It may not have been the way Rick Campbell drew it up, and it was definitely a lot closer than the Stampeders defence would have liked it, but when the fourth quarter ended, the home side came out on top, improving to 7-2 on the season in the process.

Heading into the fourth quarter the Stamps were leading 30-7. With four touchdowns, the visiting Eskimos were within three points of the Stampeders and it looked as if a sure victory was ready to slip away.

Rather than letting the Edmonton comeback continue, a Stampeders defence came up huge when it mattered most. With the game on the line, a Stampeders defence outlasted a marching Eskimos offence.

“We got the last stop, being a defensive guy you always want to be able to win the game for your team in a gritty game,” said Juwan Simpson.

The win was indeed gritty and Simpson knows no wins come easy in the CFL, especially when you’re facing your neighbours from the north.

“We knew that they might not be the best football team in the league, numbers wise, but they fight to the end every game and they did that tonight,” said the middle linebacker.

With the game on the line, Simpson and his defence rose to the challenge and secured the win for the Stamps.

“It was a little bit too close for comfort but it brings excitement to the game,” said defensive end Charleston Hughes. “For all the fans that left early and didn’t get to experience the end, they missed another classic.”

Defensive back Keon Raymond insists no one should be surprised with the Eskimos’ late-game surge.

“If you look at the last couple games, there a good fourth-quarter team,“ said the six-year veteran,  “They came in and put drives together in the fourth quarter — it’s what they do every week.” 

With four days until the rematch, the Stamps know their provincial rivals will be looking to exact revenge.

“I’m sure it will be a much closer game on Friday — they always bounce back well — but we’re ready for it,” said Simpson. “We just have to get some rest.”