By Geoff Crane
Stampeders.com

Sunday’s Western Final against the Saskatchewan Roughriders will be somewhat of a first for Stampeders receiver Anthony Parker as he prepares for what would be his initial playoff game action as a professional.

But Parker feels a sense of déjà-vu playing at McMahon Stadium, where he’s starred in many big games for the University of Calgary Dinos.

“I’m familiar with the surroundings,” says Parker, who was a dominant receiver for the Dinos, being named an all-star twice. “It’s exciting being that it is the first pro playoff game that I’ll dress for. I’ve prepared for them in the past but never got the call to play.”

Parker has continued to progress for the Stampeders in 2013, catching 27 passes for 306 yards and two touchdowns, all career marks for the non-import receiver on a very deep and talented Calgary offence.

Parker scored his first CFL touchdown on July 26 against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. This weekend, he hopes he and his squad will visit the end-zone regularly as the Stamps face west rivals in the Roughriders, with a berth in the Grey Cup on the line.

“I guess it’s another game in terms of preparation,” says Parker, trying to keep perspective. “Just another game that we’re playing — only this one has a few more implications at the end of it. I’m preparing the same way, trying to know my responsibilities.”

Parker and the rest of the Stampeders have tried to maintain their focus leading up to the game this Sunday, choosing not to get caught up in the hype that accompanies a top-tier showdown.

During the regular season, there was no shortage of off-field distractions being offered by the Riders and their fans as they tried to ramp up a war of words between the two squads.

Parker says that kind of intensity is natural when you have two of the league’s top teams, top quarterbacks and top running backs going head to head.

Regardless of the temptation to trade verbal jabs, the Stampeders knows it will take more than talk to get the chance to play for Canadian football’s ultimate prize.

“They’re a physical group, talented,” says Parker. “They’re going to be in your ear a little bit — I’m sure — during the game, but it’s just another defence to prepare for.

“There’s always that rivalry going on and I think there’s going to be plenty of green in the stands but it will still be a lot of fun to go out there and play in front of them.”

Meawhile, Parker’s former university will be playing in a big game of its own prior to the West final. The undefeated U of C Dinos will be taking on the top-ranked Western Mustangs in the Mitchell Bowl for the chance to play for the Vanier Cup.

“It’s great to watch those guys,” says Parker. “I know going into the season, they didn’t expect to be where they are.

“To go undefeated through the regular season and playoffs is a big feat, something that I never got to experience when I was there. I’m really pulling for those guys.”

Parker offers a little friendly advice to the Dinos.

“I know they’re going to have a tough week similar to what we’ll have,” he says, “but there’s no doubt if they put in the work, they’ll come out on top.