Stampeders in CFL's Week 15: Red and White need to close out games

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeSportsFootballCFLCalgary Stampeders Stampeders in CFL's Week 15: Red and White need to close out games Stampeders have fight but they need finish to make the playoffs after letting yet another opportunity for a win slip through their grasp. Author of the article: By Todd Saelhof Published Sep 10, 2026 Last updated 55 minutes ago 6 minute read Join the conversation Calgary Stampeders running back Tyreik McAllister (34) makes a break for it alongside receiver Erik Brooks as Edmonton Elks linebacker Joel Dublanko defends during the Labour Day Classic at McMahon Stadium in Calgary on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026. PHOTO BY BRENT CALVER /Postmedia Article content They say close only counts in horseshoes and … well … hand grenades. Article content Leading the Labour Day Classic, the Calgary Stampeders tossed a bomb Monday night that blew up in their face, turning victory into defeat. Article content Article content Close but no cigar … again. Article content And that’s become a disturbing trend for the Canadian Football League club in what’s fast becoming a sinking season that began with Grey Cup hosting hopes. Article content Article content “Yeah … all I can say is the fight was there,” said Stampeders GM/head coach Dave Dickenson, following Monday’s 38-28 home loss to the rival Edmonton Elks. “But not in a manner that it’s winning football. Article content Noon News Roundup Your weekday lunchtime roundup of curated links, news highlights, analysis and features. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Article content “So we’ve just got to play winning football.” Article content That was most definitely not what the Stampeders played over the final quarter-plus against the visiting Elks in front of 25,698 fans at McMahon Stadium. Article content Up 25-7 late in the third quarter on a wet afternoon, the Red and White had its provincial rival wobbling. The Elks needed 23 minutes to record their first first down and looked nothing like the West Division leader they had been through the first half of the season. Article content Then the Stamps opened the door. Article content And the Elks kicked it off the hinges. Article content A needless rough-play penalty by Clarence Hicks kept alive an Elks touchdown drive. The Stamps’ offence…