THE CANADIAN PRESS
There is a change to the traditional Labour Day back-to-back games between the Calgary Stampeders and the Edmonton Eskimos. The Edmonton version of the game has been moved from it’s traditional Friday night slot to a Saturday afternoon kickoff.
However, while the kickoff time may have changed, the Calgary Stampeders hope the results remains the same.
The Stampeders will be looking for their third consecutive sweep of the Labour Day home-and-home set and fourth in the last five years.
One factor clearly working in the Stampeders favour is the return of Jon Cornish to form. The reigning Canadian Football League Most Outstanding Player will be suiting up for his third game since returning from a concussion suffered earlier this year.
His first game against Ottawa was a chance to return to the pace and contact of a Canadian Football League game. His second game against Edmonton, served notice he is ready to resume his MOP pace of a year ago.
Cornish exploded for 163 on 17 carries and was named the league’s Offensive Player of the Week. Cornish hopes to continue that level of performance.
“I try to perform at a high level every week and when you get an award for it, it’s nice,”noted Cornish this week.
Cornish downplayed his achievement in the first Edmonton game.
“Offensive line played great and we had a great scheme and when there’s holes, I’ll be able to run.”
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The Eskimos are well aware of his prowess. Two of Cornish’s biggest games have come against the Eskimos. In September, 2012 in two meetings, he recorded 365 yard rushing against Edmonton. No doubt he has been a significant reason why the Stampeders have had a recent run of success against the Eskimos.
The rematch will also end the regular season series between the teams. Already the Stampeders have won the series but would no doubt like to keep the Eskimos at bay with a sweep. The Eskimos have had a strong season with their only blemishes coming at the hands of the Calgary Stampeders.
One aspect of their game the Stampeders would like to continue from Labour Day is their strong start. The team had been struggling for consistency on their first possessions of every game. However, on Labour Day Bo Levi Mitchell marched the team downfield with a smart touchdown drive. The early jump set the tone for the rest of the game.
The Stampeders may have to wrestle with their old foil, the ratio, when they return to Edmonton. Offensive lineman Dan Federkeil left Monday’s game with a neck/shoulder injury. One of the options for replacing him is International tackle Edwin Harrison. Should the team elect to play Harrison in Federkeil’s spot, an international player would have to sit. Let the guessing begin as to who that would be.
The Stampeders will also play in Edmonton without receiver Joe West. He has returned to Texas for the funeral of his brother Brandon Hobdy. That may open the door for Sedrick Cunningham to play. Cunninghams’ was a two-touchdown game in Ottawa.
