Stampeders down Eskimos 27-13, clinch home playoff game, improve hold on first

Friday night's CFL game had an expected result, but it came in an unexpected way. The league-leading Calgary Stampeders bested the basement-dwelling Edmonton Eskimos 27-13, which wouldn't have surprised many. However, the Eskimos hung with the Stampeders through the first quarter (which ended 3-3) and were still in it at 13-3 in the second quarter before they were doomed, not by Calgary's offence or defence but by the Stampeders' special teams. That's when defensive back Jamar Wall made a crucial play, blocking a Grant Shaw punt, scooping it up and running it back 19 yards for a touchdown that gave Calgary a 20-3 lead. From there on, the Stampeders largely cruised, picking up the win, locking up a home playoff game and boosting their hold on first place in the process.

This wasn't all about Wall's play, of course, as there were plenty of notable showings from other Stampeders players too. First amongst them was running back Jon Cornish, who collected 145 yards on 19 carries (7.6 yards per carry), boosting his case for the league's Most Outstanding Player award. Quarterback Kevin Glenn was reasonably efficient, too, completing 16 of 26 passes (61.5 per cent) for 237 yards and a touchdown, while slotback Marquay McDaniel hauled in four receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown and kicker Rene Paredes hit all four of his field-goal attempts.

The Calgary defence also played well, holding Edmonton quarterback Mike Reilly to 247 passing yards with a 52.9 per cent completion percentage, one touchdown and one interception. They contained the Eskimos' ground game, too: Reilly collected 43 yards on seven carries, while running backs Hugh Charles and John White collected 54 yards on 10 combined carries. Particular defensive standouts were safety Eric Fraser, who had four tackles, a sack and an interception, and defensive end Charleston Hughes, who recorded three tackles and two sacks. While it wasn't a one-sided game, it was still a solid showing all around, and one that could have significant implications for the Stampeders' postseason.

With the win, Calgary improves to a league-best 13-3 on the year and clinches at least second place in the West Division, meaning the Stampeders will get to host a home playoff game. Even beyond that, though, they're in solid shape to take first place and its accompanying first-round bye. Their closest competition are the 10-5 Saskatchewan Roughriders, who play B.C. Saturday night, but even a Saskatchewan win there leaves the Stampeders two games ahead with just two left. Yes, the two teams face off next week, so the Riders could bring this down to each team's final game with two straight wins, but Calgary still holds the upper hand here. Thus, this win could prove crucial in the race for playoff positioning. The Stampeders weren't overly dominant here, but they did play well and came away with a victory that could prove essential. This team's still clicking along, and they could be a formidable force in the playoffs.