Coach expects Calgary Stampeders to 'be sharp' in 2025 home debut
The Calgary Stampeders take the field for one final audition Saturday looking to put more than just a performance they can proud of together.
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They also want results.
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Where pre-season is forever about evaluating what you've got and never really about what the scoreboard says at the end of each game, the bottom line for this Canadian Football League contest certainly has some meaning for a club desperately trying to find and maintain an upward trend.
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'We take it very seriously — take it very seriously,' confirmed Stampeders middle linebacker Marquel Lee, ahead of Saturday's pre-season finale against the Edmonton Elks at McMahon Stadium (7:30 p.m., CHQR 107.3 FM/770 AM).
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'It's a game at the end of the day,' continued Lee. 'But we don't get many opportunities to come out and do our craft. So anytime we can come out and dominate and show our stuff and put together a win, we want to do that.
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'And we want to get better. This is only our third or fourth week being together, so we've still got to build on the things that we need to build on going into the season and we want to use this as opportunity for a dress rehearsal and get those things together.
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'But we also do want to win.'
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With that, the Stampeders set up to go out and win Saturday with at least half of their expected season-starters in for the early part of exhibition contest.
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Very few got the opportunity to play in last Monday's pre-season victory — 26-16 — over the host BC Lions on Vancouver Island.
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But there are some not quite ready for prime-time with injuries holding them back until the start of the regular schedule.
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'I've probably got seven or eight, maybe even 10 guys that won't play that could be starters,' said Stampeders GM/head coach Dave Dickenson, of his roster against the incoming Elks. 'But … yeah … definitely, if you can play and you're healthy, we want to give you that opportunity to go compete.
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'Timing-wise for a lot of them, it will be their first pre-season game, because I left a good chunk of guys home last week,' continued Dickenson. 'I'm not expecting perfection but expecting them to play fast and physical and be sharp. Just play with your eyes — don't try to do too much, meaning take what the defence gives you.
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Winnipeg Free Press
an hour ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Calgary Stampeders seek turnaround in 2025 with quarterback Vernon Adams Jr.
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CTV News
3 hours ago
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Toronto Star
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Quarterback Marcus Crandell signs one-day contract to retire as a Calgary Stampeder
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