CALGARY -- They share more in common than just a rivalry.
Edmonton Eskimos slotback Kamau Peterson and Calgary Stampeders receiver Nik Lewis are a couple of CFL veterans coming off big seasons in 2008 only to be kept out of the end zone all but once each this season.
But it won't be the first thing on their minds in today's West Division semifinal
"It is what it is; you're going to have years where you do a lot in that department and other years where you're not," said Peterson.
"It depends on the scheme, how you're being used in the situation, the circumstances of what the defence has taken away and what not.
"For us this year, we've been able to get a lot of guys in the end zone."
But only one of Ricky Ray's 22 touchdown passes found it's way to Peterson, in Week 5 against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
"I haven't been one of them often, but I have contributed to those guys getting in sometimes, whether it's adding in blocking on blitz pickups, stuff like that," Peterson said.
"It's no big deal; I don't get paid per touchdown."
Last season, Peterson led the Eskimos with 101 receptions for 1,317 yards and four touchdowns to win the CFL's Most Outstanding Player award.
But with just 63 receptions for 788 yards in '09, he wasn't able to follow up on his career-best season.
"You always want to get better each year," said Peterson, citing some injury issues and a mid-season change in offensive co-ordinators that have affected his season.
"I feel like if I wasn't grading out well or I wasn't playing well, somebody would have told me."
And now he has the opportunity to show everyone what he is capable of on a playoff stage.
"Traditionally for vets, that's where our money's made," Peterson said.
"Young guys show up during the year and get to make a name for themselves. When chips fall is when you really lean on your vets.
"Luckily, we've got a ton of them in this room that are ready for this type of moment."
As does the Calgary locker-room.
Veteran slotback Jeremaine Copeland, sophomore wide out Romby Bryant and slotback Nik Lewis have all had 100-yard receiving games against the Eskimos this year.
Bryant had over 200 yards catching the last time the two teams met, on his way to a 803-yard season that didn't have a single touchdown.
Lewis finally got his solo score in Week 18, but it was a far cry from the 10 he notched last sesason. But he still managed 1,013 yards to surpass a thousand for the sixth time in as many seasons in the league.
"He had 1,000 yards?" Lewis asked of Peterson. "OK, he's not on my level then."
Maybe not this year, but Peterson had passed the 1,000-yard mark in both 2007 and '08.
Lewis, the CFL's Most Outstanding Rookie in 2004, has had a reception in each of his last 105 games.
But none of it matters to him here in the playoffs.
"Winning games and moving the chains are more important," he said.
"I don't care who gets in the end zone. We're all doing it together."
GERRY.MODDEJONGE@SUNMEDIA.CA
