The arrival of fall heralds the drive stretch of the CFL season, the final jockying for playoff spots, teams keeping one eye on the standings of their conference while the other watches for the possibility of a cross over spot.
Friday, September 25--Montreal @ Hamilton (7 pm ET, 4 PT)
Friday, September 25-- BC @ Calgary (8 pm MT, 10 PM ET, 7 PT)
Saturday, September 26-- Saskatchewan @ Edmonton (4 pm MT, 6 pm ET, 3 PT)
Sunday, September 27-- Toronto @ Winnipeg (8 pm CT, 9 pm ET, 6 PT)
All games are on TSN
Friday, September 25, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Week Twelve (September 18-20)
The scramble for positioning and momentum begins as the CFL heads towards the Thanksgiving matches in a few weeks and then the race for the playoffs.
Friday, September 18-- Calgary 17 at Hamilton 24 (19,448)
Saturday, September 19-- Toronto 17 at BC 23 (27,515 )
Sunday, September 20-- Winnipeg 14 at Montreal 33 ( 20,202)
Sunday, September 20-- Edmonton 31 at Saskatchewan 27 (30,945)
All games on TSN
Friday, September 18-- Calgary 17 at Hamilton 24 (19,448)
Saturday, September 19-- Toronto 17 at BC 23 (27,515 )
Sunday, September 20-- Winnipeg 14 at Montreal 33 ( 20,202)
Sunday, September 20-- Edmonton 31 at Saskatchewan 27 (30,945)
All games on TSN
CFL Players of the Week-- Week Eleven
Almost a western sweep in week eleven, as western teams collected three of four awards and the majority of the runner up spots as well.
Video Replay of the players of the week.
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Among the best of the league this week were:
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OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jermaine Copeland-- R -- Calgary Stampeders
Runner Up-- Henry Burris, QB, Calgary
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jim Davis -- DL -- Calgary Stampeders
Runners Up-- Sean Lucas , LB, Saskatchewan
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Luca Congi -- K -- Saskatchewan Roughriders
Runners Up-- Jason Arakgi, S , BC; Tristan Jackson, KR, Edmonton
CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Shea Emery -- LB -- Montreal Alouettes
Runners Up-- Kevin Eiben, LB, Toronto, Ryan Thelwell, R, Calgary
Video Replay of the players of the week.
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Among the best of the league this week were:
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OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jermaine Copeland-- R -- Calgary Stampeders
Runner Up-- Henry Burris, QB, Calgary
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jim Davis -- DL -- Calgary Stampeders
Runners Up-- Sean Lucas , LB, Saskatchewan
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Luca Congi -- K -- Saskatchewan Roughriders
Runners Up-- Jason Arakgi, S , BC; Tristan Jackson, KR, Edmonton
CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Shea Emery -- LB -- Montreal Alouettes
Runners Up-- Kevin Eiben, LB, Toronto, Ryan Thelwell, R, Calgary
Sunday, September 13, 2009
For Whom the Banjo picks... it picks for thee... (take your pick)
"That was just a good old-fashion whipping, I guess you could say"... Wes Cates, pretty well telling us all we need to know about the Banjo Bowl...
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Sunday's return engagement between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers took on the aura of a slasher horror film, that as the Riders scoring at will it seemed, simply manhandled and outplayed their prairie cousin's posting one of the most embarrassing scores ever seen on Maroons road.
By the time the carnage was counted, and with the Riders using their second string QB as the clean up guy, the Big Blue were past feeling just a little blue as they prepared for the fan response to a 55-10 disaster at the hands of their most heated (and hated) rival.
There was nothing good to find in a Winnipeg uniform on Sunday, the only positive perhaps the sold out crowd showing that football still is a passion in Winnipeg, though one wonders how long the shelf life will be on passion after such a sour smell wafts across the city from CanadInn stadium.
Head coach Mike Kelly, who wisely now it seems, doesn't take phone calls (really what hasn't he already heard by now from the stands) must surely feel as though he's on a ship heading straight for that iceberg with not an idea as to how to avoid it.
