The Pony Express

Wow, what a way to start a weekend! That was some show last night by all three phases of the Red and White. Walking into hostile territory against a team that should have been downright peeved about their last game the guys with the horses on their helmets did something very few (myself included…..blush) thought they could do, win three in a row.

First of all hats off to Craig Dickenson, the Stamps Special Teams Coordinator, for throwing together almost every ‘special’ play in the books and then having the guts to call them at the right time.  While it doesn’t quite rank up there with the sideline Oscar winning facial expressions Coach Maciocia can deliver The Don gets a Supporting Actor nomination in the ‘You Gotta Be Kidding’ category.

Secondly, pick up those hats and then toss them in the air again for Steve Buratto for organizing a well balanced offensive attack that saw major yards racked up on both rushing and passing.  Wes Cates finally had his break out game that everyone in the 403 area code thought he was capable of having.  And aside from one interception Henry Burris played very cool and confident, taking time to find open receivers and spreading the ball around nicely.

Thirdly, dust them Stetsons off again and whip ‘em high because Denny Creehan’s defensive squad found a way to limit a potentially deadly Montreal offense to only 289 yards passing and 39 yards rushing.  The front group was able to get pressure on Anthony Calvillo and the Calgary defensive backfield did their job well in covering dangerous receivers.  I am still left in amazement though on the sheer talent and gutsy play of Ben Cahoon who, along with uber-leg talented Damon Duval, provided some reasons for Als fans to cheer.  Ben is simply an incredible player.

I know the Stamps enjoyed their bye week.  Heading into the rest break with a two win streak under their belt the players and coaches were able to enjoy some family time and general relaxation before heading back to the practice field last weekend.  Coach Higgins expressed consternation going into last nights game that perhaps some rust had built up over that break.  A team with a mental high and a physical low can often receive a sharp wake-up call.  But the players were disciplined and responded well to getting back in the saddle.

Another big reason for the win has to be placed on the Stampeder Ownership Group.  Typically a team from the west will fly into an eastern away game the day before the game.  In this case Coach Higgins asked his bosses if it were possible for the team to fly to Montreal two days in advance.  In his opinion the extra day to adjust to the three hour time difference and the atmosphere that is the world-class city of Montreal would help the team be at their best for the game.  Management agreed and the extra funds required for an extended road trip were approved.  I can’t say enough on how the Calgary Head Office is supporting this team.

So what next then?  Well, it’s the lead up to the Labour Day Classic.  Typically this long weekend clash between the Eskimos and the Stampeders is a gladiatorial bloodbath filled with animosity and controversy.  If you have never taken one in I highly recommend you plan for it one day, if you can get a ticket.  As Calgary turned on the afterburners in the fourth quarter last night I was amused by a quick TSN shot of Danny Maciocia.  Coach Maciocia had a far away stare that to my homer-induced eyes said ‘oh just freaking wonderful, I get to play these guys next’.  In fact, like Horton and his amazing talent for hearing Whos, at about the point in time that Ken-Yon Rambo caught his 60 yard TD and Coby Rhinehart grabbed his second pick of the night I put an ear out to the winds of NW Calgary and swear I could hear the other 6 CFL head coaches sarcastically moaning ‘great, Calgary finally found their groove, just great’.

The Stampeders finally did what has long been expected of this squad.  They have now put together three solid wins.  They have knocked off the leading eastern team two games straight and based on what I saw of the Lions in BC last week against Edmonton I think they can beat the Leos in their backyard right now.  So it begs the question, who better than us?

The gates to the arena open, the capacity crowd roars its approval, the trumpets blare and the banners wave as the warriors in red step out onto the battleground.  Bring on the Eskimos.