• Three Ottawa interceptions, including Alijah McGhee’s 61-yard pick-six in the fourth quarter • Dru Brown threw for 225 yards and two touchdowns in his return from injury • Ottawa improves to 2-6 while Calgary falls to 5-3, ending their three-game winning streak
Game Recap:
The Ottawa REDBLACKS snapped their four-game losing streak with a convincing 31-11 victory over the Calgary Stampeders at TD Place Stadium on Thursday night. Quarterback Dru Brown returned from injury to lead Ottawa’s offense, while the defense forced three turnovers to secure the team’s first home win of the 2025 season. Ottawa now sits at 2-6 while Calgary drops to 5-3 in what was P.J. Walker’s first CFL start for the Stampeders.
Results
Team
1
2
3
4
OT
T
Outcome
CGY
3
0
1
7
0
11
Loss
OTT
0
17
0
14
0
31
Win
Game Highlights Video:
Watch the full game highlights above to catch all the key plays from Calgary vs Ottawa.
Ottawa REDBLACKS Performance:
The REDBLACKS delivered their most complete performance of the season, with Brown efficiently managing the offense and the defense creating timely turnovers to control the game flow.
Top Defensive Players: • Alijah McGhee: DB – 4 tackles, 1 interception returned 61 yards for TD • Jovan Santos-Knox: LB – 7 tackles • Adarius Pickett: DB – 4 tackles • Amari Henderson: DB – 3 tackles, 1 interception • Deandre Lamont: DB – 2 tackles, 1 interception
Calgary Stampeders Performance:
The Stampeders struggled offensively in Walker’s first CFL start, with three costly interceptions and an inability to establish their typically strong running game against Ottawa’s defense.
Top Defensive Players: • Folarin Orimolade: DE – 5 tackles, 1 sack • Anthony Johnson Jr: LB – 4 tackles • Clarence Hicks: LB – 4 tackles • Jacob Roberts: LB – 4 tackles • Kyle Wilson: DB – 4 tackles
With this victory, Ottawa moves into a tie with Toronto for third place in the East Division at 2-6, while Calgary maintains second place in the competitive West Division at 5-3. The current CFL standings show Saskatchewan leading the West at 6-1, followed by Calgary at 5-3. In the East, both Hamilton and Montreal sit atop the division at 5-2, with Ottawa and Toronto tied at 2-6.
The REDBLACKS’ defense was the story of the night, forcing three turnovers that led to 14 points. McGhee’s fourth-quarter interception return for a touchdown effectively sealed the victory and gave Ottawa the momentum they needed to break their losing streak. Brown’s return to the lineup provided stability at quarterback, as he connected well with his receiving corps led by Lewis and Hardy.
What did you think of Ottawa’s defensive performance in forcing three turnovers? How will P.J. Walker’s struggles in his first CFL start affect Calgary’s quarterback situation moving forward? What are your thoughts on this game? Share your comments below.
Mark PerryEditor
Mark Perry is the founder and editor of CFL News Hub. A dedicated and experienced football analyst, he has been providing comprehensive coverage of the sport since 2018.