The Blue look like a team that has just upped and quit on their coach, the most recent development of Barrin Simpson sitting out only goes to highlight the strange machinations inside the dressing room and executive offices. With 55 points against to contemplate, trading Simpson perhaps should be put on the back burner if for no other reason than he at least has played defense and might still have a few suggestions on how to slow down some of those increasing points on the scoreboard.
Part of the Bombers problems could also stem from the disconnected sense of ownership of the team at the moment, in this lost wilderness of the move from community ownership to the stewardship of David Asper, there seems to be little if any direction coming from anywhere beyond the coach, and at the moment that direction isn't finding much of an audience with the players.
If you were Asper, perhaps you might be asking yourself at this moment if maybe it might be wise to turn the keys back over to the community group and beg off, what with the economy as it is, it might be a ticket out of what appears to be a growing black hole. Who needs the headaches that seem to be mounting towards migraine status with this team.
The Bombers have been making headlines in the last few weeks for all the wrong reasons, the Pac Man Jones pursuit and abandonment, the Barrin Simpson trade request and now their back to back losses to those Banjo pickin Riders.
There's a serious dysfunction at the junction of Portage and Main, a team that once regularly was expected to be in the running for the Grey Cup, now just seems to be on the run, the wrong way and apparently with no particular directions on how to turn around.
Winnipeg Free Press-- Bombers lose 55-10
By the time the carnage was counted, and with the Riders using their second string QB as the clean up guy, the Big Blue were past feeling just a little blue as they prepared for the fan response to a 55-10 disaster at the hands of their most heated (and hated) rival.
There was nothing good to find in a Winnipeg uniform on Sunday, the only positive perhaps the sold out crowd showing that football still is a passion in Winnipeg, though one wonders how long the shelf life will be on passion after such a sour smell wafts across the city from CanadInn stadium.
Head coach Mike Kelly, who wisely now it seems, doesn't take phone calls (really what hasn't he already heard by now from the stands) must surely feel as though he's on a ship heading straight for that iceberg with not an idea as to how to avoid it.
The Blue look like a team that has just upped and quit on their coach, the most recent development of Barrin Simpson sitting out only goes to highlight the strange machinations inside the dressing room and executive offices. With 55 points against to contemplate, trading Simpson perhaps should be put on the back burner if for no other reason than he at least has played defense and might still have a few suggestions on how to slow down some of those increasing points on the scoreboard.
Part of the Bombers problems could also stem from the disconnected sense of ownership of the team at the moment, in this lost wilderness of the move from community ownership to the stewardship of David Asper, there seems to be little if any direction coming from anywhere beyond the coach, and at the moment that direction isn't finding much of an audience with the players.
If you were Asper, perhaps you might be asking yourself at this moment if maybe it might be wise to turn the keys back over to the community group and beg off, what with the economy as it is, it might be a ticket out of what appears to be a growing black hole. Who needs the headaches that seem to be mounting towards migraine status with this team.
The Bombers have been making headlines in the last few weeks for all the wrong reasons, the Pac Man Jones pursuit and abandonment, the Barrin Simpson trade request and now their back to back losses to those Banjo pickin Riders.
There's a serious dysfunction at the junction of Portage and Main, a team that once regularly was expected to be in the running for the Grey Cup, now just seems to be on the run, the wrong way and apparently with no particular directions on how to turn around.
Winnipeg Free Press-- Bombers lose 55-10
Winnipeg Sun-- What now?
Globe and Mail--Riders Hammer Bombers 55-10
National Post-- Riders romp over Bombers
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Photo above from Winnipeg Free Press website
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Week Eleven (September 11-13, 2009)
With fall on the way, the games grow in importance, a weekend of rematches from the Labour Day classic showdowns highlights week eleven.
Friday, Sept 11-- Hamilton 22 at Toronto 25 (26,421)
Friday, Sept 11-- Calgary 35 at Edmonton 34 (46,212)
Sunday, Sept 13-- BC 24 at Montreal 28 (20,202)
Sunday, Sept 13-- Saskatchewan 55 at Winnipeg 10 (29,553)
All Games on TSN
Friday, Sept 11-- Hamilton 22 at Toronto 25 (26,421)
Friday, Sept 11-- Calgary 35 at Edmonton 34 (46,212)
Sunday, Sept 13-- BC 24 at Montreal 28 (20,202)
Sunday, Sept 13-- Saskatchewan 55 at Winnipeg 10 (29,553)
All Games on TSN
CFL Players of the Week-- Week Ten
The Lions roar with two selections in week ten.
