Breadcrumb Trail LinksSportsFootballCFLStrong performances from all in first game-action for Red and White hopefulsPublished May 19, 2025 • Last updated 9 minutes ago • 5 minute readCalgary Stampeders' Tiyon Evans celebrates his touchdown against the B.C. Lions during the second half of a preseason CFL football game, in Langford, B.C., on Monday, May 19, 2025. Photo by DARRYL DYCK /THE CANADIAN PRESSArticle contentIt was a first foray — first game-action — for many a newcomer on the Calgary Stampeders.Advertisement 2THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentWhile the battles were being waged for the many open spots available on a team in transition, the bottom line was the team effort put forth by the CFL crew in its 2025 pre-season debut.It was strong, amounting to a 26-16 defeat of the host BC Lions in the road affair for the Red and White.“Yeah, we overcame some things,” Stampeders GM/head coach Dave Dickenson told CHQR following the contest at Starlight Stadium on Vancouver Island.“You know … we had a pretty severe injury (with a lower-body injury to fullback Ryan Jones), which really takes a lot out of a team. But our guys … hey … we’re playing for our brother. I thought we rallied.“And we did turn the ball over (on an interception thrown in the third quarter) and gave them a chance to tie it up, but we recovered from that.”Advertisement 3Article contentThe recovery time is quick — just five days now — before the team’s second and final pre-season tilt Saturday against the Edmonton Elks at McMahon Stadium (7:30 p.m., CHQR 107.3 FM/770 AM).In the meantime, here are five takeaways from the Stamps win in Langford, B.C. …Read More Running backs in Calgary Stampeders camp: Dedrick Mills eyes 1,000 yards Receivers in Calgary Stampeders camp: 'Twins' Tevin Jones and Dominique Rhymes join pass-catching corps Quarterbacks in Calgary Stampeders camp: Vernon Adams Jr. leads the way 1) WALKER AT THE HELMQB P.J. Walker made his first appearance for the Stampeders in trying to stabilize his status as a top-two pivot in camp.And the former NFL starter looked good doing it.While his numbers in a half-game of work failed to pop — 8-of-16 for 77 passing yards — Walker showed confidence in trying to move the ball upfield and proved he could scramble and make things happen.Your Midday SunYour noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Your Midday Sun will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againArticle contentAdvertisement 4Article content“We didn’t protect very well for him, so we had some things open for him, but unfortunately, we made some mental errors in our protection,” Dickenson told CHQR. “Some of that was more running backs, and one time, we just got beat clean.“He does look comfortable, but he needs to keep playing. Certainly, Vernon (Adams Jr.) will get a good chunk of plays next week. But we’d like to see P.J. get more and more reps, as well, and make sure he’s ready to go.”Logan Bonner and then Josh Love got into the contest, as well, with each getting a quarter’s worth of work. Bonner went 4-of-5 for 22 yards with the one interception thrown, while Love was 3-of-4 for 26 yards. Calgary Stampeders’ Tiyon Evans, centre, is tackled by B.C. Lions’ Devin Richardson, right, Tyler Coyle, left, and Jeremy Lewis, back, during the first half of a preseason CFL football game, in Langford, B.C., on Monday, May 19, 2025. Photo by THE CANADIAN PRESS /THE CANADIAN PRESS2) GROUND & POUNDAll three running backs that saw action in BC proved solid.Advertisement 5Article contentCanadian draftee Ludovick Choquette ran the rock six times for 47 yards and a 30-yard touchdown, using his quickness to find the open field and then bolt outside for the score.Choquette, who Dickenson believes was a steal for his squad in the sixth round of the 2025 CFL Draft, also caught two balls out of the backfield for 16 yards.Article contentAmericans Tiyon Evans and Eno Benjamin showed their speed, as well, to roll up 44 yards — on 11 carries — and 34 yards — on eight runs — respectively. Evans also had a four-yard carry for a TD.“I think it popped in the second half,” Dickenson said. “We did give all three guys chances, and I thought all three had their moments.“Ludo had the real nice run on the edge where he showed good speed (for the touchdown). I do think he’s a player — a guy that I think we stole in the draft. So good battles, though.Advertisement 6Article content“You know … we still have both Jeshrun Antwi and Andrew and Dedrick Mills at home. So some great battles at running back.”QB/RB/FB/TE Quincy Vaughn, the Stamps’ second-round draft-pick earlier this month, executed his one snap to perfection, leaning in over the o-line for a one-yard TD in his bid to become the short-yardage speciallist for the squad.3) IN THE TRENCHESFor the most part, the work along both lines was staunch for the Stampeders.The offensive line certainly did the work to help spring the running backs, although its members did miss a couple of assignments in pass protection.And on the defensive line, the players there provided pressure that the Stamps are looking for in the season ahead. It meant three sacks for the visitors — from newcomers Cedric Wilcots II, Dashaun Mallory and Alex Nobles — and a whole lot of solid tackles.Advertisement 7Article contentIt’s an area the Stamps dearly want to shore up this year after the 2024 debacle that was a run-stop raspberry.“You know … they were running a little bit on us (early),” said Dickenson of the pre-season tilt. “We just got firmer — stiffer in there — and started making tackles. We actually were the ones that got them out of their rhythm with some long-yardage steals. We were the benefit of some penalties. They took a lot of (pass-interference penalties).“I thought we played with poise — and one of our things is play by the rules. I think our guys did that.”Local product Max von Muehldorfer, another draftee by the Red and White in this year’s class, did feature, as well, with a fumble recovery in his debut for the home-town squad.Advertisement 8Article content“Yeah … it was amazing experience,” von Muehldorfer said. “A little bit of a slow start on the first drive, and then we kind of bounced back after that and established the way we want to play for the rest of the season.“Turnovers are the way to win football games in this league. And anytime that can happen on third down turnover, a forced fumble or a football recovery, it’s always great. And it’s great to celebrate with my teammates, too.”4) GAME RETURN GAMEThree newcomers took on the duties in the kick/punt return game for the Red and White.Benjamin and fellow Americans Kaylon Horton and Terrell Vaughan — both receivers — were the return men on Lions punts, while Evans was in the picture on kickoff returns with Horton and Vaughan.Advertisement 9Article content“Our special teams — our return game — was excellent for not really practising a lot of things,” Dickenson said. “It was more about effort and execution. I thought they did a great job.”Horton ran back four punts for 53 and caught the eyes of onlookers, while Vaughan had one punt return and one kick return for 53 combined yards.Not bad for guys still learning the Canadian rules of returning.“It’s just being confident out there,” added Vaughan. “But once you get them down, it’s just being confident and then playing your game.”5) OTHER SPECIAL MOMENTSThe battle for punting duties among global draft-picks Mark Vassett and Fraser Masin — both Australians — proved tight.Vassett averaged 40 yards on three punts, while Masin hit two for a 39-per-punt average.And veteran kicker Réne Paredes was his usual trusty self, going 2-of-2 on field-goal attempts of 34 and 52 yards.“Overall, a solid win,” added Dickenson. “Lots to improve on, though.”tsaelhof@postmedia.comhttp://www.x.com/ToddSaelhofPMArticle contentShare this article in your social networkComments Join the Conversation Featured Local Savings