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August 3, 2018

Preview: Bc @ Cgy

Lucky number seven is in sight.

The Stampeders are set for a clash with the BC Lions Saturday night at McMahon Stadium, the first of three tilts between the West Division rivals.

After a convincing 34-22 victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders last week kept the unbeaten streak intact, the Stamps will look to remain perfect as they head into the bye week.

“We know BC is going to come in firing all of their bullets and we have to match that and be ready to go,” head coach Dave Dickenson said.

“It’s always a tough game against them, we’ve had some classics against BC and hopefully we find a way to get that seventh win and stay with our lead in the West.”

The Stamps will be without two key pieces of the offence in Eric Rogers and Don Jackson. Rogers has been the go-to receiver for Bo Levi Mitchell to find in the end zone, as his five majors lead the Red & White.

Jackson meanwhile has taken the league by storm in being the lead tailback for Calgary, sitting fourth in the league in total rush yards at 442, appearing in two less games then the three ahead of him.

Despite being without the duo, Dickenson said that although it’ll changeup how the depth chart is set up, the game plan and the way they manage who sees game action won’t change.

“Every week we haven’t been able to put the same roster together,” he said. “Aside from injuries, it’s us getting everyone on the field and everyone’s playing well. They’re getting invaluable experience and that could pay off for us long term.”

The absences will create an opportunity for others to step up, with running back Romar Morris being one of many who will take on the chance to prove themselves. Last week, the 25-year-old filled in against the Riders and is looking to build off the night that saw him end with 12 carries for 41 yards.

“I’m ready to go out there and make an impact,” Morris said. “I want to go out there and have a great game and fill in seamlessly like last week.”

“I know that I’ve put in the work to get to this point now it’s just all about putting everything together from the practice field to game action.”

“We’re very confident that Romar will play a sound game like he did the week before,” running back coach Marc Muller added. “It’s what we expect from whoever is out there, to represent the horse that everyone has before you.”

Last season saw the Stamps win both meetings against the Lions with scores of 21-17 and 27-13. A new season series presents a clean slate for both sides and things will look different, especially for the defence, as instead of eyeing down Jonathon Jennings, it’ll be Travis Lulay.

“Lulay is mobile enough to give himself time so you have to keep him in the cup and keep him in front of you,” defensive coordinator DeVone Claybrooks said. “Every week you put out the same goals and hopefully they work but sometimes you have to adjust on the fly and our guys are great at doing that.”

“Our standard is real high and we still haven’t scratched the surface of what we are capable of doing.”

Additions to this week’s 46-man roster are Randy Richards, Eric Mezzalira, Troy Stoudermire, Maleki Harris, and Michael Kashak. The subtractions will be Adam Thibault, Justin Lawrence, Folarin Orimolade, Reggie Begelton, and Eric Rogers.