Dedrick Mills rushes for 115 yards, Stampeders trample Argonauts 44-13

CALGARY — The Calgary Stampeders have a CFL playoff berth in the bag with more to play for in the final week of the regular season.

After a 44-13 romp over the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday, the Stampeders were still in contention to host that playoff game at McMahon Stadium, but require some help.

Calgary (10-7) needs to beat the Edmonton Elks on Friday and the Saskatchewan Roughriders to defeat the B.C. Lions (10-7) the following day for the Stampeders to secure second in the West Division and get the division semifinal at home Nov. 1.

The Lions hold the tiebreaker after going 2-0 against Calgary in the regular season.

“We feel we still have a shot at that home playoff game, and if we didn’t come up and show what we needed to … it’s going to be a tough road regardless,” Stampeders head coach and general manager Dave Dickenson said after Saturday’s game.

“There’s some great teams in the West, but if we could get a home playoff game, I think that’s enhancing our chances big time.”

Saskatchewan (12-5) will host the West final Nov. 8 with the victor advancing to the Grey Cup on Nov. 16.

The post-season will feature a West Division team crossing over to the East Division. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers (9-8-0) are also playoff-bound.

Adding to the final-week intrigue is Calgary holds the tiebreaker over Winnipeg, but the B.C. Lions don’t.

The Stampeders knew before Saturday’s kickoff they held a playoff spot because of an Elks loss to the Lions the previous evening.

Calgary still ran roughshod over the Argonauts (5-13) in Toronto’s final game of the season.

Quarterback Vernon Adams Jr., threw three touchdowns passes in the first half to Dominique Rhymes, Tevin Jones and Jalen Philpot.

Adams surpassed 20,000 career passing yards with an interception-free 213.

“We had three goals on the year, and we accomplished two of them this weekend, 10 wins and getting in the playoffs,” Adams said. “That last goal, that’s in the middle of November. We’ve got to earn that.”

Stampeder running back Dedrick Mills tightened his grip on the CFL’s rushing lead with a season-high 115 yards to get to 1,340.

It was his fourth 100-plus game this season. Mills scored a one-yard touchdown and also chipped in 62 receiving yards.

“I’m unstoppable and that’s thanks to God, the man above, and that is thanks to my O-line just allowing me to get the holes that they give me and just run through them full speed, make contact whoever I make contact with,” Mills said.

“Just getting the ball down the field and putting the team in the best position so we can score.”

Rene Paredes kicked field goals from 49, 45 and 30 yards, but missed from 50, in front of an announced 22,528 at McMahon.

Calgary’s defence produced a touchdown, four sacks, a forced fumble and a pass knockdown by halftime when the Stampeders led 28-7.

“We always preach about playing fast, so everyone did their part,” said cornerback Adrian Greene, who ran an interception back for a 64-yard touchdown on the second play of the game.

“Everyone’s making plays. It’s that time of year, It’s crunch time we got to keep doing that.”

Toronto’s Spencer Brown caught a touchdown pass from Max Duggan in the final minute of the game.

Jarret Doege starting in place of injured Nick Arbuckle (shoulder), went 15-for-19 in passing for 119 yards and one interception.

His third-quarter replacement Tucker Horn completed half of his eight pass attempts for 18 yards. Duggan in the fourth quarter went 13 for 16 for 109 yards.

Lirim Hajrullahu kicked field goals from 56 and 50 yards, and missed from 58 and 47 yards.

Shortly before Adams was taken out of the game in the last minute of the third quarter, he shooed a rabbit weaving its way downfield after a snap.

It’s common for rabbits to appear on McMahon’s turf during a game, which is always a crowd favourite, but it was a first for Adams.

“I though ya’ll were cheering for Jalen because he caught the ball,” Adams said. “It was so loud. Then I look on the scoreboard (screen) and it’s a rabbit. I’m like ‘oh my goodness.'”

UP NEXT

Argonauts: Finish the regular season on a bye week.

Stampeders: Conclude the regular season Friday in Edmonton against the Elks.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 19, 2025.