“There’s a sense of gratitude among the group right now,” mentioned Maier, who’s listed as Calgary’s starter for Friday’s recreation. “However it occurred, it occurred and now right here we’re.
“This is the first taste of real momentum that we’ve had all year as a group and what better time than now. We want to make sure that we’re playing the game the right way, that’s the biggest thing. Let’s play well (Friday), regardless of who’s out there for either side.”
The Stamps beat the Lions in Vancouver 41-16 final week and in addition had an enormous 26-19 win at home on Oct. 13 over the Saskatchewan Roughriders (6-12), who have been eradicated from the playoff image after they dropped a 29-26 determination to the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday.
“It’s been a roller-coaster, but at the same time it teaches you one thing, which is control what you can control and keep working, because if you don’t keep working that guarantees not having an opportunity,” mentioned Awe. “We just kept going, kept working and kept playing hard and it all came together.
“If we get away in the playoffs, think about how much we’ve been through already.”
In addition to wanting to assist the Stamps win their third straight recreation to complete the season strongly, Awe, who has 118 defensive tackles, desires to interrupt the crew’s single-season file of 123 set by Alex Singleton in 2017 and 2018.
“If you’re thinking you’re going to make every tackle, your team’s probably winning more games, because one tackle that you miss can go for a touchdown,” Awe mentioned. “I’m close to this record, but I’m helping my team get better and helping them get into the playoffs.”
Winnipeg working again Brady Oliveira may also be chasing a milestone of his personal when the 2 Western Division rivals conflict on Friday.
Oliveira leads the CFL with 1,980 yards from scrimmage, so he can crack the two,000-yard plateau with simply 20 extra yards both on the bottom or by way of the air.
“Obviously it’s something I’d love to accomplish,” Oliveira advised reporters in Winnipeg on Wednesday after being named as his crew’s nominee for each most excellent Canadian and most excellent participant. “If it doesn’t happen, we’ve got bigger dreams and bigger goals.”
Having already clinched a bye by way of the primary spherical of the playoffs, the Blue Bombers will host the Western Final in opposition to both the Lions or the Stampeders on Nov. 11.
While he hopes to get some touches in Friday’s recreation in opposition to the Stamps, Oliveira desires to ensure that he’ll be wholesome for the playoffs.
“Heading into this final week and then heading into the post-season, that’s my biggest thing is stay available, stay healthy and put on good performances for my teammates,” he mentioned.
Both groups will likely be with out a few of their star energy for Friday’s recreation. Calgary’s excellent participant nominee Reggie Begelton and excellent Canadian Nominee Cameron Judge have been each performed on the one-game injured checklist.
Meanwhile, Zach Collaros will gown as Winnipeg’s third quarterback behind starter Dru Brown and backup Dakota Prukop, whereas Canadian receiver Nic Demski will likely be a wholesome scratch.
“I think coaches are just trying to do what’s best for their team long term,” mentioned Calgary coach Dave Dickenson. “I don’t feel like there’s ever a meaningless game. I think you can get positives or negatives out of every game. It’s not as important as it could have been if we had to win it to make the playoffs, but it still has meaning for both teams, so we’ll play to win and hopefully play well.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first printed Oct. 26, 2023.
Laurence Heinen, The Canadian Press
