The Calgary Stampeders delivered a decisive performance Saturday, defeating the Ottawa Redblacks 45-31 in a matchup that underscored the stark contrast between two CFL teams heading in opposite directions.
For Calgary, the victory keeps their playoff aspirations afloat. The Stampeders improved to 7-8, tying them with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for fourth place in the West Division with 14 points each. With crossover playoff berths potentially in play, Saturday's win proved crucial in what's become a tight race for postseason positioning.
For Ottawa, the loss marked the 20th consecutive defeat—a streak now spanning more than a season—dropping the Redblacks to an unfortunate 0-14 on the year. The winless campaign has become increasingly untenable for head coach Ryan Dinwiddie, who arrived from Toronto with considerable pedigree, having won two Grey Cups with the Argonauts between 2022 and 2024.
McMahon Sets Tone Early
Deonta McMahon emerged as Calgary's offensive catalyst, scoring twice to lead the Stampeders' attack. McMahon's first touchdown came early, as quarterback Jake Adams connected with receiver Barnes on a 45-yard completion to Ottawa's 12-yard line before finding McMahon in the end zone. That opening score set the tone for a game where Calgary's offence established control from the opening drive.
"We executed well from the start," McMahon's performance suggested—his pair of touchdowns providing the offensive firepower needed in what became a relatively comfortable Stampeders victory despite Ottawa's resilient 31 points.
Respect Amid Struggles
Calgary head coach Dave Dickenson offered measured words about his Ottawa counterpart following the game. Dickenson and Dinwiddie share history; Dinwiddie previously served as an assistant coach with the Stampeders before taking the Redblacks job.
"I've got respect for Ryan. I think the league knows he's an excellent offensive mind and head coach," Dickenson said. "I know this year hasn't gone the way he was hoping for, obviously, but I know he's going to just keep working. He'll find a way."
Those comments reflect the reality facing Dinwiddie: despite his proven track record in Toronto, rebuilding the Redblacks has proven significantly more daunting than anticipated. The 0-14 start represents one of Canadian football's most challenging circumstances, though the season remains technically undecided.
Playoff Picture Tightens
Calgary's win maintains momentum in a West Division race that could see unusual playoff dynamics. The fourth-place finisher in the West can potentially claim a crossover berth from the third-place East team if points align properly—a scenario that makes every remaining game critical for the Stampeders.
Meanwhile, Hamilton's Tigers-Cats held down third place in the East heading into Saturday evening's matchup against Edmonton, adding another layer to the postseason equation.
This article is based on reporting from CBC Calgary and The Canadian Press.