By Nic Sgaggi
Stampeders.com

The Red and White are gearing up for the Labour Day Classic riding the high of a defensively sound Week 9 performance.

While it won’t be easy, the Stamps defence knows it needs to put on a similar display in order to contain the Eskimos’ No. 2-ranked offence.

Luckily for the Stamps, players have been stepping up and helping make strong defensive performances happen.

Defensive tackle Demonte’ Bolden landed his first start of the 2014 campaign last Sunday in Ottawa and made sure he didn’t go unnoticed when he earned his first sack of the season.

He’ll look to add to his tally on Labour Day and help lift the Stamps past the Esks for the second time this season.

“I’m very excited for Labour Day because it will be my second time coming out,” said the six-foot-five, 285-pounder. “I just want to play within the scheme and play within the defence and make plays.”

It won’t be too bad a day for Bolden’s second showing of the season. The Stamps-Esks Labour Day Classic has undoubtedly been one of the most highly-anticipated CFL games of the year.

Bolden talked about how the Stamps plan to slow down the Eskimos offence

“Just basically play within the scheme and play the rushes,” said Bolden. “We need to play Mike Reilly.

“This game is very important to me just because I’m just now entering the front line and I’m trying not to make any mistakes,” he continued. “It’s very important for me to stay within the scheme and do the things that Coach (DeVone) Claybrooks asks me to do.”

The University of Tennessee product will head into Labour Day with boosted confidence after sacking former Stamp Henry Burris in last week’s game.

“(Getting that sack) meant a lot,” said Bolden, who received the defensive game ball after the Ottawa contest. “I felt that was the biggest highlight of my whole week to get out there and get into the rhythm and actually make something happen.

“I think it’s a confidence-booster for me for the whole year. I started from nothing and I’m just out here trying to play.”

Claybrooks was satisfied with Bolden’s play in Week 9.

“He did a good job of just playing relentless,” said Claybrooks. “He’s not going to always be where I want him to be, but wherever he is, he’s going to be 120 miles per hour and we can work with the rest. He took the coaching and he’s trying to get better and that’s all I can ask from any player.”

 “No and yes,” said Bolden when asked if he was happy with his Week 9 performance. “I felt like I gave a good effort and I feel like now I’m getting a little more adjusted. I can play more within the scheme instead of just getting up field.”