Max Campbell
Stampeders.com

Canadian offensive lineman Pierre Lavertu filled in admirably for the injured Dan Federkeil during Calgary’s 28-13 triumph over the Edmonton Eskimos at McMahon Stadium in the 49th Labour Day Classic.

The Battle of Alberta was the first sellout of the year for the Stamps and playing in front of a capacity crowd was a memorable experience for the youngster.

“It was cool to have a lot of fans out there and a sold out game,” explained Lavertu.

Although the first-year Stampeder typically lines up at centre, Lavertu played at right guard, replacing former University of Calgary Dino Federkeil who suffered an upper-body injury midway through the second quarter.

“I practised the whole week at right guard so I started getting used to it,” admitted the first overall pick in the 2014 CFL Draft. “But I have to work on it and keep getting better for every game.”

Both teams were tied atop the CFL standings with identical 7-1 records prior to Monday’s much-anticipated contest, but Calgary’s win clinched the season series after a four-point victory at Commonwealth Stadium on July 24.

“That was the matchup — No. 1 against No. 2 – and it was cool that we won this one,” noted the easygoing Lavertu.

After a highly successful four-year career with the Laval Rouge et Or, playing on a winning team is nothing new for the Quebec City native, who has now come out on top in eight of his first nine games in the professional ranks.

“I didn’t lose a lot of games at Laval; I think I lost three games in my career,” Lavertu said, who went undefeated in both the 2010 and 2013 CIS seasons.

The Esks came into Week 9 having registered 29 quarterback sacks, but Lavertu proved to be more than capable of handling the stout defensive line of the Green and Gold.

“They have a good front,” stated Lavertu. “They are physical, they’re big, but we came out strong.”