Western Final.
Then there is the argument about beating a team four times in the same Season. The Stampeders swept the three regular season meetings by a combined 26 points.
There was only one game where the outcome was not in dispute, and that was Labour Day in Calgary when the Stampeders won 28-13. Each team played in the season series without its stars at various times. Edmonton’s Mike Reilly missed the Labour Day home-and-home set, but Jon Cornish missed the early season game in Edmonton.
One factor working for both teams is the weather. The early forecast for Sunday suggests highs of minus-one with plenty of sunshine. Compared to the last two Western Finals in Calgary, these conditions seems like a vacation cruise package.
So the work week is underway, with the Calgary Stampeders well aware they’ll have to quiet the whispers. Their only chance to achieve that goal is Sunday afternoon.
