Holding on for a 35-15 win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Thursday evening, the Calgary Stampeders were victors at McMahon Stadium.
The Stampeders continue to lead the West Division – now with a 4-1-1 record – whereas the Riders fell to 1-5 with the loss.
The Stamps picked up four first downs on their opening drive before finding the scoreboard with a 35-yard field goal off the foot of
Rene Paredes.
Quarterback Darian Durant located Ryan Lankford down the middle for a gain of 25 yards when the Riders offence initially took to the field, and the drive later concluded with a Rob Bagg touchdown of 45 yards. The ensuing two-point convert attempt was no good, setting the score at 6-3 in favor of the visitors.
Before the end of the quarter, a
Bo Levi Mitchell play-action pass to Rob Cote and a subsequent completion to
Bakari Grant set up Calgary just outside the red zone.
Anthony Parker finished things off with a picturesque 16-yard touchdown, and with Paredes’ conversion, the Red and White took a 10-6 advantage.
A Durant toss down the sideline intended for Naaman Roosevelt appeared to be destined for six points, but an athletic display from
Tommie Campbell broke up the would-be major score.
Jamar Wall appeared to be in perfect position to intercept the Saskatchewan pivot on second down, although the veteran defensive back was unable to reel in the potential turnover.
Former Calgary Dino and current Roughriders rookie kicker Johnny Mark then clanged his first career field goal attempt off the right upright, enabling Calgary to maintain their four-point lead.
With just over six minutes left before the break, Rob Bagg was left all alone for a 46-yard reception. Eventually chased down from behind by Joe Burnett, the Stampeders defender knocked the ball loose from the grasp of Bagg to earn back possession for the home team.
Then,
Rob Maver’s muffed punt allowed Jeff Knox, Jr. to block the attempt, creating instant field position for the Riders. Despite the good fortune, the Roughriders would settle for a successful 42-yard goal.
Back-to-back catches from McDaniel set up Paredes chip shot which spilt the uprights, but the Riders soon replied with a 43-yard gain by Bagg and a field goal of 40 yards from Mark.
As time expired, Paredes added a 31-yard boot.
Gaining 18 yards along the ground to open the third was Kendial Lawrence before Mark tacked on a field goal of 34 yards to complete a 13-play, 55-yard drive.
The next impact-play was made by Roy Finch who returned Josh Bartel’s punt for 54 yards, however the offence would fail to produce a first down, and Paredes trotted on for a 25-yard kick to add three points for Calgary.
Weaving though the Saskatchewan defence for 19 yards, Messam moved the chains for the Stampeders to ultimately enable a five-yard sneak around the edge and into the end zone for Andrew Buckley.
With 1:33 remaining, the contest was all but clinched via a one-yard Messam touchdown. Paredes added to the final total with a 17-yard field goal.
Calgary will next take the field on Saturday, Aug. 13 at 5 p.m. MDT with a rematch versus the Roughriders at Mosiac Stadium in Regina.