Video Replay of the players of the week.
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Among the best of the league this week were:
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OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Martell Mallett-- RB -- BC Lions
Runner Up-- Unanimous Selection
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
JoJuan Armour-- LB -- BC Lions
Runners Up-- Tad Kornegay, DB, Saskatchewan
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Andre Durie-- KR/WR -- Toronto Argonauts
Runners Up-- Chris Thompson, DB , Hamilton; Jason Aragki, S, BC Lions
CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Dave Stala -- WR -- Hamilton Tiger Cats
Runners Up-- Paris Jackson, WR, BC Lions
Video Replay of the players of the week.
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Among the best of the league this week were:
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OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Martell Mallett-- RB -- BC Lions
Runner Up-- Unanimous Selection
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
JoJuan Armour-- LB -- BC Lions
Runners Up-- Tad Kornegay, DB, Saskatchewan
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Andre Durie-- KR/WR -- Toronto Argonauts
Runners Up-- Chris Thompson, DB , Hamilton; Jason Aragki, S, BC Lions
CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Dave Stala -- WR -- Hamilton Tiger Cats
Runners Up-- Paris Jackson, WR, BC Lions
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Week Ten (September 4-7, 2009)
Labour Day arrives and with it some of the most famous of CFL rivalries will be showcased in a weekend of action.
Friday, September 4-- Montreal 12 at BC 19 (27,199)
Sunday, September 6-- Winnipeg 14 at Saskatchewan 29 (30,945)
Monday, September 7-- Toronto 15 at Hamilton 34 (30,293)
Monday, September 7-- Edmonton 8 at Calgary 32 (40,729)
All games on TSN
Friday, September 4-- Montreal 12 at BC 19 (27,199)
Sunday, September 6-- Winnipeg 14 at Saskatchewan 29 (30,945)
Monday, September 7-- Toronto 15 at Hamilton 34 (30,293)
Monday, September 7-- Edmonton 8 at Calgary 32 (40,729)
All games on TSN
CFL Players of the Week -- Week Nine
It was Mr. Prefontaine's week, with one award and a close second in another.
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Video Replay of the players of the week.
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Among the best of the league this week were:
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OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Nik Lewis-- SB-- Calgary Stampeders
Runner Up-- Arkee Whitlock, RB, Edmonton
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jamall Johnson-- LB -- Hamilton Tiger Cats
Runners Up-- Shannon James, LB Calgary; Malik Jackson,DL, Calgary
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Titus Ryan-- KR/WR -- Calgary Stampeders
Runners Up-- Noel Prefontaine, K, Edmonton; Andre Durie, RB, Toronto
CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Noel Prefontaine -- K/P -- Edmonton Eskimos
Runners Up-- Dimitri Tsoumpas, OG, Calgary; Matt Kirk, DT, Hamilton
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Video Replay of the players of the week.
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Among the best of the league this week were:
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OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Nik Lewis-- SB-- Calgary Stampeders
Runner Up-- Arkee Whitlock, RB, Edmonton
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jamall Johnson-- LB -- Hamilton Tiger Cats
Runners Up-- Shannon James, LB Calgary; Malik Jackson,DL, Calgary
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Titus Ryan-- KR/WR -- Calgary Stampeders
Runners Up-- Noel Prefontaine, K, Edmonton; Andre Durie, RB, Toronto
CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Noel Prefontaine -- K/P -- Edmonton Eskimos
Runners Up-- Dimitri Tsoumpas, OG, Calgary; Matt Kirk, DT, Hamilton
The Final Snap -- September 2009
We look for the one quote of the day from the CFL that defines an interesting event or personality.
