Stampeders top Blue Bombers in CFL Action

The Calgary Stampeders used a solid all around game from running back Joffrey Reynolds to beat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 31-23 before 35,000 fans at McMahon Stadium in weekend CFL action.  The victory evened the Stamps’ record at 3-3 on the season and left them tied for first place in the CFL West Division with Saskatchewan and Edmonton.  The Blue Bombers dropped to 2-4 with the setback.

Although Calgary took the straight up win, CFL bettors who backed Winnipeg +14’ went to the window and cashed their tickets.  The Stampeders dropped to 2-4 against the number on the CFL season, while improved to 4-2 against the spread.  The 54 combined points easily went OVER the posted total of 48’, equaling Calgary’s totals output at 3-3 on the season.  For Winnipeg, it was only their second OVER of the season against four UNDERS.  The Bombers had gone UNDER in three straight games prior to this outing.

Reynolds ran one touchdown and caught another to lead the Stamps’ offensive attack.  After the game, he received some heavy words of praise from veteran CFL signal caller Henry Burris:

"Joffrey, he's been an animal. He's a proven professional. To me, he's the best running back in the league and he shows it game in and game out."

Burris had a solid game himself, completing 22-of 38 passes for 356 yards, two touchdowns against one interception. Reynolds displayed impressive humility as he accepted Burris’ compliment with the sort of grace too often absent from modern athletes:

"Any time that you can be mentioned with great players in this franchise and in this league, you've got to be happy about that. I'm just trying to play good football and just help us win games."

Winnipeg running back Fred Reid rushed for a pair of touchdowns, but insisted that his team needs to compete for 60 minutes if they want to win games in the CFL:

"We have to play four quarters. The slow start hurt us. We played hard and came back in the second half. I wish we could have pulled it out. We have to keep fighting."

Calgary safety Wes Lysack praised the competitive fire of the Blue Bombers:

"Give credit to them. They gave us a heck of a fight, but we found a way to get a win. Wins are hard to come by in the CFL."

The Stampeders travel to Edmonton for a Thursday night game against the Eskimos.  Calgary is a +1 road underdog, with the total on the game set at 59’.  The Stampeders have won and covered three of the last four matchups against the Eskimos in Edmonton, with three of four going OVER the total.  Winnipeg will return home on Saturday to face the CFL’s best team, the Montreal Alouettes.  Montreal is a -8 road favorite, with the total set at 48.  The Als have won 3 of the last 4 games at Winnipeg straight up, though the Bombers have covered three of four.