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Saskatchewan Roughriders see game against Calgary Stampeders like playoff game

Oct 14, 2010 | 6:31 AM

 

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are hoping to take this second chance that's been given to them and take over first place in the West Division this Sunday when they battle the Calgary Stampeders.

If they lose this game, that puts them two games back of Calgary with three to play, all but eliminating any chance they have of first place.

Quarterback Darian Durant says that now they're back in the driver's seat, they better not lose it.

“You better treat this like a playoff game … especially being that we need this game to kind of control our own destiny with a first round bye,” said Durant. 

“It's huge. It definitely will be a playoff-type atmosphere.”

Defensive back Lance Frazier says it's going to be an all-out battle.

“It's like a 12-round fight and who's standing in the end.  That's the type of ball game it will be,” said Frazier. 

“We're treating this game likes it's the playoffs, like it's the Western final.  That's the way we're going into practice and our preparation.  It's nothing different, it's just the intensity is a little higher this week.”

Also Monday, the team confirmed it had former Rider receiver Derek Armstrong in its grasps before Edmonton swooped in a claimed him.

Head coach Ken Miller explains.

“He was brought in to be on our practice roster,” said Miller.  “That raised a flag and I guess Edmonton lost a couple of receivers yesterday (Tuesday) in practice, so they claimed them.  He was here for the team picture.”

It looks like someone with the Roughriders might need to rely on Photoshop to help with some fine tuning of that photo.