Calgary Stampeders look to earn win against Edmonton Elks on Labour Day
“It just feels like our last game was so long ago,” Dickenson said. “I’m anxious to play and I think the guys have good energy and are looking forward to battling.
Dave Dickenson is feeling a bit unsettled as his Calgary Stampeders prepare for Monday's Labour Day Classic against the Edmonton Elks at McMahon Stadium.
The Stampeders (4-6) have been idle since their narrow 31-29 loss to the Ottawa Redblacks at home on August 15, which has added to Dickenson's concerns.
"It just feels like our last game was so long ago," Dickenson said. "I’m eager to get back on the field, and I think the guys have good energy and are ready for the challenge. I know it’s going to be a tough game. I’m a bit uneasy after this break, and I’m hoping our guys are sharp and focused on the details."
While Edmonton coach Jarious Jackson acknowledged Dickenson’s concerns, he also expressed confidence that the Stampeders will be well-prepared.
"It’s kind of nice to hear that, but I know how Dave is and how his teams operate," Jackson said. "I’m sure they had a good break, but I also expect them to be ready to go. We’re not taking them lightly. They might need to shake off some rust, but it’s football—they’ll get back into it quickly."
The Elks (3-8), who had won three straight to revive their season, suffered a frustrating 21-17 road loss to the Montreal Alouettes on August 25.
"We completely dominated them in the first half but then stumbled in the third quarter," said Elks quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson, who connected with Eugene Lewis and Kurleigh Gittens Jr. for touchdowns, giving Edmonton a 17-6 halftime lead.
Of Edmonton's eight losses, four have been by three points or less.
"We’ve lost more games than we’ve won, and we feel like we should have won a lot of those," said Bethel-Thompson, who is eager for the back-to-back games against the Stampeders, with the rematch set for Saturday at Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium. "We definitely want to start strong. We want to land the first punch and come away with a win here in Calgary."
Despite Calgary and Edmonton sitting in fourth and fifth place in the CFL’s West Division, both teams are still within reach of the first-place B.C. Lions and Winnipeg Blue Bombers (both 6-6).
"Everyone in the West is going to fight hard for those three playoff spots," said Calgary quarterback Jake Maier. "It’s amazing that every team in the West has a legitimate shot at winning it. You haven’t been able to say that about the West Division in a long time. It’s exciting for us as players, but we have to keep up with everyone."
Receiver Jalen Philpot, who missed the entire 2023 season due to a hamstring injury, is eager to participate in his second Labour Day Classic against the Elks. Although he didn’t have much impact in Calgary’s 26-18 win on September 5, 2022, during his rookie season, Philpot is determined to play a bigger role on Monday.
"I’m definitely looking to make a big play, score a touchdown, and do something to help my team win," Philpot said. "I always feel like I can step up in big games. I like to think I perform better under pressure."
