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Features October 17, 2023

Job’s Not Done

Still in it.

The Stampeders (5-11) avoided elimination on Friday as they scored 21 points in the second half to defeat the Saskatchewan Roughriders (6-11) by a final score of 26-19.

The win also gives Calgary the season-series over the Riders which would break the tie if both organizations finished with the same record at the end of the regular season.

But the Red and White have a chance to determine their own fate this week on the west coast. A win on Friday against the BC Lions, and a Riders loss to the 14-2 Argos, punches the club’s ticket to the CFL playoffs for the 18th consecutive season.

“(Feels) pretty good, but we’ve still got a job to finish,” said receiver Luther Hakunavanhu. “That’s the mindset right now. We don’t want to rely on the other teams to get us in there, so we have to take care of our job this week.

“That’s the focus right now.”

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The third-year pass catcher came in clutch for the Stamps Friday, hauling in a beautiful over-the-shoulder grab to set up the game-winning touchdown.

“To be honest, I just saw the ball, got excited, and just went out and made a play,” said the 2021 CFL draft pick. “Not really much to it. I’m glad the quarterback had trust in me to throw it.

“I’ve always been an advocate for throwing it down there. That’s what they brought me here for initially, a big body, jump balls-type so I’m always one for throwing it down the field.

But there’s still work to do, and the Stamps know it won’t be easy.

The Leos have won five of the past six meetings between the two western division rivals and this Friday’s tilt holds playoff implications for both clubs.

While Calgary continues their push to the post-season, the Orange and Black are fighting to edge out Winnipeg for first place in hopes of hosting the Western Final in about three and a half weeks’ time.

“It’s going to be as edgy as this last one we played,” informed the 27-year-old. “Same kind of track record, we played them in the playoffs last year, lost that one, and then a close game in the first one (of this season), and we didn’t start too hot in the second game – I think a lot of guys have taken that personally.

“Of course, BC wants to have that first week bye so it’s definitely going to be a chippy game and at that point we just have to keep our composure, play the game the way it is, and don’t shoot ourselves in the foot.

“I think that’s the biggest focus, stick to our assignments and don’t get dragged into the penalties.”

Following Friday’s matchup in Vancouver, the Red and White return home to McMahon Stadium for Fan Appreciation night against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Kickoff goes at 7:00 p.m. and you can purchase your tickets here.