Season finale for Stampeders, Bombers a battle of the backup QBs

CALGARY Andrew Buckley’s first CFL start will feel like old times.

The quarterback marshalled the University of Calgary Dinos offence in cold and snowy conditions at McMahon Stadium during his decorated college career.

The 24-year-old Calgarian will be behind centre Friday for the Calgary Stampeders when they conclude their regular season against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Friday’s forecast is for flurries and a low of minus-15.

The venue and its conditions familiar to the two-time Hec Crighton Trophy winner in CIS football, Buckley will see what he can do in them in his first pro start. “I’ve played here in bad conditions before. I’m comfortable with it,” the Canadian quarterback said Thursday. “It’s a chance for me to show I can move the ball and control the offence.” The outcome of Friday’s game is meaningless in the standings to the Stampeders (13-21), who have first in the CFL’s West Division and the division final Nov. 19 locked down. The Blue Bombers (11-6) can secure second and play the division semifinal at home Nov. 12 with a victory. The Stampeders have lost two in a row for the first time in five years, while the Bombers have dropped three of their last four.

Calgary and Winnipeg may boast the CFL’s best records, but could use some momentum heading into the post-season.

“We’re coming in here to win a game, but we try not to add all that other stuff from the rest of the season, previous couple losses,” Blue Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea said.

“Certainly winning is important and the feeling of winning and getting that is important, but I don’t know if we’re going to emphasize it in that way.”