Sept 21-- "I don’t preach to my teammates; I just try to be an example of a believer"
Sept 21-- "Our quarterbacks are Russell Stover's chocolates right now – you never know quite what you're going to get,"
Sept 20-- "But this will have nothing to do with his agent. If that's the situation then we'll move on"
Sept 19-- "But, yeah, it’ll be nice to hit those guys"
Sept 18-- "To me, he was Grandpa Digger"
Sept 17-- "I feel this is a .500 team that's really on the move"
Sept 16-- "I guess it blew up from there"
Sept 15-- "We’re trying to improve ourselves in a number of ways"
Sept 14-- "It really wasn't a revenge thing for me"
Sept 13-- "Like I said, it’s very, very embarrassing. I almost want to walk out of here with a bag on my head"
Sept 12-- "This is the CFL The last three minutes, anything can happen"
Sept 11-- "Hopefully we've got a fresh guy who can rush the passer"
Sept 10-- "Not being able to play the first nine (games) kind of broke my heart"
Sept 9-- "This is about giving back to the schools, to the communities and celebrating along with our fans"
Sept 8-- "We have no alternative but to protest"
Sept 7-- "I think that was probably the worst decision in football that's ever been made, CFL .. wherever football 's been played "
Sept 6-- "It was an unfortunate end to the game, and the officials became involved"
Sept 5-- "He just did not fit here, okay, put it that way"
Sept 4-- "We understand the meaning of this game, not just the rivalry but what it means to win right now"
Sept 3-- "Pacman Jones goes to Canada. Somebody must have convinced him the North Pole was a strip club"
Sept 2-- "I always told the Winnipeg people that if they wanted to experience something truly great, come to Labour Day"
Sept 1-- "This league isn’t complete until you get back into Ottawa with the right people"
Sept 21-- "I don’t preach to my teammates; I just try to be an example of a believer"
Sept 21-- "Our quarterbacks are Russell Stover's chocolates right now – you never know quite what you're going to get,"
Sept 20-- "But this will have nothing to do with his agent. If that's the situation then we'll move on"
Sept 19-- "But, yeah, it’ll be nice to hit those guys"
Sept 18-- "To me, he was Grandpa Digger"
Sept 17-- "I feel this is a .500 team that's really on the move"
Sept 16-- "I guess it blew up from there"
Sept 15-- "We’re trying to improve ourselves in a number of ways"
Sept 14-- "It really wasn't a revenge thing for me"
Sept 13-- "Like I said, it’s very, very embarrassing. I almost want to walk out of here with a bag on my head"
Sept 12-- "This is the CFL The last three minutes, anything can happen"
Sept 11-- "Hopefully we've got a fresh guy who can rush the passer"
Sept 10-- "Not being able to play the first nine (games) kind of broke my heart"
Sept 9-- "This is about giving back to the schools, to the communities and celebrating along with our fans"
Sept 8-- "We have no alternative but to protest"
Sept 7-- "I think that was probably the worst decision in football that's ever been made, CFL .. wherever football 's been played "
Sept 6-- "It was an unfortunate end to the game, and the officials became involved"
Sept 5-- "He just did not fit here, okay, put it that way"
Sept 4-- "We understand the meaning of this game, not just the rivalry but what it means to win right now"
Sept 3-- "Pacman Jones goes to Canada. Somebody must have convinced him the North Pole was a strip club"
Sept 2-- "I always told the Winnipeg people that if they wanted to experience something truly great, come to Labour Day"
Sept 1-- "This league isn’t complete until you get back into Ottawa with the right people"
The Opening Kickoff-- September 2009
With one full month of competition under its belt, the CFL continues the march towards Grey Cup Sunday in November. We'll track our three top stories of the day from this location, providing a snapshot of the CFL in September.
September 22-- Simpson told to stay away
September 22-- Alouettes trade QB Santos to Bombers
September 22-- Roughriders’ defence hoping to toss Eskimos’ Ricky Ray off his passing game
September 21-- Printers returns to Lions
September 21-- Despair begins to take its toll
September 21-- Swap for receivers gets Stamps approval
September 20-- Cobourne deepens hole for Blue Bombers
September 20-- Buono achieves milestone in B.C.
