I got my first touchdown tonight as a Stampeder. I have the ball and everything — gave it to my family to hold on to.

Tonight was a great team win on the road after a losing to BC last week. We knew we left a lot of points on the field. With guys getting injured, we knew others had to step up and that’s what we did tonight. Toronto has had our number the last six games here, so this was a great way to end that streak. It’s also keeping us alive and in the hunt to win the West Division. It was a great team effort is all I can really say.

The battle we’ve had to fight against injuries just goes to show how many great players we have on this team. It speaks to the depth we have where one guy goes down. we’ve got a lot of guys — who could be starters on other teams — who step up.

We had a lot of guys tonight who are backups assume starting roles and they got the job done. It speaks volumes of these guys who prepare week in and week out and are ready to play when their number is called.

I am one of those guys who has had his number called. That’s what you play the game for. Big-time players, they step up and seize the moment. Every game is a big game in this league because you never know what you are going to get from the opposing defence. I try to assume the role and be prepared for when my number is called to go and do what I do to try and help my team.

Tonight was my third start in this league and all three have been on the road. I don’t feel like a rookie anymore. I went through training camp, pre-season and now my third game that I’ve played on the road, so I am feeling very confident in the offence and the players around me to do what I do best. The coaches had faith in me as a rookie to start and I appreciate them giving me that opportunity. The sky is the limit for me and I look forward to the future and hopefully helping this team win a Grey Cup.

For now, we are going to enjoy this win first and then we’ve got 10 days to get ready for a really good Edmonton team — one we have to play back-to-back. I know Edmonton is going to come in on Labour Day Monday and give us their best shot, just like any other team. That’s what we are going to prepare for and we’re going to be ready to accept the challenge.

Tim Hawthorne, #84
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