By Max Campbell
Stampeders.com

Joe Burnett provided a dynamic defensive performance in Calgary’s 35-23 Friday night victory over the BC Lions, pacing the Stamps to a yet another home victory.

“That was a huge win,” Burnett said post-game. “(With) BC coming in, they had really nothing to lose, so we knew it was going to be an up-and-down game for us and it was one that we were going to have to play (hard for all) four quarters. It’s always good to get a win. It’s a Western Division win, so it keeps us in first place and keeps up going forward as far as the Western Division goes.”

After Lions quarterback John Beck left the game due to injury prior to halftime, third-string pivot Jonathon Jennings was forced to enter the action with only one career CFL pass attempt to his name.

“I think for us, it was just about putting pressure on him,” noted Burnett, a Eustis, Fla., native. “He did some things (and) got the ball downfield, which we knew he was going to do. We just knew we had to rally and to continue to be locked in and be focused with a new quarterback. We’ve played against a new quarterback before, a couple weeks ago (against Edmonton). This week right here was nothing different.”

BC’s first turnover through the air came when Burnett jumped in front of a pass intended for Lavelle Hawkins less than four minutes into the second half. The change of possession led to a Rene Paredes field goal of 42 yards, giving the Stampeders an eight-point advantage.

“I had a pretty good read on it and saw the tendency of what they were trying to give me,” recalled No. 24 when asked about his second interception as a Stamp. “I just shot it and went for it. The quarterback – we had pressure in his face – made a bad throw, and I was right there to pick it off.”

Despite surrendering two total touchdowns to the Leos, the Calgary defence did not allow BC to find the end zone as the Lions’ two majors came via kick returns on special teams.

“That’s our mentality — try not to let the offence score on us,” the ex-Pittsburgh Steeler offered. “They put up a number of points in different situations on us, but defensively, we go out, make plays, get turnovers and get the ball back to our offence. We’re a stingy defence and we try to rally and continue to be a stingy defence for the rest of the season.”

Burnett also added five tackles in the Week 13 battle including three in the final six minutes.

“My mentality is to stand up each time I’m on the field,” he said. “I’ve been hit with a lot of shots in my career, so it’s (about making) statements for me. Anyone I go against, I want to challenge them to compete. Win, lose or draw, I keep my head up (with) a short memory and continue to go.”