When Fred Stamps first showed up as an Eskimo, it was suggested in this space that it just wasn't right.
It was like Dallas Drake never playing with either Dallas or the Ducks in his NHL career.
Stamps should play for the Stamps, right?
What wasn't considered is that Stamps would play his best games against the Stamps.
In six outings against Calgary, Stamps has caught five touchdown passes so far in his career.
"Sometimes I guess the coaches must have had a game plan to get me the ball," said Stamps.
Any idea that the Eskimos have had a 'Beat The Stamps With Stamps' game plan is news to quarterback Ricky Ray, who will have the pint-sized receiver running routes for him in McMahon Stadium on Friday.
"Fred has had some huge games against them. I don't know what it is. It's not like we put in special plays for him or have a game plan going to him more when we play them.
"Mostly, he's been in the right place to make the big play at the right time," said Ray.
Head coach Richie Hall says it's a phenomenon that's existed in team sports for ages.
"When I played for the Saskatchewan Roughriders I seemed to have my best games against the B.C. Lions. It seems to happen, regardless of the sport."
Stamps is the closest thing the Eskimos have had to an answer for Calgary receiver Jermaine Copeland.
The Eskimos very much need an answer for Copeland.
Perhaps you've noticed that the veteran has had his best games against Edmonton.
Same deal?
"Exactly," said Hall.
Stamps has three touchdown receptions including the one he hauled in with three seconds to play in a 38-35 thriller against Calgary here in August.
He's caught 13 passes for 183 yards against Calgary so far this season and hauled down two TD passes in his first Labour Day Classic in Calgary last year.
He's 23-for-343 yards against Calgary so far in his career.
Not too shabby.
Copeland, on the other hand, is 21-for-398, with five touchdowns.
This year!
The Calgary wideout had 69 catches this year and 23 have been against Edmonton. He's put up 1,069 yards -- and 398 of them have come against the Eskimos.
He has 12 touchdowns. Five have been against the northern rival.
Copeland was 11-for-182 in the August game with two touchdowns, then 5-for-99 with another TD on Labour Day and 5-for-117 in the Labour Day Replay.
In total, Copeland has 88 catches for 1,416 yards in his career against the Eskimos.
"He's been a killer for us," admits Ray.
"He's been having a great year. He's a good receiver playing with a great quarterback. Henry Burris really knows how to use him -- especially when they're playing against us."
Hall agrees.
"Copeland has really seemed to have our number. The opportunities have been there for him and, boy, he's taken advantage of the opportunities against us. He's playing with confidence and Burris has a lot of confidence throwing to him, especially against us," said the coach.
"He's a great receiver," said Stamps. "I like to study him and the way he plays and steal some of his moves."
Friday night in Calgary, Copeland and Stamps will very much be the subplot as the Stampeders and Eskimos meet for a fourth time this season.
In the battle for the CFL receiving title, Stamps leads Copeland 1,093 yards to 1,069.
"We've got to make it tougher physically on him," said cornerback Jason Goss, who won't likely see too much of Copeland when there's fresh meat in Randee Drew and Anthony Marbrough on the other side.
Those two weren't here for the earlier games against this season.
"If we give him a free release, we're going to have problems," said Goss.
Stamps is hoping they're up to it. So are his teammates.
Edmonton hasn't had a receiver win the yardage title since Jason Tucker ran up 1,411 yards in the 2005 Grey Cup season.
Stamps vs. Stamps is the game within the game.
TERRY.JONES@SUNMEDIA.CA
