When it comes to tonight, there are no words to describe how I feel. I can’t really say much.

It’s a tough loss after such a long season where we were playing so good every week. It’s a crushing feeling, definitely.

Today really came down to the fact that we didn’t go out there and play the way we were supposed to play. We had too many turnovers. It’s definitely something we are going to have to learn from but we will continue to get better.

As I got ready for this game, being prepared was key. I tried to stay in as long as I could in meetings and practice. I would come early when possible and try to get the game plan down.

We pretty much, as a group collectively, did everything we could this week – and we took advantage of a bye week – and we had good practices every day. It’s just unfortunate to come out today and have those turnovers. That’s what kicked our butt.

It’s hard to look ahead to next season right now. This loss is too fresh.

For now, I’m looking for guys to come back with the same energy they had this season and we’ve got a good group of guys.

With the expansion draft this year, who knows what happens this off-season, but I hope guys don’t get discouraged and stay positive.

I want them to just continue to work hard and prepare to play next season for the Stampeders. 

For myself, I hope to improve as a player in the off-season. It’ll come down to just paying attention to detail and being a better leader.

I want to lead by example on and off the field. I want to be a better teammate in the locker room. I hope to maximize my abilities so that I can contribute to the offence the best I can.

This one is going to sting for a while — I don’t want to feel this way again.

Joe West, #85
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