It's not very often that a match up between the Lions and the Stamps is of absolutely no consequence, but that's the case tonight, as what normally would be the top game of the weekend instead will be nothing but a pads on practice for the two teams.
Sure, there's bragging rights and all of that, the Stamps perhaps a tad more motivated to avenge the loss a few weeks back in Vancouver, a loss that brought to an end their thoughts of a first place finish in the West this year.
But with the Lions holding court as the best of the league and the Stamps now focused on their Western Semi Final game in two weeks time, one wonders how much starters will see on what will be a frozen patch of turf at McMahon Stadium.
There are some interesting sidebars to the game tonight the running backs for both teams are among the best in the league, while the Lions GM of course has history with the Stamps, in recent years both have been the top teams of the division, solid franchises that have a blue print in place for others to follow.
Then there's the QB situation, Travis Lulay most likely will get further rest, Mike Reilly more than capable at directing the Leos offence while the starter recuperates.
Calgary on the other hand finds Drew Tate ready to report for duty after his lengthy convalescence over the season, however, Kevin Glenn has been the one responsible for keeping the Stamps playoff and Grey Cup ambitions alive, changing QB's at this time seems an unlikely strategy, though we imagine if he's ready, Tate will get some work tonight, if for no other reason than to shake off some of the rust.
There are any number of reasons to take in the game tonight, the competitive nature of the two teams, the quest of Jon Cornish to rewrite some record book entries and the thought that momentum into the playoffs is always key, so perhaps it may not be a no contact scrimmage after all.
It won't count for much in the playoff race, but messages late into the season are always important, keeping your team on track late in the season when the standings don't matter is always a challenge, it may be the biggest issue of the night for both Mike Benevides and John Hufnagel.
Game Time 7 PM MT, 6 PT, 9 ET McMahon Stadium TSN
British Columbia 21 at Calgary 41 (27,014)
Pre Game
CFL.ca-- Game Preview
CFL.ca-- Video Preview
National Post-- Lions, Stampeders meet with playoff decisions in mind
Vancouver Province-- Harris and Cornish: They're the best CFL running backs, period
Vancouver Sun-- Lions' Andrew Harris has a secret admirer
Calgary Herald-- Cornish closes in on 56 year old record
Calgary Sun-- Calgary Stampeders QB Drew Tate set for return
Team Backgrounders
British Columbia Lions
Calgary Stampeders
Post Game
CFL.ca-- Game Review
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights
National Post-- Strong first half leads Stampeders to romp of Lions
Vancouver Province-- B. C. Lions lose 41-21 to Calgary Stampeders in mean-nothing stinker
Vancouver Sun-- Stampeders stomp on Lions early en route to 41-21 victory in Calgary
Calgary Herald-- Stampeders ride explosive first quarter in 41-21 victory over B. C. Lions
Calgary Sun-- Stamps use quick start to bury Lions
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