September 20-- Edmonton Eskimos beat Saskatchewan Roughriders 31-27
September 19-- Argo defence swears off costly 4th-quarter swoons
September 19-- Ticats let the good times roll
September 19-- Esks know ex-teammate Jones will be ready to play
September 18-- Change is in the air for Blue
September 18-- Saskatchewan Roughriders' John Chick is a well-rounded force
September 18-- B.C. Lion quarterback fears that next hit
September 17-- Lions QB Jarious Jackson sidelined three to five weeks; will Casey Printers be called back to the den?
September 17-- Lewis finds silver lining despite not finding endzone
September 17-- Simpson rejects Blue return
September 16-- The sorry state of Winnipeg
September 16-- Argonauts turn ship around
September 16-- Copeland shines in clutch in Calgary
September 15-- Roughriders preparing for back-to-back series against Edmonton Eskimos
September 15-- Speedy receiver Ware gets another shot with Eskimos
September 15-- Leos do the math — two in, two out
September 14-- Jim Davis a smash hit with Stampeders defence
September 14-- Bombers crushed
September 14-- Buono 'disgusted' with Lions' performance
September 13-- Alouettes exact revenge on Lions
September 13-- Riders romp over Bombers
September 13-- Eskimos need to recuperate after Stampeders sweep
September 12-- Stamps score satisfying sweep against Eskimos
September 12-- Barrin of beef
September 12-- Ticats lose squeaker 25-22
September 11-- Lions coach Wally Buono going home for record
September 11-- Hughes back for Banjo Bowl
September 11-- Expect trench warfare
September 10-- Quarterbacks and purse snatchers beware
September 10-- Als "disappointed" with CFL protest rejection
September 10--One-time B.C. Lion charged with sexual assault in Vancouver
September 9-- CFL denies Alouettes' protest
September 9-- Argo coach to fans: Stay patient
September 9-- Riders sign Kitwana Jones
September 8-- Stampeders' win gives Hughes warm welcome back to Calgary
September 8-- Classic case of anti-Americanism
September 8-- Bishop not the solution
September 7-- Ti Cats win Labour Day Classic
September 7-- Calgary cleans up on Labour Day
September 7-- Als to protest officiating error
September 6-- Riders pick on Bombers pivot
September 6-- Labour Day game often fulcrum of season
September 6-- Argos eye Ticats first, Dominique Dorsey next
September 5-- CFL admits error during Alouettes’ loss to Lions
September 5-- Kelly ready for some jeers
September 5-- Stamps lineman clued up on Classic
September 4-- Labour Day Classic means more than usual to Ticats
September 4-- Lions should hurry up and win, already
September 4-- Time for Eskimos pass defence to tighten up
September 3-- Riders grand at the gate
September 3-- Bruce set to square off with Argos
September 3-- Lancaster’s grandson takes over as Rams quarterback
September 2-- Blue Bombers end Pacman pursuit
September 2-- Fine is just fine with B.C. Lions
September 2-- Hughes may return to Stamps after being released by Eagles
September 1-- Pacman is Bomber-bound
September 1-- Alouettes look to break B.C. Place jinx
September 1-- Jason Armstead returns to — and for — the Roughriders
September 22-- Simpson told to stay away
September 22-- Alouettes trade QB Santos to Bombers
September 22-- Roughriders’ defence hoping to toss Eskimos’ Ricky Ray off his passing game
September 21-- Printers returns to Lions
September 21-- Despair begins to take its toll
September 21-- Swap for receivers gets Stamps approval
September 20-- Cobourne deepens hole for Blue Bombers
September 20-- Buono achieves milestone in B.C.
September 20-- Edmonton Eskimos beat Saskatchewan Roughriders 31-27
September 19-- Argo defence swears off costly 4th-quarter swoons
September 19-- Ticats let the good times roll
September 19-- Esks know ex-teammate Jones will be ready to play
September 18-- Change is in the air for Blue
September 18-- Saskatchewan Roughriders' John Chick is a well-rounded force
September 18-- B.C. Lion quarterback fears that next hit
September 17-- Lions QB Jarious Jackson sidelined three to five weeks; will Casey Printers be called back to the den?
