Stampeders, Tiger-Cats look to reverse losing trends

Field Level Media|published: 08/28/2026, 2:07pm EDT

Jun 7, 2025; Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Calgary Stampeders quarterback Vernon Adams Jr (3) runs with the ball against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats during the second half at McMahon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats will look to avoid being trampled by the Stampeders again when they visit Calgary on Saturday.

Calgary (4-6) scored two defensive touchdowns and cruised to a 44-20 victory at Hamilton (4-7) on Aug. 1.

That was one of four games this season with 40-plus points for the Stampeders, who lead the CFL in scoring (37.8 points per game).

Calgary has not won since that game, however, and has fallen into the West Division cellar. The Stampeders have lost two straight but are rested after a bye week, idle since a 30-26 home setback against the BC Lions on Aug. 13.

Stampeders head coach Dave Dickenson still has faith that his team can compete for a championship on home turf when the 2026 Grey Cup takes place at Calgary's McMahon Stadium on Nov. 15.

"I do think if we can get going and get on the right track, I think this year is certainly a chance for this team to really be special," Dickenson told the Calgary Herald. "Let's try to get momentum and find a way to make an impact to win a Cup."

Health is the most immediate concern for Calgary, with quarterback Vernon Adams. Jr. and running back Dedrick Mills both sustaining head injuries late in the loss to the Lions.

"Both, I think, are trending positively," Dickenson said this week. "Mills just seems to bounce back just a little bit quicker (than Adams)."

Hamilton has dropped four of its past five to slip into third place in the East, thanks to a 39-20 loss last weekend at Ontario-rival Toronto. The Tiger-Cats were outscored 24-3 by the Argonauts in the second half.

Hamilton defensive tackle Miles Fox said the team is "still in a good position" to keep up with second-place Toronto in the division.

"We can't let this loss get to us," Fox said, per the team website, following the Argonauts' win. "We have to look at the film and the most important thing is to stay together. We have to play better in all three phases. We have to play better late in the game, work together and get ready for Calgary."

--Field Level Media