In a thrilling second-half performance, the Calgary Stampeders secured a 32-15 victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders, keeping them in contention for the top spot in the CFL’s West Division. The Stampeders, down by one point at halftime, unleashed an 18-point surge, powered by a strong defensive display that stifled the Roughriders in the latter two quarters. This impressive win in front of a crowd of 28,295 at McMahon Stadium had the Stampeders’ team elated.
Quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. emphasized the importance of the win but maintained a cautious outlook, recognizing that the ultimate goal is the Grey Cup and acknowledging the tough competition posed by teams like Saskatchewan and Winnipeg.
The victory marked the second time this season that the Stampeders had overcome the Roughriders, who currently lead the division with an 8-2-0 record, while the Stampeders sit at 7-3-0. Head coach Corey Mace of the Roughriders acknowledged the need to analyze the game footage from their encounters and strategize for potential future matchups.
Key contributors to the Stampeders’ win included Jaylen Philpot, Daylen Baldwin, and Erik Brooks, who each caught touchdown passes, along with Dedrick Mills who added a rushing touchdown and Rene Paredes who nailed a 53-yard field goal. Adams showcased his skills with 222 passing yards and three touchdowns, complemented by a successful two-point conversion run, despite being intercepted twice.
On the Roughriders’ side, Dohnte Meyers and Dhel Duncan-Busby caught touchdown passes from quarterback Trevor Harris, who threw for 205 yards and two touchdowns but was intercepted twice. The Roughriders’ defense, known for their strong pass rush in previous games, struggled to contain the Stampeders’ offense, failing to sack Adams throughout the game.
Despite a valiant effort, the Roughriders fell short as the Stampeders’ defense stepped up in the second half, disrupting Harris and limiting their running game. Calgary’s strategic defensive adjustments, as highlighted by head coach Dave Dickenson, played a pivotal role in turning the tide of the game.
The Stampeders’ advantage coming off a bye week was evident in their well-prepared performance against the division leaders. The team capitalized on the extra time for preparation, ultimately outplaying the Roughriders on the field.
The traditional rivalry between Calgary and Saskatchewan was evident in the sea of green and red-clad fans at McMahon Stadium, underscoring the intensity of the matchup. Looking ahead, the Roughriders are set to face the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, while the Stampeders will host the Edmonton Elks on Labour Day Monday.