By Max Campbell
Stampeders.com

Second-year defensive lineman Micah Johnson was impressive from start to finish in Saturday’s matchup with the Ottawa RedBlacks, posting three tackles and a sack as part of Calgary’s 38-17 victory at McMahon Stadium.

After the Red and White came up short in last week’s duel with the visiting Lions, Johnson acknowledged the importance of returning to their winning ways in front of the Stampeder faithful.

“It was huge,” Johnson said. “You never want to lose at home so you have to take advantage of all your home games. It was a huge one and I’m glad to get all the fans a win.”

With numerous former Stamps on the RedBlacks roster, Johnson admitted that facing a surplus of former teammates didn’t come without its challenges. In particular, Johnson spent the night going up against Ottawa offensive linemen Jon Gott and J’Michael Deane, who were both members of the Red and White during the 2013 season.

 “It actually makes it more difficult because you know each other,” Johnson explained. “You’re used to going against each other (in practice) and you know each other’s weaknesses. I pass-rushed against them for a whole year, so it makes it a little harder.”

Johnson was crucial in limiting the RedBlacks to a mere 38 rushing yards by preventing Ottawa’s biggest offensive weapon, Chevon Walker, from doing significant damage in the ground game.

“I’m just trying to be as impactful as I can,” he noted. “Help the team as much as I can, be a physical player, and just be everywhere that I can, so it felt good to get a couple hits on him.”

Perhaps the former Kentucky Wildcat, who was awarded a game ball by defensive captain Juwan Simpson following the Stamps’ fifth win of the season, drew some additional motivation from having his family in the stands to witness the Week 7 showdown.

“Just having them out there, it’s just amazing,” he said. “Having the family up here just makes it that much sweeter.”