Stinging memory fuels Calgary Stampeders in clash with B.C. Lions
Global News
The Stampeders can vault over the Lions into second in the West Division with a win in the first of two straight games between the clubs.
Momentum, yes, but Calgary Stampeders head coach Dave Dickenson doesn’t want his team feeling untroubled with the B.C. Lions in town.
A 56-28 win over the Edmonton Elks last week and a modest two-game win streak indicates the Stampeders are functioning at a high level heading into Saturday’s home game against the Lions.
“When you do well, I think you get momentum and yes, I think you can carry that forward,” Dickenson said Friday. “I also think teams play better when they’re not happy. You’ve got to realize it’s going to be a challenge, it’s going to be a grind.
“You almost want that little extra edge. You want to make sure you’re confident in your scheme and your players, but it doesn’t hurt my feelings when they’re a little bit edgy. I want to make sure they’re a little edgy.”
Look no further than the last game the two clubs played, says Stampeder defensive end Shawn Lemon. The Lions scored 20 points in the fourth quarter Aug. 13 en route to a 41-40 win at McMahon Stadium.
“We have that edge,” Lemon said. “The stuff they did on our field when they beat us, the stuff their social-media team does when they beat us, there’s a lot of fuel behind this game.”
The Stampeders (8-4) can also vault over the Lions (8-3) into second in the West Division with a win in the first of two straight games between the clubs. The Lions host Calgary next week in the race to host a home playoff game.
Vernon Adams Jr. starts for B.C. on Saturday for the first time since he was acquired from the Montreal Alouettes on Aug. 31.