Mark Stephen
CFL.ca
The Calgary Stampeders will engage in a full-out swing game this weekend, as they visit the BC Lions at New BC Place Stadium in Vancouver.
With a win, the Stampeders will have a four-point lead over the Lions, and will also own the always-important tie-breaker. However, a loss, coupled with a possible Edmonton win over Saskatchewan, would see the Stampeders tumble all the way down to third place.
No one is more aware of the ramifications of the game than veteran Calgary quarterback Henry Burris
“The one thing we’re all aware of is a loss and an Edmonton win and we’re in third place,” said Burris after a recent rain-soaked Stampeders practice.
“That’s definitely a place we don’t want to go. Guys have been in here all week preparing for the game. It’s going to be a hard-fought game just like every Calgary Stampeders, BC Lion game is.”
This will be the Stampeders’ first trip to the newly-renovated BC Place Stadium. Burris says the players have to learn to put the sight-seeing behind them
“We’re looking forward to seeing the new building. I’d be lying if I said we weren’t,” said Burris.
“That’s something that will quickly be forgotten because we know we are there for a big game. They came in to Calgary and beat us here last time and they weren’t tourists. And we don’t want to be the same thing going out to Vancouver.”
One player who won’t be a ‘tourist’ is running back Jon Cornish. Since being installed as the Stamps primary ball carrier, he has thrived.
In fact, Cornish has been rewarded for his strong play, earning Canadian and Offensive Player of the Week as well as Canadian Player of the Month. Cornish knows the Lions will represent a huge challenge.
“They got a bunch of good players over there,” said the native of New Westminster, BC.
“I always enjoy playing Aaron Hunt and Elimimian. It’s going to be a great game. It’s going to be interesting to see how our run game, which has been going well, does against them.”
Ah, yes the running game. Calgary’s newfound commitment to the run has vaulted the team to the top of the rushing statistics in the CFL.
No doubt the emergence of Cornish has played a big role in the impressive ground game. But so has a shake up in the approach to the ground game. In recording 230 yards against Saskatchewan, the Stampeders displayed a double tight-end set, something that worked out nicely for Cornish.
“(Rob) Cote and (Tim) St. Pierre were just blocking up and that created a bunch of big openings for (LeMarcus Coker) Coke and me,” added the Kansas grad Cornish.
The Stampeders ground success will be tested by the punishing Lions front four, which is supported by a strong group of linebackers behind them.
“Whoever it is up front, those guys make plays,” said Burris.
“Our hands are full. We have to go in there and make sure we take care of the ball and keep us out of second-and-long situation.”
The Stamps and Lions have split their first two meetings, with the road team capturing both games. This game kicks off a two-game, six-day stretch for the Stampeders. After the Lions game, they will have a short turnaround before heading to Toronto for a Friday date with the Argos.
