Rene Paredes is back into his groove.

After a shaky start to the 2017 season, the Stamps’ place-kicker went five-for-five on field goals – and was also good on his one convert attempt – against Montreal on Friday night.

After missing what would have been a game-winning field goal in overtime in Week 1 and three converts in Week 2, the seven-year vet started to get back on track against Winnipeg last week. He was three-of-four on field goals and hit both his convert attempts in that game.

“Obviously I missed one last week (against Winnipeg) but I hit the ball well,” says Paredes. “I’m getting my rhythm back and now I’ve just got to work harder just to keep it going.”

The key to return to form for the kicker nicknamed “El Matador” is plain old-fashioned hard work between games.

“You just work on your technique,” says Paredes of his preparation during practice each week. “You just make sure your rhythm is there and then when you have your field goal period, you hit them well.”

Paredes’ teammates and coaches had his back during his difficulties at the beginning of the season. The three-time all-star, who holds the league record with 39 consecutive regular-season field goals, has been one of the most consistent kickers in the CFL over the past several seasons.

“Rene’s been good for a couple weeks now,” says head coach Dave Dickenson. “Usually he falls into a groove at this point. We didn’t panic or anything like that but it was good to see him get back to the guy we’re used to seeing.”