Unlike the quintet of Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson, Anthony Michael Hall, Emilio Estevez and Ally Sheedy in the 1985 classic, participants of the Calgary Stampeders’ ‘Breakfast Club’ are willing members.

Since the beginning of the 2025 season, some seven players consistently meet up in the early hours of the morning at McMahon Stadium to get their workout in – far more dedication than one Saturday morning’s detention spent escaping the vice-principal.

“You’ve got to be in there at like 6 a.m., anywhere before 7 a.m.,” informed club member Dominique Rhymes. “If you’re in there all year before 7 a.m., you’re in the Breakfast Club. You come in at 7:01, you’re not Breakfast Club.”

The rest of the group includes Vernon Adams Jr., Chris Fortin, Josh Love, Derrick Moncrief, Godfrey Onyeka and Tommy Wilson.

For how it all started? Rhymes takes the credit.

“Well, a lot of people will say they started it, but I was the original founding member,” said Rhymes who claims he began the club with the BC Lions in 2022.

“I’m really the leader,” he smirked. “V.A. (Vernon Adams Jr.) will say he started it so there’s some speculation.”

The Breakfast Club is a testament to the team’s unwavering commitment to get better week in and week out.

Through the ups and downs, they’ve remained steadfast in their work, getting up every morning and dedicated to putting a winning product on the field.

“It’s a group of people that are motivated,” said the Stamps’ leading receiver. “We know we’re able to come in each and every day, work out and keep that consistent path, consistent routine, so when we go on the field, we are going to do everything consistently out there, too.”

With the regular season in the rearview mirror and playoff football dead ahead, the message stays the same.

“Just keep doing the same things you’ve been doing, the same things that have got you here,” he said.

“Stay consistent, continuously doing what you’ve been preaching all year, and good things always happen.”

VA finds DR for a TD 😤 pic.twitter.com/ofCT9eJ7Rh

— Calgary Stampeders (@calstampeders) October 5, 2025

The Stamps enter the Western Semi-Final matchup against the Lions seen as heavy underdogs by the media.

There are valid reasons to get lost in the hype surrounding the offensive prowess of Buck Pierce’s Leos – Nathan Rourke put up massive numbers, throwing for 5,290 yards and 31 touchdowns, and pass-catchers Keon Hatcher and Justin McInnis landed in first and third place in receiving by hauling in 1,688 and 1,256 yards respectively.

Not to mention the six-game win streak the Lions put together to close out the regular season.

Hey hey hey hey.

Don’t you forget about the Stampeders.

The Red and White put together an admirable 2025 campaign of their own.

With almost a complete overhaul of their 2024 roster, the new-look Stamps more than doubled their win total from last season, besting a 5-12-1 record and last place in the CFL with an 11-7 finish and only one victory behind the top team in the league.

Plus, they also put together a positive streak to end the year, winning their last three games in a row.

“It’s a tough group, probably the toughest group I have been part of,” said the eight-year CFL veteran. “Shoot, it’s probably the most physical group I’ve been part of, which is saying something, man, because physicality takes you a long way, especially in the playoffs.

“We’ve been through it all so I’ve got nothing but respect for every guy in the locker room because I know the battles everybody has been going through. And you wouldn’t even be able to tell because they go out and give their all every game.”

Clarence Hicks moves in and shuts it down!

📅: @calstampeders vs. Lions LIVE NOW
🇨🇦: TSN
🌎: CFL+ pic.twitter.com/t2c3oaR2ve

— CFL (@CFL) October 4, 2025

Nearly 30,000 fans are expected to be in attendance at BC Place for Saturday afternoon’s playoff bout, but the opportunity to play in that atmosphere is exactly what Rhymes, the Breakfast Club and the rest of the team has been working towards all-year long.

“Having played there, you know the type of environment you’re going to be around, you know the field,” he said. “It’s just one of them games when you got to put on your work boots and go to work for four quarters.

“It’s going to be a tough game, just do what you’ve been doing, hit on all your P’s and Q’s, and you’re going to like the results.”

Kickoff in Vancouver is set for 3:30 p.m. MT.