Stampeders clinch West, undefeated streak up to 14

The Calgary Stampeders clinched the West Division early, routing the reeling Toronto Argonauts 48-20 on Monday.

Bo Levi Mitchell became the first CFL quarterback to go undefeated over 14 consecutive starts, and tied the all-time record of 12 winning starts in a row. Calgary (13-1-1) created a cushion with a 35-point first half. The Stampeders hit the end zone at BMO Field twice before QB Drew Willy and the Argonauts made their initial first down. Calgary's top-rated defence had six sacks, including a career-high three from DT Ja'Gared Davis.

The Stampeders, who are intent on returning to BMO Field for the Grey Cup on Nov. 27, have an excellent chance to finish with the best record across an 18-game season. The Edmonton Eskimos finished 16-2 in 1989.

Calgary's last three games are against East teams. Being idle in Week 20 will also give Calgary a double bye prior to the West Division final on Nov. 20.

The 14-game undefeated streak is tied for third-longest in league history, trailing the 1954-55 Edmonton Eskimos' 15-game skein and the 1948-49 Stampeders' 22. Winnipeg legend Ken Pleon was heretofore the only QB with 12 consecutive winning starts.

In the mediocre East Division, Toronto (5-10) is in contention with the Ottawa RedBlacks (6-7-1) and Hamilton Tiger-Cats (6-8) for a home playoff game.

Argonauts coach Scott Milanovich jettisoned four wide receivers last week, cutting regulars Kevin Elliott, Tori Gurley, and Vidal Hazelton as well as reserve Phil Bates.

The shake-up produced little immediate return, with the Argonauts' offence driving into the red zone only once. Both of their touchdowns came on short-field drives after DE Justin Hickman caused turnovers.

A Hickman strip-sack and subsequent 42-yard fumble return by DE Shawn Lemon and FS Jermaine Gabriel set the Argonauts up at the Stampeders' 21 in the third quarter. Hickman blocked a Rob Maver punt in the fourth to give Toronto the ball on Calgary's 23.

Mitchell was 18-of-27 for 281 yards and three TDs while only playing the first three quarters. Rookie third-string QB Andrew Buckley added his sixth rushing TD.

League rushing leader Jerome Messam attained his second career 1,000-yard season, getting up to 1,002. Messam made 17 rushes for 133 yards and one TD, along with a two-point convert.

Rookie DaVaris Daniels made five receptions for 126 yards and one TD. Kamar Jorden (8-117) and FB Rob Cote also caught TD passes. Rene Parades was 3-of-3 on field goals.

Willy, who seldom had time to throw deep, was 23-of-28 for 191 yards and two TDs. Kenny Shaw and Diontay Spencer, the international receivers who survived Milanovich's purge, each had TD catches. Lirim Hajrallahu was 2-of-2 on field goals.

The Argonauts' mounting frustration boiled over with 2:23 left in the second. Jorden and DB Devon Smith traded blows during a rushing play, precipitating a fracas that involved almost everyone on the field. Smith and Calgary SB Marquay McDaniel were both ejected.

The Argonauts have their regular-season home finale against the Saskatchewan Roughriders (4-10) on Saturday. Saskatchewan has won three in a row, all on the last play of the game.

West teams have won the last 13 inter-divisional games and own a 21-8 edge.