But Saturday’s victory over the B.C. Lions was one of those rare games for defensive backs Keon Raymond and Brandon Smith.
For only the second time in their long tenure with the Stamps, the pair of great friends had interceptions in the same game. The last time was back on July 14, 2011 in a win over the Montreal Alouettes.
“I think he had the game winner, just the same way as this one,” said Smith, who had the first INT this season against B.C. “I don’t get many picks. That’s the obvious reason it doesn’t happen very often.
“Keon always comes up with big plays at big times. He’s cold blooded. He has nerves of steel. He goes out there and lives for the big play. When he gets it, it’s never a surprise. When the ball is coming his way, I know he’s coming away with it.”
Raymond, who picked up his third interception this season and the 18th of his career to finish off the Lions, always feels like it’s a special game when Smith gets his hands on the ball.
“It’s a like a birthday gift,” Raymond said. “Last year, neither of us had one. For guys who have been on this team for a number of years, for us to not have one in 18 games, it was tough. We have righted the ship this year. When he got one, I said it’s going to be all right. The last time he got one, we went to the Grey Cup (in 2012).”
FULLER READY TO RETURN
Regardless of who suits up at quarterback, the Stamps offence should get a boost this week. Receiver Jeff Fuller, who still leads the Stamps in receiving TDs, went out with a dislocated shoulder Aug. 16 in Hamilton, but he’s ready to come back.
“It would mean more to defensive co-ordinators. He’s probably a bad nightmare to them,” said Stamps QB Drew Tate. “Now it’s really hard to one-on-one Jeff. They might have to pull a safety over to him. It’s going to help us.”
CORNISH FIRES UP TRASH TALK
The Stamps haven’t played at Mosaic Stadium since Week 2 of last season, and they haven’t won there since Aug. 25, 2012. But Stamps running back Jon Cornish is certainly excited to play there this Friday.
“There’s two things I remember about playing in Regina,” Cornish said. “One, I love getting Italian Star before every game. It’s my favourite sandwich shop in all of Canada.
“Two, I love watching the disappointed faces on Rider fans as they leave after a loss. There’s nothing better. They are so angry from all the beer they have been drinking the whole day. It will be an 8 o’clock game. Everybody will be drunk at the game. Seeing them go home unsatisfied . . . I want nothing more.”
TOUGH NEWS FOR HARRIS
News came down on Monday that B.C. Lions Andrew Harris will miss the rest of the regular season at least with a dislocated ankle he suffered against the Stamps on Saturday. Losing another star player hurts the league, and Stamps players aren’t happy to see another one of their brethren on the sideline.
“You never want to see a good player like him get hurt,” Smith said. “He makes the games fun. He gives us his all and makes us come to work. With him out, they still have good players to fill the void. Stefan Logan is a capable guy. Their season isn’t over just because he’s out.”
EXTRA POINTS . . . The Stamps should get OL Dan Federkeil back in action this week, but backup lineman Pierre Lavertu will likely be out against the Riders. Lavertu is the backup centre, so OL Spencer Wilson practised snapping during Monday’s walk-through and will be called upon if Brett Jones has to miss a play . . . Stamps KR Jock Sanders suffered an ankle injury that could be long-term, which means either Hugh Charles or Sederrik Cunningham will take over as the return specialist . . . Stamps defensive linemen Charleston Hughes and Corey Mace aren’t expect back in practice this week but the team is hopeful they can return after the bye week.
