Stampeders Camp Report

Day 8 of training camp took place under perfect weather conditions. With just one session, players took to the field fresh and roaring to go.

The first hour consisted of regular practice routines and was then followed by the annual mock game.  Eager to see the new squad in action, several hundred fans were in the stands as the ball was kicked off by Sandro DeAngelis.  The game was played in full equipment although tackling was not permitted. 

Henry Burris was under centre for the first drive, firing three completed passes in four attempts.  Joffrey Reynolds got his first rush of the game for a minimal gain and the offence would punt.  Burke Dales came in to take the punt, hammering it fifty plus yards into the end zone.

Akili Smith led the offence back onto the field for the second series of the scrimmage.  Smith’s first two attempts were both complete as he checked down to fullback Gerald Commissiong for short plays.  He was able to showcase his strong arm on the next play throwing down field to a streaking Jeremaine Copeland for a 25 yard gain.  Running back Wes Cates caught another short pass from Smith before he got his first rush of the game, scampering up the middle for a decent gain.  The drive came to an end with an incomplete pass; Smith went 4 for 5 on the drive.  CFL Special Teams Player of the Year in 2006, Sandro DeAngelis hit his first attempt of the game from 38 yards.

The offence continued to work on the pass with Barrick Nealy throwing four straight attempts.  He was able to connect with J.R. Tolver for a big gain and then once again with Tolver who made a one handed catch with a defender all over him.  Ryan Cubit would then come into the game throwing passes to Ken-Yon Rambo and Nik Lewis.  Jon Cornish saw his first action, rushing twice for marginal gains, while Brandon Browner made his presence felt knocking down a couple of passes.  Duncan O’Mahony entered the game hitting a great punt, angling it out of bounds at the 10 yard line.

The next drive featured a more balanced attack with Wes Cates rushing a couple of times with lead blocks from Rob Cote.  Burris was able to find Copeland, who made a diving catch for a big gain.  DeAngelis would hit his second field goal of the game from 25 yards before the offence would line up again.  Smith was back under centre throwing a few short passes.  Running back Ken Simonton had the longest rush of the game cutting backside to find the opening in the defence.  The next three drives would end with DeAngelis field goals, making it from 42, 37 and 41 yards.  The All-Star kicker would finish 5 for 6 on the day showing the consistency he has become famous for.

Led by Burris, the offence would again line-up and had its most success of the day.  Copeland was able to find a hole in the zone for a big gain and rookie Keenan Howry was able to catch a pass down the sideline with no one around as the defender had attempted to pick the pass.

The defense played well all day, making it tough on their counterparts.  Linebacker Scott Coe made several nice plays diving to knock down a pass deep in coverage and then jumping on the line of scrimmage to intercept a pass sending the crowd into a frenzy.  Several other members of the defense were able to make plays looking in mid-season form.

The game would wind down with a couple of short yardage attempts before the inter squad game would come to an end.  The fans in attendance gave the athletes a roaring applause as they left the field, showing appreciation for the efforts put forth so early in the year.  Training camp resumes tomorrow with a morning session at 8am followed by an afternoon practice at 3pm.   

TRANSACTIONS

ADDITIONS:

Calvin Bannister (Defensive Back)

DELETIONS:

None

INJURY REPORT

David Bautista (Quad)

Marc Boerigter (Groin)

Brian Clark (Knee)

John Comiskey (Ankle)

Tyler Lynem (Thumb)

Terrance Patrick (Groin)

Justin Phillips (Hamstring)

Brett Ralph (Hamstring)

Miguel Robede (Groin)

J.R. Ruffin (Knee)

Ryan Thelwell (Hamstring)

Keron Williams (Shoulder)