Stamps hope to pull off upset in West Division semi-final against Lions

The Calgary Stampeders travel to Vancouver to face the B.C. Lions this weekend to settle up the West Division semi-final.

The Calgary Stampeders had a tough time with the B.C. Lions in the regular season.

The Lions won both games, hammering the Stamps 52-23 on Sept. 19 and taking the Oct. 4 matchup 38-24.

Head coach Dave Dickenson says the good news is the Stamps won three straight games heading into the post-season.

“Confidence is definitely something you can build momentum (with),” said Dickenson.

“They’ve got six (wins) in a row though, so they’ve got the same. … We know it’s playoff football, and I think sometimes in the playoffs it’s good to get off to a fast start and get the lead. If you do that, you put the pressure on the other team, and they realize, ‘Oh, it’s do or die.’”

Underdogs

Even though the Stamps and Lions finished the regular season with identical 11-7 records, no one seems to be giving Calgary much of a chance in the West Division semi-final.

Veteran linebacker Derrick Moncrief says he doesn’t pay much attention to that.

“The experts can’t play football,” he said.

“It’s all about the Calgary Stampeders and playing the best three phases of football for us, and right now we just prepare. We know what’s at stake. We know it’s win or go home, so we’re ready to play some football come Saturday.”

Realizing a dream

Quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. has been in the CFL for nine seasons but has yet to make an appearance in the Grey Cup.

He says he’d love to get there this season, and it all starts with beating the Lions.

“It matters a lot,” he said.

“I think we all play to become champions. It really does matter, but I can only control what I can control. I have to be the best version of me and be in the make-plays mode—don’t try to do too much and just try to own the ball and move the ball as well.”

A lot of rookies

The Stamps have a lot of players who have never experienced the post-season in the CFL.

Defensive back Adrian Greene played three seasons with the Lions and was in the playoffs all three years.

Greene says he’ll give words of advice to the rookies.

“Playoff season is a little bit different, and there’s going to be some highs and lows,” he said.

“You’ve just got to stay in the middle and keep your composure, and then when it comes down to it, make your plays.”

Kickoff for the Stamps and the Lions is 3:30 p.m. on Saturday.