Got this from today's Ottawa Sun. I am hoping Keith Smith plays and not Cory Paus. They guy has had 3 weeks in the CFL. Sure he was a solid player in the PAC-10 but I like my chances with Smith. Paus is only out of UCLA for a year now and must not have been able to catch on with an NFL team. Would love nothing more than the Stamps to win so the 'Gades could make the playoffs with a win Sunday afternoon over the Als.
Stamp of Approval
Barker promises Calgary will do its best to help 'Gades catch Argos
By DON BRENNAN, Ottawa Sun
If Calgary Stampeders coach Jim Barker is to let loose with a rally cry this week, it will not be with his old friend Eric Tillman in mind. No, instead of barking 'Win One For The Redhead', Barker would urge his Stampeders to 'Win One For The Red.'
But really, is there any point? Would all the rah-rahing in the world make a difference? Should the Renegades and their faithful have any reason to believe in their new favourite Western Division team?
The Stamps were creamed 34-6 by Saskatchewan on Sunday. They managed just 177 yards of offence. They completed only seven passes for 51 yards. They were blown away in their own stadium.
Do they even have a prayer of beating the Argos, who are coming off one of their most impressive victories in years? If the Renegades watch, should they not at least shield their eyes?
"We understand the ramifications for Ottawa," Barker said yesterday, referring to his team's season-ending visit to the SkyDome Friday. "And yeah, it would be nice to help (Tillman) out. But I'd rather win it for us."
NEEDS CALGARY WIN
The Renegades would be good with that, too. Either way, they need the Stamps to beat the Argos if they are to have any chance of making the playoffs. Even with a Calgary win, Ottawa would need to beat the slumping, first-place Alouettes in Montreal on Sunday.
A Toronto victory makes the Renegades' visit to Percival Molson Stadium meaningless, as far as the final standings go.
"We will put our best effort forth," Barker vowed. "For anyone to think we're going to go in and just play it out ... well, that's not my style and it's not the way this organization does things."
Barker saw some positive signs yesterday. Fleet-footed quarterback Keith Smith tested negative for a concussion. Smith, whom the game plan was built around Sunday, was knocked out of the game after four plays. His replacements were Marcus Crandell, who was playing with a torn MCL, and Corey Paus, who only joined the team Oct. 1.
Neither should have been in the game.
Barker says Smith is "questionable" for Friday, but that in itself is an upgrade. Paus will start if Smith can't.
Definitely returning to the lineup from the injured list for the last game are fourth-year linebacker Otis Floyd and rookie cornerback Davis Sanchez.
"When we're healthy, we have a pretty good team," said Barker.
A finalist for the Ottawa coaching job that went to Joe Paopao, Barker lived with Tillman when they were coach and GM of the Argos in the late '90s. Both were unceremoniously fired when ownership changed.
'OLD NEWS'
Barker admits that's "old news" -- but also that revenge would be sweet nonetheless.
"I would love nothing more than to go back there and win," he said. "It would be nice to put them in a position where they might not make the playoffs."
As for motivating players on a 5-12 team who will scatter to their homes for the winter this weekend, Barker doesn't think it will be a problem.
He says even though he gave the team the day off yesterday, most everybody showed up to study game film.
"They're all playing for jobs," said Barker. "If not here, then somewhere else. Their film is their resume.
"They are paid to win games. They are not paid to play them, they are paid to win them. We have a good core of players who know it's not going to be like this forever here.
"When you think a team is out, you've got a big problem. If (the Argos) are counting us out, they'll have a big problem. We only gave up three points in the second half (of the Saskatchewan game). We've got very, very proud players. There's no way they won't show up.
"It's a funny game," he added, "and funny things happen."
The Renegades hope to share a laugh with Barker Friday night.