September 17-- Lewis finds silver lining despite not finding endzone
September 17-- Simpson rejects Blue return
September 16-- The sorry state of Winnipeg
September 16-- Argonauts turn ship around
September 16-- Copeland shines in clutch in Calgary
September 15-- Roughriders preparing for back-to-back series against Edmonton Eskimos
September 15-- Speedy receiver Ware gets another shot with Eskimos
September 15-- Leos do the math — two in, two out
September 14-- Jim Davis a smash hit with Stampeders defence
September 14-- Bombers crushed
September 14-- Buono 'disgusted' with Lions' performance
September 13-- Alouettes exact revenge on Lions
September 13-- Riders romp over Bombers
September 13-- Eskimos need to recuperate after Stampeders sweep
September 12-- Stamps score satisfying sweep against Eskimos
September 12-- Barrin of beef
September 12-- Ticats lose squeaker 25-22
September 11-- Lions coach Wally Buono going home for record
September 11-- Hughes back for Banjo Bowl
September 11-- Expect trench warfare
September 10-- Quarterbacks and purse snatchers beware
September 10-- Als "disappointed" with CFL protest rejection
September 10--One-time B.C. Lion charged with sexual assault in Vancouver
September 9-- CFL denies Alouettes' protest
September 9-- Argo coach to fans: Stay patient
September 9-- Riders sign Kitwana Jones
September 8-- Stampeders' win gives Hughes warm welcome back to Calgary
September 8-- Classic case of anti-Americanism
September 8-- Bishop not the solution
September 7-- Ti Cats win Labour Day Classic
September 7-- Calgary cleans up on Labour Day
September 7-- Als to protest officiating error
September 6-- Riders pick on Bombers pivot
September 6-- Labour Day game often fulcrum of season
September 6-- Argos eye Ticats first, Dominique Dorsey next
September 5-- CFL admits error during Alouettes’ loss to Lions
September 5-- Kelly ready for some jeers
September 5-- Stamps lineman clued up on Classic
September 4-- Labour Day Classic means more than usual to Ticats
September 4-- Lions should hurry up and win, already
September 4-- Time for Eskimos pass defence to tighten up
September 3-- Riders grand at the gate
September 3-- Bruce set to square off with Argos
September 3-- Lancaster’s grandson takes over as Rams quarterback
September 2-- Blue Bombers end Pacman pursuit
September 2-- Fine is just fine with B.C. Lions
September 2-- Hughes may return to Stamps after being released by Eagles
September 1-- Pacman is Bomber-bound
September 1-- Alouettes look to break B.C. Place jinx
September 1-- Jason Armstead returns to — and for — the Roughriders
Sunday, August 30, 2009
The lines are now open, unless of course you're calling in
"In Philadelphia and Chicago, that’s how you live. That’s how you grow up. It’s a give and take. Here if I give it back, everybody flips out."-- Blue Bomber head coach Mike Kelly reflecting on what may or may not make for good entertainment on your radio dial.With the pressure building in Winnipeg to get things on track, the first casualty it would seem would be unfettered access to the coach via the home teams radio call in show.
Blue Bomber head coach Mike Kelly informed the media on Sunday that as of Monday he would not be taking any phone calls on his CJOB radio show, the Mike Kelly Show. The weekly radio yak machine has featured some rather caustic give and take between the coach and his callers, some apparently not overly thrilled with his stewardship of the Blue this season.
So, following the apparent advice (that of mothers everywhere) of "if you have nothing good to say, say nothing at all" the coach won't be reaching for the phone lines when Monday's show comes around.
Now for former radio programmers and talk show hosts everywhere, this is not quite the disaster that it may sound like (after all a talk show without anyone to talk to quickly becomes rather pointless), there will still be questions asked and answers provided.
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While the phone lines will go silent, those that take the time to attend the show's broadcast location at Winnipeg's Upperdeck Sports Bar will stil be allowed to grab a microphone and ask away and e mail inquiries will still be accepted (though the coach will apperently pick and choose the questions he feels are pertinent and offer a less venomous outlook).
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For Kelly the edgy give and take of the phone calls has been a counterproductive exercise, callers apparently emboldened by their anonymity through the telephone, taking shots that aren't warranted or helpful to the cause, and a part of his radio program that he feels would be best left behind.
Instead, he's hoping that with the face to face nature of the studio audience the questions will be interesting and the tone civil.
