The defence came out to play.

Turnovers have been the story of the game thus far as the Calgary Stampeders and Ottawa RedBlacks have combined for six with each team having three to their credit, in a low scoring 9-9 deadlock at TD Place Stadium.

Nick Arbuckle is off to a solid start going 12/15 for 156 yards while his counterpart – Jonathon Jennings – has struggled with just 22 yards on 5-8 passing.

It’s been the complete opposite compared to when the two clubs squared off in Week One of the 2019 CFL season, which saw a combined 38 points scored at the half which resulted in a 32-28 RedBlacks win.

Ottawa would make quick work on their first drive of the game, as kicker Lewis Ward would hit a 38 yard field goal which was set up by a big kickoff return of 58 yards by Devonte Dedmon to put the home side up 3-0.

The Stampeders would answer back with Rene Paredes nailing a pair of field goals from 47 and 23 yards out, his second set up by Chris Casher forcing a fumble that was recovered by Wynton McManis at the Ottawa 35 making short work for the offence to get the kicker in scoring positon.

The RedBlacks would even things up the very next play, taking advantage of two 15-yard penalties called on the Stamps defence leaving Ward to hit an easy 13-yard chip shot to even the game up 6-6 to round out the scoring in the first quarter.

Defence was the name of the game in the second stanza, as three turnovers were forced with Ottawa forcing two of them. The only offence seen was Paredes and Ward trading field goals with both kickers a perfect 3/3 on the night.

If history has shown anything, a frantic finish could be in store once again between these two clubs who are no stranger to tightly contested affairs that have gone down to the wire.

Photo by Freestyle Photography (@freestyleottawa)