Redblacks beat Stampeders 33-6, remain undefeated at home – Winnipeg Free Press

OTTAWA – The Ottawa Redblacks are 4-0 at home for the first time since 1978 after a decisive 33-6 victory over the Calgary Stampeders on Friday night.

The Redblacks, who moved to 5-2, are off to their best start ever in the CFL through seven games and have their first three-game winning streak since 2018. Ottawa took the lead after just two minutes and never relinquished it.

The Stampeders (3-4) remain winless on the road (0-4). After a league-leading performance last week, Jake Maier struggled, completing just 20 of 27 passes for 136 yards. Logan Bonner entered the game late, going 4-for-8 for 61 yards.

Dru Brown, on the other hand, had a solid game for Ottawa, completing 30 of 37 passes for 325 yards. However, he struggled to finish drives, relying heavily on kicker Lewis Ward, who completed 4 of 4 passes on the night.

Ottawa opened the second half with a 34-yard field goal, then Kalil Pimpleton made a 99-yard punt return to extend the lead to 26-3.

Calgary’s game was a highlight when they reached the eight-yard line, but Damon Webb was able to pick off a pass intended for Marken Michel.

Rene Paredes added a 40-yard field goal early in the fourth period to make it 26-6. Dustin Crum scored a one-yard touchdown with 3:44 left to put Ottawa up 32-6.

The Redblacks dominated the first half, leading 16-3, and holding Maier in check.

Ottawa recorded 16 first downs, compared to Calgary’s three, while Maier managed just 31 passing yards.

Brown, on the other hand, threw for 250 yards, but had only one touchdown pass.

Calgary initially took the lead with a 50-yard field goal, but Ottawa quickly responded with a solid drive that resulted in a 14-yard touchdown pass to Jaelon Acklin.

Midway through the second half, the Redblacks lost starting running back Ryquell Armstead, who was ejected after receiving his second misconduct penalty of the game. Armstead had previously been fined for assaulting an official.