The rumble of excitement at McMahon Stadium yesterday evening wasn’t just from the thunderstorms threatening overhead. A crowd of 22,874 dedicated fans braved the unseasonably cool June weather to witness what might be the beginning of a new chapter for the Calgary Stampeders, as quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. made his debut in red and white.
I’ve been covering Stamps games for over a decade now, and there was something different about the energy in the stadium last night. Maybe it was the collective exhale after last season’s struggles, or perhaps the cautious optimism that comes with fresh leadership under center.
“This is just the beginning,” Adams told me in the locker room, still flushed from the 28-24 victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. “We’ve got work to do, but man, it feels good to start on the right foot with this team, these fans.”
The 31-year-old quarterback, acquired in the offseason after Jake Maier’s departure, completed 22 of 31 passes for 276 yards and two touchdowns. But statistics only tell part of the story. What impressed me most was his poise in the pocket during Hamilton’s fourth-quarter surge – something the Stamps desperately needed after dropping six games by less than a touchdown last season.
Dave Dickenson seemed equally impressed. “Vernon brings that veteran presence we were looking for,” the head coach said during the post-game press conference. “He’s been around this league, knows how to manage a game when things get tight. That’s exactly why we brought him here.”
The win wasn’t without its concerning moments. Calgary’s offensive line, featuring two rookies, surrendered four sacks, and the running game struggled to find consistency, averaging just 3.2 yards per carry. Defensive coordinator Brent Monson‘s unit showed flashes of brilliance but appeared vulnerable against Hamilton’s quick-strike offense late in the game.
Longtime season ticket holder Margaret Fleming, who hasn’t missed a home opener since 1998, shared my measured optimism. “It’s just one game, but Adams looks like he belongs here,” she told me while sheltering from a brief third-quarter downpour. “After last season, we need something to believe in.”
According to CFL stats, the Stampeders have now won 12 of their past 15 season openers, a testament to the organization’s preparation despite roster turnover. Yesterday’s victory also marked Calgary’s first win in June since 2019, a small but meaningful milestone as the franchise looks to recapture its status as a perennial contender.
The most promising development might have been the instant chemistry between Adams and receiver Reggie Begelton, who hauled in seven catches for 112 yards. Their connection on a critical third-down conversion late in the fourth quarter essentially sealed the game.
“Me and Reggie just see the field the same way,” Adams explained. “We put in extra work after practice all through training camp, and it’s starting to show. This is just the beginning of what we can do together.”
Calgary’s defense, despite some late-game lapses, showed significant improvement from last season’s unit that ranked near the bottom in several key metrics. Middle linebacker Micah Awe led the way with nine tackles and a crucial forced fumble that swung momentum in the second quarter.
“We’re playing with more aggression this year,” Awe said. “Coach Monson has been challenging us to create more turnovers, and tonight we delivered three of them. That’s the difference between winning and losing in this league.”
The victory holds particular significance given Calgary’s brutal early-season schedule. With road games against Saskatchewan and Winnipeg looming, starting with a win provides crucial breathing room in an always-competitive West Division.
For local businesses around McMahon, the successful opener brings welcome economic activity. Johnny Brusatori, owner of nearby Loungeburger, told me his restaurant saw a 40% increase in pre-game business compared to last year’s opener.
“When the Stamps win, everybody wins,” Brusatori said. “Last season was tough on all of us. The team struggled and attendance dropped. A winning team brings people back to the area.”
While one game doesn’t make a season, there’s reasonable cause for optimism around Calgary football circles today. After missing the playoffs last year for the first time since 2004, the organization made calculated moves to address weaknesses, with Adams being the centerpiece.
As I drove home from the stadium last night, passing the light rail stations still bustling with red-clad fans, I couldn’t help but feel this might be the beginning of something meaningful. Calgary sports fans, still processing the Flames‘ disappointing season, desperately need something to rally around.
Vernon Adams Jr. just might be that something. But as any seasoned CFL observer knows, the real test comes in the dog days of summer and the frost-covered fields of October and November. For now, the Stampeders and their fans can enjoy being 1-0 in what promises to be an intriguing season ahead.
