By Max Campbell
Stampeders.com

The Stamps gave him a second chance, and Brandon McDonald returned the favour.

After appearing in two games for Calgary in 2014, the defensive back was acquired by Ottawa last year but he recently re-joined the Red and White and promptly turned in an impressive road outing against the Tiger-Cats.

“It felt good to be back out on the field. It felt good to be back in this environment, and it felt good to come out with the win,” stated McDonald, who hails from Collins, Miss.

The five-foot-10, 185 lb. cornerback was released by the RedBlacks following their Week 9 defeat to Toronto and was brought in by the Stamps just four days before their tilt with the Ticats. Familiar with the scheme and style of play, he was immediately elected to start in place of the injured Joe Burnett.

“The game plan wasn’t really that difficult,” explained McDonald. “I was familiar with most of the defensive calls from last year. I just needed some tuning up on some things, and I’ll continue to learn as we go. I thought I played pretty well (and) hopefully that will continue this week.”

The veteran cover man made two tackles in last week’s victory over Hamilton, but more importantly came up with a timely second-quarter interception as he plucked the ball off the turf. The takeaway preceded the Stampeders’ lone touchdown in a one-point win.

“Basically, the quarterback just didn’t make a very accurate throw,” offered the 30-year-old defender, who played 80 games over six seasons for the NFL’s Browns, Cardinals, Lions and Buccaneers. “I just happened to be in a good position to be able to make a play on the ball and I just ended up making it.”

Out of football for more than a month, McDonald expressed a clear desire to return to the Stampeders organization. He knows he will be heavily counted on going forward with Burnett out for the remainder of the season, which includes just four games before a recently earned home playoff date.

“I’m just thankful for the opportunity,” remarked No. 31. “To be back on the field doing what I love to do, I’m thankful that the Stamps believed enough in me to bring me back and put me on the field right away. I’m looking forward to this run. We’ve all got this one goal and that’s to get to the Grey Cup and win it. We have to take one game at a time to get to that.”

In particular, the Stamps now has their sights set on claiming the season series with their provincial rivals as the Eskimos come to town on Saturday with first place up for grabs.

“It means a lot just because it’s the next game,” the Memphis alum said, a second-team all-Conference USA selection for his senior season. “Every game counts. They’re a tough opponent but we’ll go through what we need to go through to get done what we need to get done and I’m sure we can come out with a ‘W.’ ”