The Canadian Press
HAMILTON – When the Calgary Stampeders hit Tim Hortons Field on Saturday afternoon, they were playing for more than just two points and for more than just their winning streak.
They were playing for their fallen teammate, Mylan Hicks.
On the Stamps’ first possession of the ball game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell led his club all the way down the field where he found DaVaris Daniels in the end zone for the team’s first major score. And even though Mitchell was in the middle of playing a football game, the star pivot couldn’t help but think about something else.
“I think it was good to get out here because we knew he was with us and he was out there watching us and helping us out,” Mitchell said when asked about playing in his first game since Hicks’ passing. “That first drive, heading all the way down there, you can’t help but look up and think the guy is looking over you.”
After an emotional rollercoaster of a week, the 36-17 win felt that much sweeter to the Stampeders. The victory also marked the Stamps’ 11th in a row, and set a single season record for longest unbeaten streak (13).
“It was a very tough week,” head coach Dave Dickenson said. “I think we’re all drained, physically and emotionally. To make your effort and all of the work you’ve put in count with a win, I think it says a lot about our team.”
Daniels had an impressive outing for Calgary, hauling in five catches for 123 yard and two touchdowns – his second two touchdown performance of the year. The majors were the 23-year-old’s fifth and sixth of the 2016 season and has been consistently proving that he’s an integral part of Calgary’s receiving corps.
“He’s got the right work ethic,” Dickenson said of his receiver. “And then you put that with some good talent you’re going to get something. He’s the sort of guy that is motivated. He’s wants to be the best but he understands there’s a process and when he’s gotten his chance, he’s ran with it.
“I just believe right now he’s one of the better guys in the league and is dangerous. When you have multiple guys that are dangerous out there it gives Bo a different weapons.”
“That first drive, heading all the way down there, you can’t help but look up and think the guy is looking over you.”
Bo Levi Mitchell
Hamilton paid tribute to Hicks with a moment of silence and by playing both the Canadian and American national anthems – a touch that struck a chord with the Calgary bench boss.
“I want to thank Hamilton for playing the Star-Spangled Banner,” Dickenson said. “I’m an American guy too and I love Canada and it really hit home with me. Americans come up here and we love Canada and what this game, and the opportunities that it presents to us and for them to show that back meant a lot for me and I’m sure it meant a lot for Mylan.”
As Mitchell put it, the Stampeders’ football season is like a movie, fully equipped with a beginning, a middle and an end but right now, he and his teammates only have one focus – the present.
“People are asking people about awards and the streaks and we just don’t care,” said the Calgary pivot. “We have one focus and that’s the opponent we have every single week. Of course we think about the future, we think about what could happen and what we could end up as, being the greatest team.
“But that’s the end of the movie. We’re thinking about how to make it still and everybody has to be the producer. Everybody has to step in and be a lead character and a main role.”
