The Stampeders were back on the field Wednesday for Day 10 of training camp following their 26-16 win over the Lions in their first preseason tilt on Monday.
Now, the Stamps look ahead to their final exhibition tilt against the Edmonton Elks on Saturday at 7:30 at McMahon Stadium.
It was a strong showing for Calgary in the exhibition game considering the club didn’t dress many of their veterans. Expect many of those vets to play against their provincial rivals this time around.
V.A. Will Make His Stamps Debut
Head coach and general manager Dave Dickenson spoke about getting quarterback Vernon Adams Jr., who didn’t play Monday, into the lineup.
“He should have a good half,” explained Dickenson. “It’s hard to say though, if he’s in a rhythm, get some flow, who knows – 20-30 – plays but he’s gotta play.”
The Stampeders head coach spoke about what Adams Jr. has brought to the group so far.
“If you’ve heard practice there has been a lot of energy across the board,” he said. “He does seem to bring the group together. Energy is one thing, execution is the next. We’ve got to be better, today was a little sloppy with the ball. I think we threw four picks as a group so that’s not going to get it done.”
Dickenson also spoke about what preseason wins can do for the group.
“It is preseason, I don’t think it has a direct correlation on the opening game,” said Dickenson. “We’re young and we just want to play good. If we play good football and we win you definitely feel better about yourself. Whereas if it’s sloppy and we get lucky that’s not something we’re looking for.
“If you looked at what we did in this game, we didn’t have the running backs and quarterbacks putting the ball on the ground. We were sharp, we knew what we were doing getting in and out of the huddle. We had some mental errors but the operation time and guys seemed to know what we were trying to accomplish.
“The next step is to start making plays, start being explosive, start looking like a team that can push the ball down the field, start getting some interceptions and turnovers from the defence and getting that return game and special teams continuing to improve and build off of what they started last week.”
Choquette Making The Most Of His Opportunities
Stampeders sixth-round draft-pick Ludovick Choquette put together some good film on Monday. The running back rushed for 46-yards on six carries, including a long touchdown run
“It was such an amazing feeling,” he said. “I got the ball and saw an opening and I said oh yeahI’m going to get it home. I saw my receiver block and my oline did a great job so at the end of the day it was a team effort.”
The 5-foot-9, 206-lb., Quebec product spoke about what he brings to the field.
“I think I’m a guy that has a lot of stuff that’s hidden,” he said. “I’m a football player so when I have the ball in my hands on the field, I’m just doing the best I can to get the job done.”
With first year Stamps running backs like Choquette, Eno Benjamin (34-yards on eight carries) and Tiyon Evans (44-yards, 11 carries, one touchdown) all making a case for a spot and veterans Dedrick Mills and Jeshrun Antwi expected to get into game action on Saturday, the running back position is an exciting one to watch this weekend at McMahon.
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