Stampeders face rival Elks vying for crucial playoff seed boost

Field Level Media|published: Thu 23rd October, 20:56 2025

Jun 7, 2025; Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Calgary Stampeders running back Dedrick Mills (26) runs with the ball against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats during the second half at McMahon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

The Calgary Stampeders will continue their pursuit of home-field advantage in the West semifinal when they visit the provincial rival Edmonton Elks on Friday night.

Although idle at the time, the Stampeders clinched a playoff berth last Friday before coasting to a 44-13 victory over the Toronto Argonauts the following day.

Calgary and B.C. are tied with identical 10-7 records, but the Lions hold the tiebreaker. B.C. will visit the first-place Saskatchewan Roughriders (12-5) on Saturday.

"We're trying to grow and trying to build, and we still have a shot at that home playoff game," Stampeders general manager/head coach Dave Dickenson said.

"It's going to be a tough road (to win the Grey Cup) regardless -- there's some tough teams in the West. But if we can get a home playoff game, I think that's enhancing our chances big-time."

Dedrick Mills put forth a big-time performance with 115 yards on 14 carries to boost his CFL-leading total to 1,340 yards on the season.

Mills rushed for 106 yards in Calgary's 28-7 victory over the Elks on Sept. 1 before being limited to just 38 yards five days later in a 31-19 setback in Edmonton.

Vernon Adams Jr. completed 12 of 14 passes for 213 yards and three touchdowns in last week's rout of Toronto. Adams, however, has been limited to 391 passing yards in two games this season versus the Elks.

While the Stampeders are jockeying for position in the playoffs, the Elks (7-10) were eliminated from postseason consideration last week with a 37-24 setback to the Lions.

Justin Rankin, who was limited to just 36 yards versus B.C., rushed for a season-best 204 yards in his last meeting with the Stampeders. He leads the team with 1,012 yards and was named the team's Most Outstanding Player.

"It's a team effort. It's a real huge shoutout to the whole team," Rankin said. "I can't get (to be an) MOP nominee without obviously guys blocking downfield. If you give me the ball and nobody blocks, I don't think I'm anything."

--Field Level Media