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The Stampeders moved into first place in the West division for the first time this season after achieving a rare feat: win back-to-back Labour Day games. The Classic shifted to Edmonton after Calgary came out strong Monday with a convincing 32-8 win.

The Edmonton Eskimos looked to recapture their winning form in Friday's contest at home. In true CFL fashion, the first game was a monster dud, albeit it went to OT (Ham v. Tor with less than 40 points total). The second game, however, in true CFL fashion again, went down to the wire.

If you recall it was Aug 13th, when Edmonton came back with seconds to spare to squeak a 3 point win over the Stamps. Fred Stamps played hero that day, and he got things going earlier for the Eskimos in Game Two of the Labour Day Classic.



For the first time this season the Eskimos scored a major on their opening possession. Calgary responded in part with a field-goal. Nobody saw the first half of the first quarter because of the OT win by Hamilton. Not to worry, there was plenty of action left.

The teams traded scores with majors each in the second quarter, but that's when troubles started for the offense. For the first time this year Burris recorded 3 interceptions. The offense disappeared in the third quarter as the problems mounted. Titus Ryan didn't help things on the punt returns by almost fumbling twice, and doing it for real a third time giving up a major.

Turnovers were the name of the game for both teams. Ricky Ray fumbled and threw an interception, Burris had three, and Ryan fumbled. Off of turnovers Edmonton collected 24 points. This game wouldn't be the QB showdown Monday was (although Burris did rack up 400 yards passing.)

Rather, it was the defense and a late touchdown by Jermain Copeland that stole the show. The slowly improving and revamped defence for Calgary limited Edmonton's offence all game.

Copeland on the other hand, when push came to shove, came up with two clutch touchdowns for a lead leading 11 touchdowns. His best came on the final drive when tables were turned in Calgary's favour after an Edmonton field goal that gave them a six point lead.

With a minute left Burris engineered an 80 yard drive that was capped by a Copeland TD, between two defenders, with only 22 seconds left. Edmonton attempted a Hail Mary pass but Calgary stood tall to take the game by a single point.

Back to back wins and a spot at the top for the Stamps who, once they take care of their turnovers, should run circles around Hamilton next week.

Notes: Three interceptions by Burris, two thrown the way of receiver Chambers. Don't expect that again next week. Charleston Hughes is in town and will factor into the lineup. The Stamps suddenly find themselves with too much DL's....