Hughes and Sheets busy with tweets
REGINA — Enough was enough for Charleston Hughes and that prompted some not-so-flattering tweets directed toward one Saskatchewan Roughrider in particular.
The Calgary Stampeders defensive lineman, not loathe to speak his mind, targeted running back Kory Sheets — also no stranger to venting — on Wednesday on the social network, saying there would be a “rude awakening after that hand off’’ and likeminded comments.
“It’s almost to the point where I’m tired of hearing them talk,” Hughes said on Thursday.
“We’re being the gentlemen and not saying much, just keeping it quiet and waiting until Saturday comes to play the game. I’m just tired of hearing it, so I figured I’ll be the one to speak out about it.
“I’m tired of hearing (Sheets) say he’s better than (Stampeders tailback Jon) Cornish, tired of hearing about their offence, how good they are and what they’re going to do when they come to McMahon Stadium. They have another thing coming if they think they’re just going to come in here and do whatever they want.
Calgary can clinch first place in the CFL’s West Division with a victory over Saskatchewan on Saturday (5 p.m., TSN, CJWW).
The Stampeders have a league-best 13-3 record. Saskatchewan (11-5) is next in line. A Saskatchewan victory on Saturday would extend the first-place race to the final week of regular-season play.
Even in the event of a Calgary loss to Saskatchewan, the Stampeders could still secure top spot by defeating the host B.C. Lions on Nov. 1.
Failing that, the Roughriders could claim first place with a victory over the visiting Edmonton Eskimos on Nov. 2.
The Roughriders were addressed by punter Ricky Schmitt following Thursday’s practice on Taylor Field.
When a player addresses his teammates, a seasoned veteran is typically front and centre. So why did Schmitt, in his first season as a Roughrider, speak to the team?
“I thought he had great focus all week last week and I just asked him, ‘ What are some of the things that you did?’ ’’ said Chamblin, referencing Schmitt’s contributions to Saturday’s 35-14 victory over the visiting Lions. “He told me and I said, ‘How about this? Share it with the team.’ He shared it with the team and it was good.’’
Schmitt averaged 44.3 yards per punt against B.C., recording his league-leading 13th single of the year.