No matter how you get the win, it counts just the same.

Back in August when the Stamps visited the BC Lions, fans witnessed a scrappy, tough, fight to the very end. Despite not having all units firing at the same time, the Stamps kept their composure and still found a way to win the game 21-17.

It may have been an ‘ugly win,’ but it’s the type of game that shows the team’s mentality and determination.

“We had some breakdowns, a snap that was wrong, it was high and we didn’t get the play off,” said head coach Dave Dickenson. “Then we had a throw that was high and we dropped a ball for a touchdown. Even though we were ahead nine to nothing, we felt like we weren’t playing well and then they roared back and took the lead.

“It’s funny, they’re not always going to be masterpieces. Guys work just as hard and they have to make just as many plays. It’s not perfection out there, but it rarely is. It was a hard-fought win and it was a win that goes a long way in the standings for us and they’re back. They’ll be hungry and they’ll be coming at us, so we’ve got to be ready to go.”

The Stamps came away with a 21-17 win against BC in August (Photo by Canadian Press/Darryl Dyck)

Football is a team sport and you don’t often win games simply because of one unit on the field.

For the Stamps, they have the utmost confidence in all of aspects of the game. They trust that when one group is struggling, the others will step up and carry the load.

“It’s a team effort,” said defensive back Jamar Wall. “Not all phases fire at the same time. If the offence isn’t firing, then look for our defence and special teams and vice versa. We know the defence — we can make plays. We’ve got an MOP as a quarterback, we have an offensive player of the year in (Jerome) Messam, we have great receivers. If we give them a chance, we’re going to come out more times than not with some type of big play.”

Coming off of a huge 41-18 win over the Montreal Alouettes last weekend, the Lions’ confidence is sky high.

As a veteran, Wall knows how tough the matchup against the Leos will be, but he understands that if the Stamps play to their capabilities, they can walk away with an eighth straight win.

“They’re a really good team,” said Wall. “You can always expect a good receiving core, a good running back, a good quarterback, but it’s about what we do. If we come out and execute our game plan, we should come out victorious.”

It won’t be easy, though.

“It’s tough. For one, everyone wants your head,” Wall said. “We’re at the top of the league, so everyone wants to beat you. We’re always going to get their best effort. We’ve got to come in and be focused, be ready to play, and be physical. We have to play up to expectations. We can never stoop down to anyone else’s level.”