Closing Time

Makayla Berze — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 19:28:12 +0000

Call him ‘The Closer’.

Sunday night’s 21-point fourth quarter comeback against the Toronto Argonauts marked the second time this season that standout cornerback Demerio Houston has called game for his new squad.

Thanks to a pop from middle linebacker Micah Awe, the ball jumped off Double Blue receiver Damonte Coxie’s arms and into the air for Houston to bring down.

The first game-sealing interception came against his former club in Week 4 when he picked off Chris Streveler in overtime to seal the 22-19 victory over the Blue and Gold.

Coming up clutch in the big moments is something the 27-year-old expects of himself.

“Coming down to the end of the game, somebody has to step up and make a play,” said Houston. “I always put it on my shoulders to try to be that person that makes the play and whenever the ball comes to me, I try to be the one to close.”

Demerio Houston puts the bow on the @calstampeders comeback! #CFLGameDay: LIVE on @TSN_Sports
: Stream on CFL+ pic.twitter.com/5FwP6dFCse

— CFL (@CFL) August 5, 2024

Before his late game heroics, Houston and the Stamps found themselves entering the fourth quarter down 23-6.

Trying to get the fans back into the game and swing momentum their way, the focus was clear.

“Just take it one play at a time,” said the 2021 Grey Cup champion.

“Everybody just expects things to happen, expects us to erase the score in the first half but you have to take it one play at a time and then things will happen for us like they did a couple days ago.”

The 2023 interceptions leader always had belief the Red and White could turn the tide, but in the final frame faith in the team pulling out the win became that much stronger.

“Especially entering the fourth quarter I felt like we had a lot of momentum,” he said.

“We were getting stops on defence, the offence was making big plays and getting points on the board, and we got the crowd into it and that definitely helped.

“I felt like that pushed us over the edge to come out victorious.”

Now, they have the chance to do it all over again, this time on the Argos turf when they travel eastwards to the Big Smoke for Friday night’s tilt at BMO Field.

On a short week and only one full practice under their belt, Houston knows preparation is key and to expect a different football team out of the Boatmen when the lights come on.

“You go in with the same momentum but enter with a different mindset because we have a short week so we might not get a lot of practice,” said the veteran DB.

“That means you have to do extra in the weight room and treatment-wise, and more film study to help prepare for a short week.

“Yes, we’re playing the same opponent, but they’re going to come out with different things they didn’t do the first game. We have to make sure we mind our P’s and Q’s and make sure we’re ready to execute when game time comes.”

Kickoff between the 4-4 Stamps and 4-4 Argos is set for 5:30 p.m. MT on Friday, Aug. 9.

Then, the Red and White return home to Country Night at McMahon Stadium for a date with the Ottawa Redblacks on Thursday Night Football on Aug. 15.

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Closing Time - Calgary Stampeders

Closing Time