[OzSome]

Another Battle of Alberta but this time it is the Western SemiFinal. This season Calgary won 3 times and lost 1 against Edmonton. Edmonton won the first game 38-35 and Calgary won the last 3 games 35-34, 32-8 and 30-7.

Last week, Calgary beat themselves against Saskatchewan with timely penalties and bad mistakes. Not saying Saskatchewan did not show up for the game but other than the first few minutes of the game, they didn't do much. Tomorrow that has to change. They should have mistake-free and penalty free against Ricky Ray and the Eskimos.

OFFENSE: Western Most Outstanding Player nominee Joffrey Reynolds were less successful against the Eskimos this season compare to the rest of the team in the league. In 4 games vs the Eskimos, he averaging 61.5 yards per game and no TD. It wasn't for the lack of trying but Reynolds seems to be the forgotten man whenever they play the Eskimos. Burris, on the other hand had better luck vs the Eskimos throwing for 1,503 yards with 8 TD and 4 INT. His highest passing this season was against the Eskimos for 479 yards.
The receivers, Jermaine Copeland 22 catches 403 yards 5 TD is the highest amongst the Stamps' receivers. Nik Lewis is second with 19 catches 271 yards. Romby Bryant only played once against Edmonton and had 9 catches 211 yards.
Trouble on OLine. Both Western Linemen finalist Ben Archibald and Jeff Pilon missed Friday's practice with the flu. Both are questionable for Sunday's game but Coach Hufnagel think both will play.
R/TE Teyo Johnson will miss the game due to stabbing that happenned after the KISS concert in Calgary.

DEFENSE: Stamps run defense are usually not that good against the Eskimos but the last 2 games, they seems to improve. LB Malik Jackson leads the Stamps defense with 21 tackles, MLB Tim Johnson is 2nd with 18 tackles and 1 QB sack. Former Eskimos DL Jim Davis usually play well against his former team and leads the defense with 4 QB sacks. DB Diwght Anderson 15 tackles and 2 Fumble Recoveries while DB John Eubanks had an INT against Edmonton.
It looks like DL Mike Labinjo will sit this game out.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Last few games, the Stamps coverage team played well against Tristan Jackson and Arkee Whitlock. I believed this is due to P Burke Dales successful directional punting away from those 2. Our punt return is no match against the Eskimos. I am not sure if Markus Howell is the answer. Kickoff returner Summers had a better luck.

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Stamps must stay away from stupid penalties and stop Whitlock and Ray from running the ball. Whitlock is good running the ball straight up (North and South) but not as well when he does side-by-side(EAST and WEST). Our defense should keep on pressuring Ricky Ray and let him know their intention. At the same time, there shouldn't be any breakdown in coverage just like Fantuz having so many opening last week in Saskatchewan. Stamps offense must mix up plays and get Reynolds more involved. Burris should go after the LBs by passing the ball to Lewis, Reynolds and Copeland early then when that successful throw a bomb to Bryant and Ralph.

I cannot wait to see the Western SemiFinal tomorrow. Updates before game time.

GO STAMPS GO!!!