Calgary Stampeders open CFL pre-season with 'solid win' in BC
Strong performances from all in first game-action for Red and White hopefuls
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It was a first foray — first game-action — for many a newcomer on the Calgary Stampeders.
While the battles were being waged for the many open spots available on a team in transition, the bottom line was the team effort put forth by the CFL crew in its 2025 pre-season debut.
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Calgary Stampeders open CFL pre-season with 'solid win' in BC Back to video
It was strong, amounting to a 26-16 defeat of the host BC Lions in the road affair for the Red and White.
“Yeah, we overcame some things,” Stampeders GM/head coach Dave Dickenson told CHQR following the contest at Starlight Stadium on Vancouver Island.
“You know … we had a pretty severe injury (with a lower-body injury to fullback Ryan Jones), which really takes a lot out of a team. But our guys … hey … we’re playing for our brother. I thought we rallied.
“And we did turn the ball over (on an interception thrown in the third quarter) and gave them a chance to tie it up, but we recovered from that.”
The recovery time is quick — just five days now — before the team’s second and final pre-season tilt Saturday against the Edmonton Elks at McMahon Stadium (7:30 p.m., CHQR 107.3 FM/770 AM).
In the meantime, here are five takeaways from the Stamps win in Langford, B.C. …
1) WALKER AT THE HELM
QB P.J. Walker made his first appearance for the Stampeders in trying to stabilize his status as a top-two pivot in camp.
And the former NFL starter looked good doing it.
While his numbers in a half-game of work failed to pop — 8-of-16 for 77 passing yards — Walker showed confidence in trying to move the ball upfield and proved he could scramble and make things happen.
“We didn’t protect very well for him, so we had some things open for him, but unfortunately, we made some mental errors in our protection,” Dickenson told CHQR. “Some of that was more running backs, and one time, we just got beat clean.
“He does look comfortable, but he needs to keep playing. Certainly, Vernon (Adams Jr.) will get a good chunk of plays next week. But we’d like to see P.J. get more and more reps, as well, and make sure he’s ready to go.”
Logan Bonner and then Josh Love got into the contest, as well, with each getting a quarter’s worth of work. Bonner went 4-of-5 for 22 yards with the one interception thrown, while Love was 3-of-4 for 26 yards.
2) GROUND & POUND
All three running backs that saw action in BC proved solid.
Canadian draftee Ludovick Choquette ran the rock six times for 47 yards and a 30-yard touchdown, using his quickness to find the open field and then bolt outside for the score.
Choquette, who Dickenson believes was a steal for his squad in the sixth round of the 2025 CFL Draft, also caught two balls out of the backfield for 16 yards.
Americans Tiyon Evans and Eno Benjamin showed their speed, as well, to roll up 44 yards — on 11 carries — and 34 yards — on eight runs — respectively. Evans also had a four-yard carry for a TD.
“I think it popped in the second half,” Dickenson said. “We did give all three guys chances, and I thought all three had their moments.
“Ludo had the real nice run on the edge where he showed good speed (for the touchdown). I do think he’s a player — a guy that I think we stole in the draft. So good battles, though.
“You know … we still have both Jeshrun Antwi and Andrew and Dedrick Mills at home. So some great battles at running back.”
QB/RB/FB/TE Quincy Vaughn, the Stamps’ second-round draft-pick earlier this month, executed his one snap to perfection, leaning in over the o-line for a one-yard TD in his bid to become the short-yardage speciallist for the squad.
3) IN THE TRENCHES
For the most part, the work along both lines was staunch for the Stampeders.
The offensive line certainly did the work to help spring the running backs, although its members did miss a couple of assignments in pass protection.
And on the defensive line, the players there provided pressure that the Stamps are looking for in the season ahead. It meant three sacks for the visitors — from newcomers Cedric Wilcots II, Dashaun Mallory and Alex Nobles — and a whole lot of solid tackles.
It’s an area the Stamps dearly want to shore up this year after the 2024 debacle that was a run-stop raspberry.
“You know … they were running a little bit on us (early),” said Dickenson of the pre-season tilt. “We just got firmer — stiffer in there — and started making tackles. We actually were the ones that got them out of their rhythm with some long-yardage steals. We were the benefit of some penalties. They took a lot of (pass-interference penalties).
“I thought we played with poise — and one of our things is play by the rules. I think our guys did that.”
Local product Max von Muehldorfer, another draftee by the Red and White in this year’s class, did feature, as well, with a fumble recovery in his debut for the home-town squad.
“Yeah … it was amazing experience,” von Muehldorfer said. “A little bit of a slow start on the first drive, and then we kind of bounced back after that and established the way we want to play for the rest of the season.
“Turnovers are the way to win football games in this league. And anytime that can happen on third down turnover, a forced fumble or a football recovery, it’s always great. And it’s great to celebrate with my teammates, too.”
4) GAME RETURN GAME
Three newcomers took on the duties in the kick/punt return game for the Red and White.
Benjamin and fellow Americans Kaylon Horton and Terrell Vaughn — both receivers — were the return men on Lions punts, while Evans was in the picture on kickoff returns with Horton and Vaughan.
“Our special teams — our return game — was excellent for not really practising a lot of things,” Dickenson said. “It was more about effort and execution. I thought they did a great job.”
Horton ran back four punts for 53 and caught the eyes of onlookers, while Vaughn had one punt return and one kick return for 53 combined yards.
Not bad for guys still learning the Canadian rules of returning.
“It’s just being confident out there,” added Vaughn. “But once you get them down, it’s just being confident and then playing your game.”
5) OTHER SPECIAL MOMENTS
The battle for punting duties among global draft-picks Mark Vassett and Fraser Masin — both Australians — proved tight.
Vassett averaged 40 yards on three punts, while Masin hit two for a 39-per-punt average.
And veteran kicker Réne Paredes was his usual trusty self, going 2-of-2 on field-goal attempts of 34 and 52 yards.
“Overall, a solid win,” added Dickenson. “Lots to improve on, though.”
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