Stampeders host surging Lions in regular-season finale with playoff hopes on the line
The Calgary Stampeders must beat the B.C. Lions on Saturday and hope for help to keep their CFL playoff hopes alive.
CALGARY — The Calgary Stampeders host the B.C. Lions on Saturday in a regular-season finale where their playoff fate is out of their hands.
A win would improve Calgary's record to 9-9 but would be followed by an awkward bye week waiting for other results to determine if they make the postseason.
"We want to let those guys go out with a bang," said receiver Jalen Philpot, referring to retiring kicker Rene Paredes and long-time equipment manager George Hopkins.
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"What we can control is our effort and execution this weekend. We know it necessarily hasn’t gone our way this year, but we’re excited for another challenge."
The Lions, meanwhile, are on a four-game win streak and have won nine of their last 10 after a 1-5 start to the season.
Playoff-bound for a fifth straight year, B.C. is looking to lock in a home playoff date.
"We love playing in front of our own fans and certainly feel like we’re in a good position where we control our own destiny for the most part," Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke said.
B.C.'s offence is among the league's most balanced. Zander Horvath leads the team with 18 rushing touchdowns and has 877 yards, while James Butler has 537 yards and five touchdowns.
The Lions are also close to having three 1,000-yard receivers, with Keon Hatcher Sr. (1,128) and Justin McGinnis (1,041) already there and Jermaine Jackson (878) within striking distance.
"We’ve got a great group. They’re very, very well-rounded, very selfless guys who want to play for each other," Rourke said.
B.C.'s defence also tops the CFL in stopping the rush.
"They’re a good defence, man, very talented," Stampeders quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. acknowledged. "A Rolodex of calls that (defensive co-ordinator) Mike Benevides does, so he tries to keep you on your toes as a quarterback."
The teams split their two previous meetings this season, with Calgary winning 41-33 in Kelowna in June and B.C. winning 30-26 in Calgary on Aug. 13.
"We’re just more of a complete team now," Lions head coach Buck Pierce said. "We’ve created a belief where we believe any time we go out there, we have an opportunity to win."
The Stampeders will be without receiver Damien Alford due to a concussion, while Ajou Ajou returns from a neck issue. Linebacker Derrick Moncrief also returns after missing three games with a hamstring injury.
Calgary is the host city for the Grey Cup on Nov. 15.
Stampeders head coach and general manager Dave Dickenson said the goal is to get to nine wins and keep Paredes kicking into November, but acknowledged their fate is not entirely in their hands.
Garbutt Disposal reported earlier this week that a win would secure a home playoff game for B.C., while Calgary's postseason fate depends on other results.
With files from The Canadian Press, The Globe and Mail and Global News