Jun 15, 2023; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Quarteback Jake Maier of the Calgary Stampeders (12) is forced to play from the end zone following a failed drive by the Ottawa Redblacks in the first half at TD Place. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images After a poor Labor Day performance, the Calgary Stampeders will start Logan Bonner at quarterback ahead of Jake Maier when they visit the Edmonton Elks for the rematch Saturday night.
The Stampeders (4-7) made the announcement Friday after contemplating changes following their 35-20 home loss to the Elks (4-8) on Monday.
The Elks intercepted Maier four times as the Stampeders lost their third straight.
Maier has thrown for two touchdowns and five interceptions during the losing streak, in which Calgary has been outscored 105-74.
Bonner, who threw for 3,628 yards and 36 touchdowns at Utah State in 2022, has made two relief appearances this season, completing 8 of 14 passes for 94 yards. Maier has completed 263 of 368 passes for 2,921 yards, 15 touchdowns and 11 interceptions this season.
“I’ve got faith in Jake, I do,” Calgary coach Dave Dickenson said after practice on Thursday. “You guys know that, but I’ve got to at least explore a little bit.”
Dickenson was looking to make other adjustments.
“I think probably I’ve never practiced with so many guys, everybody getting scout team, everybody getting regular reps, because certain guys are banged up,” he said.
Calgary must find a way to prevent a repeat performance by Edmonton receiver Tevin Jones, who caught five passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns from quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson on Monday.
He also made an 81-yard run to the 1-yard line to set up a touchdown after scooping a fumble by teammate Eugene Lewis.
“I feel like my whole life is a movie and right now this is my favorite part,” Jones said.
Bethel-Thompson completed 25 of 36 passes for 486 yards to help the Elks to their fourth win in five games.
“(Jones is) the dragon, man,” Bethel-Thompson said. “He’s living right now and we’re riding his wave. He’s got a unique ability just to be a great person, bring the right energy, find the right vibration and ride the wave.”
Lewis also caught a touchdown pass for the Elks, who had lost the previous two Labor Day games and 10 of the past 11 to Calgary.
“Some guys are old enough, but some guys are too young to understand how big of a win that was,” Edmonton coach Jarious Jackson said. “It’s hard to come in and win down here in McMahon Stadium anytime, let alone on Labor Day.”
–Field Level Media
