SERIOUS BUSINESS
Stamps wary of Bomber threat
NICHOLS THE SAVIOUR
When Matt Nichols was traded by the Edmonton Eskimos to the Bombers back on Sept. 2, all of a sudden the hopes of not only a team but their diehard fans and city were placed on his shoulders. The product of Eastern Washington has done his best, but will it be good enough to beat a dynamic Calgary defence? The Blue Bombers off ensive line will need to do a great job protecting Nichols, because it’s a steep step down on the depth chart after him.
CORNISH’S ENGINE HEATING UP
The last game against the B. C. Lions was the first back after missing six for Jon Cornish, so he is revved up for his next assignment. In last Friday night’s game, Cornish ran the ball a dozen times for 41 yards, including a key 16- yarder for a touchdown late that sealed the victory. In the first meeting of the year between these two teams, the veteran back rushed for 120 yards, his season high, and another great outing would put him that much closer to the league rushing leaders.
SPECIAL TEAMS REBOUND
Last weekend was one Stampeder special team members would love to forget, but alas had to look at the film over and over to figure out what not to do. That on the heels of two returns for touchdowns by the Lions’ Chris Rainey — one of a kickoff , the other on a punt. At the other end of the field, the Bombers have allowed four touchdowns on punt returns, the most since 2010. With the release of Nathan Slaughter and Skye Dawson not on the active roster, look for anyone of Anthony Parker, Lemar Durant or Joe Burnett to do the Calgary honours.
MOVING UP IN THE HISTORY BOOKS
The season continues for quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell and so do the chart- topping numbers. The Stamps’ pivot is 24- 5 in his first 29 pro starts, which ties legends Tracy Ham and Jackie Parker. Should he win Friday night, he would match Ham’s 25- 5 record after 30 starts — and that’s pretty heady company indeed. Mitchell is also just one of two No. 1 quarterbacks to start every game for his team this season — the other is Ottawa’s Henry Burris.
PAREDES STREAK CONTINUES
When kicker Rene Paredes hit his three field goals against B. C. he went 18- for- 18, which is the longest streak in the CFL. The 30- year- old has missed just three times this season, giving him a nifty 90 per cent average. Prior to his current streak, Paredes was good on just 20- of- 30 dating back to the final six games of 2014 — a dismal 67 per cent. He appears to be getting the hot foot just at the right time of the year.