The Calgary Stampeders may be on the verge of becoming the first Canadian Football League team to clinch a playoff spot, but they aren’t exactly poised for a massive celebration of the achievement.
The team can take to the field in Regina Friday night with a playoff spot in their back pocket, or they can earn one themselves. If Winnipeg loses in the game preceding the Stampeders game or the Stampeders defeat Saskatchewan, Calgary is in the playoffs for a tenth consecutive season.
“We’re just here trying to win another football game against a very good football team.” Noted Calgary Head Coach John Hufnagel. “If and when we clinch a playoff spot, we’ll have a small, congratulatory minute and then move on.”
Defensive captain and seven-year veteran linebacker Juwan Simpson takes virtually the same approach.
“You learn to take one game at a time, you don’t really look too far in the future,” said Simpson upon Calgary’s arrival in Regina. “Right now we’re worried about Sask. After that, if somebody brings it up, it is what it is.”
The reality is the Stampeders have loftier goals than just qualifying for the playoffs. They intend on being in and winning the Grey Cup. Their first meeting with Saskatchewan is a stark reminder of a mission that fell short last season.
The return of receiver Jeff Fuller will no doubt help the Stampeders in their quest for a Grey Cup appearance. Fuller suffered a shoulder injury in the August 16 game in Hamilton and has been sidelined since that game. Prior to the injury he was putting together a strong season, with 28 catches and five touchdowns. Despite missing all that time, he remains second on the team in receiving yards with 366.
Also adding to the Stampeders’ hopes is the return of offensive lineman Dan Federkeil. He had been sidelined with a neck stinger but is now ready to return to his spot at right tackle. Jeremy Williams will also suit up in the secondary, taking the place of the departed Quincy Butler.
Drew Tate will make his third consecutive start for the Stampeders. The team closely monitored the progress of Bo Levi Mitchell but decided he could benefit from another week on the sidelines. With the Stampeders heading into a bye week post-game, another two weeks of rest will ensure Mitchell is back to full health.
A quirk in the schedule sees this game as the first meeting between the Stampeders and Saskatchewan. They will meet for the only other time in the regular season in three weeks in Calgary. There is no doubt the Stampeders have had Saskatchewan’s number in the regular season over the past few years, but Saskatchewan has returned the favour in the post-season.
While the Stampeders aren’t publicly discussing their playoff situation, there is no doubt there was a bitter aftertaste following the team’s home field loss in the playoffs. After a very strong regular season, the Stampeders picked a dreadful time to play their most turnover-plagued game of last year.
That game was in the West Final against the Roughriders. Redemption and a playoff spot are at the top of their agenda in Regina.
