Football coaches like to say the most important game is the next one on the schedule, but the Stampeders’ next date is particularly crucial.

Not only is Sunday’s visit to Regina the proverbial four-point game between division rivals, the contest will also determine who wins the season series between the Stamps and the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

With the Stamps and Riders only separated by two points and with just four weeks remaining in the schedule, the season-series tie-breaker may well determine who gets first place in the West Division and a bye to the West Final on Oct. 21.

Here’s the scenario heading into Sunday’s contest:

• The Stamps and Roughriders have already clinched a home playoff game — either the West semifinal or the West final — and can finish no lower than second place
• This is the third and final meeting between Calgary and Saskatchewan, with each side having one win to its credit. If the rubber game ends in a draw, Calgary gets the season series because the Stamps’ victory was by a larger margin.
• The Stamps finish with home games against BC and Hamilton and a trip to Winnipeg. The Riders have two games remaining against the Eskimos — one home and one away — and a road game against BC.
• A Saskatchewan win would leave the teams tied with 20 points apiece, with the Riders holding the tie-breaker edge.
• A Calgary win would give the Stamps a four-point lead. Because of the tie-breaker advantage in this scenario, the Stamps would need just one win in their last three games or one Riders loss to clinch first place in the West.