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The Calgary Stampeders are making final cuts ahead of the home opener Achi-News

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The Calgary Stampeders will have some new faces in the lineup on Friday night when they open the season against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

The Stamps got down to their final roster on Saturday. For head coach and general manager Dave Dickenson, it meant having to tell some former players to pack their bags.

The biggest surprise was the decision to cut third-year defensive back Titus Wall. Dickenson says it’s never an easy day.

“I mean honestly, we had some other younger guys that played well. But Titus did not make difficult decisions. I knew it would,” Dickenson said.

“There were some guys for sure, you could feel the emotion and Titus was one of them. He’s a guy I love and respect but you try to make those decisions as best you can.”

Make the cut

As tough as it was for the players who were released, it was a great day for those who made the finals list.

Receiver Cam Echols had a great camp and earned a spot on the team.

His game against Winnipeg in the pre-season sealed it. He had eight catches for 160 yards and says he’s happy to be a Stampeder.

“I was showing consistency to be honest. Like I said, I came in and did what coach asked me to do. I mean I’ve said this a couple of times, I’m trying to be a dog that catches a Frisbee,” the 29-year-old said.

“You know I have a lot of hunger inside me. I want to prove that there are many people right and many people wrong in this world.”

Running back BJ Emmons had to fight through a lot to get where he is. He says it wasn’t easy where he grew up in Morganton, NC

“I come from the belly of the beast. I always had to do something,” Emmons said.

“Things that came easily usually didn’t last long so to be honest I come out here with a chip on my shoulder every day. I want to make the most of every opportunity I get with or without the ball.”

First rounder nails down a spot

The Stampeders were able to select Ben Labrosse in the first round, fourth overall in this year’s CFL Draft, and it is no surprise that he made the team.

Labrosse says he still has a lot of work to do.

“I definitely had a lot of learning to do,” said the 24-year-old.

“It’s a new position for me (at defensive back) so I had to put in some work in the film room and on the field but it was a good game, it went smoothly. I learned a lot and the other defensive backs are always there to help you so it’s a good group to be around.”

The Stampeders take on the Tiger-Cats on Friday night at McMahon Stadium.

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