SPOLETINI: CFL WESTERN SEMIFINAL PREVIEW

By: Braedyn Wozniak, RP Show Intern

The Calgary Stampeders and B.C. Lions face off this Sunday in the Western Semi-Final at B.C. Place. 

So, what should we expect from the first round of playoff action? Will Nathan Rourke’s return carry the Lions to Winnipeg, or will Calgary’s dominance in the trenches push them to the next round? 

Former Stampeder fullback Tony Spoletini – Co-owner/Founder of Spolumbo’s Deli – believes the latter is likely. 

“We (Calgary) are 7-2 on the road,” said Spoletini on the Rod Pedersen Show this week. “I just think we play looser on the road.” 

Even with MVP-caliber quarterback Nathan Rourke back in the fold, he doesn’t believe the Lions have enough. 

“The team’s really finding its stride,” said Spoletini. “Jake’s making throws, that defence is playing lights out … I think even if (Rourke) plays well, I don’t think he has enough to beat us.” 

The quarterback dual is the biggest storyline going into this game. Nathan Rourke was playing at a record-setting level before missing half the season with a foot injury. 

Maier, on the other hand, came in as a starter around the time Rourke went down, taking over for Bo Levi Mitchell. 

While Rourke was unquestionably the best quarterback in the league before he went down in week 9, the Calgary offensive and defensive line will surely help swing the game in favour of Maier. 

Rourke only managed to get limited action in his first game back last week, so he might not be at the top of his game yet either. 

But with his talent, banking on him being rusty is a bold call. 

“We’ve got that great D-line,” said Spoletini. “But that kid (Rourke), he reads so fast, so if you’re to get pressure on him, he almost knows where he’s going to throw the ball before the ball is even snapped.” 

Spoletini believes the Calgary O-line and running game can help keep Rourke off the field, but there might be one advantage the B.C. Lions have at home, and it’s not just the crowd noise. 

“The dome (B.C. Place) is going to be rockin,” he said. “What I love about it is there’s not going to be a weather factor in there, so you’re going to have Rourke at his best.” 

Having the dome closed means no wind, rain or snow can affect the play on the field. Teams with great offences have no worry of other factors hindering their performance. 

“it’s going to be some wide-open football, great conditions … when the conditions are perfect, the best team is going to win,” said Spoletini. “Especially if you’re a pass-oriented team, it really affects throwing the ball.” 

Spoletini believes the Stampeders are the best team in this match-up, but his point suggests the Lions might have a slim advantage in the dome. 

Rourke is nothing short of a prolific passer. In 10 games this year, he had 3349 yards and 25 touchdowns. Not to mention the 304 rushing yards and 7 TDs on the ground. 

The dome gives the Lions their best chance at winning, even if the Stampeders might be better all-around. Needless to say, this game is nothing short of a toss-up. 

Sunday will sure be an exciting day in the CFL.