There has been much discussion in Vancouver about the motivation the Lions feel heading into Saturday’s matchup with the Calgary Stampeders.

Not only are the Stampeders (5-1) one of the two teams ahead of the Lions (4-2) in the West Division standings but Calgary is also the team responsible for two of BC’s three most recent losses including the 2012 West Division final at BC Place.

“We have to be able to play good football against this team,” said Stampeders general manager John Hufnagel on the eve of the contest, “because, No. 1, they’re a good football team and we’re playing at their house and they have a little chip on their shoulder.”

Having recognized that element of the contest, Hufnagel says the team has to maintain its focus inward as Calgary tries to extend a four-game winning streak.

“I expect us to come out and have great emotion ourselves and be concerned about ourselves, not the other team, and go out and play great football,” he said.

Jon Cornish, who ran for 172 yards in the Stamps’ season-opening win over the Lions at McMahon Stadium, recognizes how dangerous it is to be facing the Lions at this juncture of the season.

“I think BC really wants to establish themselves at this point as one of the top teams in the league,” said Cornish. “For us as a team, we have to understand they are going to be flying around and they’re a good team at BC Place. A great team. What we have to do is match that intensity.”

Though the season hasn’t yet reached the midway point, the Stamps find themselves in the midst of a string of so-called big games. A week ago, it was a matchup with the then-undefeated Saskatchewab Roughriders. Now it’s the team that posted the CFL’s best record a season ago and has won nine straight regular-season games on home field.

Coincidentally, the Stamps and Lions have matching 28-14 records since the start of the 2011 season.

“For us,” said Cornish, “if we’re going to be a good team, we have to continue to win these big games”

Meanwhile, Coach Huff is sticking to his mantra about the biggest game always being the next game on the schedule.

“(Last week’s game against Saskatchewan) was one of many tests that you have throughout the season to hopefully get you ready for the playoffs — hopefully meaning that you have enough wins to get in the playoffs,” he said. “We passed last week’s test; we’ll see how we fare this week.”