Labrosse's Defensive Revival
Calgary Stampeders' Ben Labrosse Regains Top Defensive Form Ahead of Critical BC Lions Game
Calgary Stampeders defensive back Ben Labrosse is hitting his stride heading into Week 11 of the CFL season. The third-year pro, a former first-round draft pick, will suit up against the BC Lions at McMahon Stadium on Friday at 7 p.m. Calgary Herald reports the Stampeders are coming off a 2-1 road trip and looking to build momentum at home.
Calgary has won just one game at McMahon Stadium this season. A win against the Lions — who are riding back-to-back victories — would be a major boost for the Stampeders' playoff hopes. Whitecourt Star confirmed the game airs on TSN and QR Calgary 770 AM.
Labrosse Peaking After Years of Injury Setbacks
Labrosse's path to this moment has not been easy. He had ankle surgery after his first CFL season. Then a hamstring problem last year hurt his off-season training, according to National Post. The injuries slowed his development and kept him from showing what he could do on the field.
Now nine games into the 2024 season, Labrosse looks like a different player. Pembroke Observer notes he is playing with the instincts of a true "ball-hawk" — a term for defensive backs who track the ball and make plays on it. He says the whole secondary is clicking. "We're on the same page on defence," Labrosse said. "There's a lot of energy on the field."
Secondary Burned in Week 3, Now Better Prepared
Calgary's defence gave up 479 yards against the BC Lions in Week 3. That is a lot of ground for any defence to surrender. But Labrosse says the group has learned from that game. The Stampeders have had time to study the Lions and feel ready for the rematch, according to Edmonton Journal.
"We know what they do better now," Labrosse said. The Lions are a dangerous offence, especially with quarterback Nathan Rourke healthy again. Calgary's secondary will need a strong performance to keep BC from exploiting the same weaknesses they found earlier this year.
BC Lions Riding High on Rourke's Return
The Lions come into Friday's game with momentum. BC beat the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 27-24 in Week 10. That marked their second straight win since Rourke returned from injury, according to Stratford Beacon Herald. Rourke's return has changed the Lions' outlook dramatically.
The Lions are a legitimate contender in the CFL's West Division. Calgary's defence will be tested early and often. Labrosse and the Stampeders secondary know what is at stake. Stopping BC's passing attack will be the key to keeping the Lions from pulling away.
Stampeders Must Start Winning Games at Home
Calgary's home record is a real problem. Winning just once at McMahon Stadium all season puts pressure on Friday's game. The Stampeders went 2-1 on the road trip, showing they can win away from home. Now they need to prove they can do it in front of their own fans, Owensound Sun Times reported.
Labrosse and his teammates are aware of the urgency. With the playoffs approaching, every home game matters. A win on Friday would not just help the standings — it would send a message that the Stampeders are ready to be taken seriously in the West.
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