By Max Campbell
Stampeders.com

DL DeQuin Evans and DB Quincy Butler both made major contributions in the Stamps’ 40-33 thrilling come-from-behind victory against the visiting Toronto Argos on Saturday evening. The win improved Calgary’s overall record to 10-1 — including 5-1 at home — and halted Toronto’s three-game winning streak in Southern Alberta.

The Week 12 showdown with the Boatmen marked a long-awaited return to the lineup for the two defensive standouts. Evans saw his first action since July 12 due to a leg injury while Butler last took the field in the early stages of the 2013 season after going down with a torn ACL. Including playoff contests, Evans and Butler had missed a combined 32 games prior to their respective returns this weekend.

“I’m thankful for Coach Huff for giving me an opportunity to stick around and believe in me to get be back out there on the field,” Evans stated post-game. “I’m thankful for the strength staff and the trainers for getting me back healthy, and I’m just extremely thankful for my coaches and my teammates for picking me up even though sometimes I was down.”

Butler, meanwhile, taking the place of fellow DB Buddy Jackson, knew he needed to hold up his end of the bargain and ensure a seamless transition at that spot in the secondary.

“It means a lot just coming out there,” said the San Antonio, Tex., native. “Buddy went down and I had to step up at practice sooner than I thought, so I came out here and did what I can do. That’s what we pride ourselves on. We don’t make excuses. It’s ‘next man up’ and we keep playing hard.”

Evans, in the midst of his first year in Red and White, brought down QB Ricky Ray for a 10-yard loss in the second quarter and also hurried Ray in the final minute, forcing a game-sealing interception that fell into the arms of DL Shawn Lemon. 

“It was just a mentality,” the former Kentucky Wildcat said of his 10-yard quarterback takedown. “I just got out there and was thinking of all the times I was just sitting on the sideline watching guys play and just wishing that I was out there. I just gave everything I have and gave him my best move and the other guys did a good job of penetrating as well. I just shot my gap and did my best to secure the tackle and make the play.”

The electric atmosphere inside McMahon as the Stampeders stormed back from a 26-point deficit served as an ideal return to football for Butler, who enjoyed every last moment as he fed off the energy of the spirited fans in attendance.

“That was the best first game to come back to,” admitted an elated Butler, who registered four tackles on the night. “That was a football game, and that’s what we play for.”