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November 5, 2017

Messam has different title in mind

Jerome Messam during a game on Nov. 3, 2017 (Photo by Johany Jutras)

It’s an impressive accomplishment.

However, in the wake of Friday night’s 23-5 loss to the visiting Winnipeg Blue Bombers, the shine of the moment was expectedly dulled.

Jerome Messam ran for 30 yards on 12 carries amid frigid conditions at McMahon, topping the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the third straight season including two full years as a Stampeder.

He finished the campaign third among backs in the CFL with 1,016, behind Winnipeg’s Andrew Harris (1,035) and Ottawa’s William Powell (1,026).

“As far as personal stats go, I was happy to make 1,000,” said Messam. “But that’s not what it’s about. We have to win games.”

Carrying the bulk of the freight from scrimmage all year, Messam topped the 100-yard mark in two games, both against Saskatchewan: a season-high 135 on July 22 and 127 on Sept. 24.

Messam was quick to give credit to his teammates for his achievement.

“I’m just appreciative to get the opportunities to do it,” said Messam. “Thankful for my offensive line.”

Photo by David Moll

The Stamps will host the Western Final Nov. 19 (2:30 p.m.) against either the Edmonton Eskimos or Winnipeg Blue Bombers, who will slug it out in the Western Semi-Final next Sunday in the Manitoba capital.

Messam said the unfortunate end to the regular season will be a “lot of motivation,” and that either the Esks or Bombers will face a focused group intent on getting back to the Grey Cup.

“I’m excited, man,” he said. “Whoever comes out here to face us on that field is going to see a different team than they saw (in the loss to the Bombers). We’re not worried.”

While Calgary weather is notoriously fickle, it’s a good bet that the Western Final could be another cold, snowy affair similar to Friday night’s season-ender.

To that end, Messam and the  Stamps ground game will likely be an even larger key component to the Stamps game plan.

“We have to lean on our offensive line. It’s going to be a challenge for those guys and I think they’ll be up for it,” said Messam.

“You can’t let the cold make you a coward,” he added. “You have to be mentally tough and make the adjustments where you can and go out there and slug it out.”