By Nic Sgaggi
Stampeders.com

He’s been a thorn in the side of the Montreal Alouettes since he first entered the Canadian Football League in 2012.

In four career meetings with the Larks, Fred Bennett has not once ceased being an impact player. However, the cornerback out of South Carolina admits his success against Montreal is not by design.

“I really don’t get hyped up for one team,” said the Manning, S.C., native. “It’s good to know that I’ve had some success against these guys over the last couple years, but they’re a totally different team now. They have new weapons and, for me personally, I just want to take it one game at a time and prepare well and go out there and do what I do on game day.”

Though he’s focused on Saturday’s home-opener more than anything, it’s hard to ignore Bennett’s track record against the Als.

In 2012, he led the Stampeders defence in tackles in both regular-season meetings with Montreal and in Week 3 last year, he was responsible for one of five Anthony Calvillo interceptions on the season.

But all of that was just the tip of the iceberg.

One of the most memorable moments of Bennett’s career came against the Alouettes on July 20, 2013, with the score 28-24 in favour of the Stampeders, who were building momentum after overcoming a 24-point deficit. Bennett stifled a sure Noel Devine kick-return touchdown with an unforgettable forced fumble just 13 yards away from the Stamps’ end zone, ultimately securing the comeback win for Calgary.

“I was just making a play for my team,” said a humble Bennett. “I knew we needed it. The first half of that game didn’t really go as we planned so I knew our team needed a play. It was just that will in me to go get the ball. It was a great effort on my part, I guess.”

In just his third CFL season, Bennett is an essential piece of a relatively young core in the Stampeders secondary. He credited much of the success of the Stamps’ youngsters to defensive backs coach Tony Missick.

“I think the young guys we have coming in, year in and year out, they buy into what we’re trying to accomplish back here,” said Bennett. “I think our DB coach does a good job (with them). We’re one big family. We’re one unit. I know we go out there and play as individuals but at the end of the day, we’re one unit and that helps the younger guys coming in to be more confident in what they’re doing.”

Bennett may face a new challenge on Saturday when high-profile Alouettes newcomer Chad Johnson makes his CFL debut, but he noted he would not be making any adjustments for his potential matchup.

“I feel like it’s going to be a good battle,” he said. “I don’t want to shed too much light on that. My main focus is not him. My main focus is going out there and playing good football and trying to win this first game.”