Though you have to wonder if trading in a phone line for the best of the bar room crowd will provide the positive vibes that he seems to be seeking!
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CFL Players of the Week -- Week Eight
No runners up for week eight, as all four selections were unanimous.
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Video Replay of the players of the week.
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Among the best of the league this week were:
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OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Fred Reid -- RB-- Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Unanimous selection
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Stevie Baggs -- DE -- Saskatchewan Roughriders
Unanimous selection
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Larry Taylor -- KR/WR -- Montreal Alouettes
Unanimous selection
CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Matthieu Proulx -- S -- Montreal Alouettes
Unanimous selection
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Video Replay of the players of the week.
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Among the best of the league this week were:
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OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Fred Reid -- RB-- Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Unanimous selection
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Stevie Baggs -- DE -- Saskatchewan Roughriders
Unanimous selection
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Larry Taylor -- KR/WR -- Montreal Alouettes
Unanimous selection
CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Matthieu Proulx -- S -- Montreal Alouettes
Unanimous selection
Monday, August 24, 2009
Week Nine (August 28, 2009)
Another short schedule for week nine as the CFL provides bye weeks for four of the member squads While the Lions, Als, Riders and Bombers all lounge around the backyard, the layabouts from last week will take to the field.
Friday, August 28-- Calgary 23 at Toronto 20 (25,329)
Saturday, August 29-- Hamilton 30 at Edmonton 31 (35,036)
All games on TSN
Friday, August 28-- Calgary 23 at Toronto 20 (25,329)
Saturday, August 29-- Hamilton 30 at Edmonton 31 (35,036)
All games on TSN
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Gibson's Players of the Month
The Players of the Month for July were:
Offence-- Anthony Calvillo QB Montreal
Defence--Siddeeq Shabazz LB Winnipeg
Special Teams-- Larry Taylor WR Montreal
Canadian-- Calvin McCarty RB Edmonton
Offence-- Anthony Calvillo QB Montreal
Defence--Siddeeq Shabazz LB Winnipeg
Special Teams-- Larry Taylor WR Montreal
Canadian-- Calvin McCarty RB Edmonton
CFL Players of the Week -- Week Seven
The receivers shine in Week seven.
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Video Replay of the players of the week.
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Among the best of the league this week were:
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OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jeremaine Copeland-- R -- Calgary Stampeders
Runner Up-- QB -- Ricky Ray -- Edmonton Eskimos
Runner UP-- qb -- Henry Burris -- Calgary Stampeders
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
John Chick -- DE -- Saskatchewan Roughriders
Runner up-- Unanimous selection
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Justin Medlock -- K -- Toronto Argonauts
Runner Up -- Unanimous selection
CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Paris Jackson -- SB -- BC Lions
Runner Up-- S -- Mathieu Proulx -- Montreal Alouettes
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Video Replay of the players of the week.
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Among the best of the league this week were:
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OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jeremaine Copeland-- R -- Calgary Stampeders
Runner Up-- QB -- Ricky Ray -- Edmonton Eskimos
Runner UP-- qb -- Henry Burris -- Calgary Stampeders
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
John Chick -- DE -- Saskatchewan Roughriders
Runner up-- Unanimous selection
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Justin Medlock -- K -- Toronto Argonauts
Runner Up -- Unanimous selection
CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Paris Jackson -- SB -- BC Lions
Runner Up-- S -- Mathieu Proulx -- Montreal Alouettes
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Week Eight (August 21, 2009)
A short schedule for week eight as the CFL provides bye weeks for four of the member squads, with the four playing this week scheduled for byes next week. Both matches make up a Friday night doubleheader on TSN.
Friday, August 21-- Saskatchewan 25 at Montreal 34 (20,202)
Friday, August 21-- Winnipeg 37 at BC 10 (27,983)
All games on TSN
Friday, August 21-- Saskatchewan 25 at Montreal 34 (20,202)
Friday, August 21-- Winnipeg 37 at BC 10 (27,983)
All games on TSN
Monday, August 17, 2009
There are fans... and then there are fanatics!
The past weekend provided the perfect travel connections for three dedicated CFL fans to take in as much action as possible in four days.
Week seven's geographic mix, allowed Alpesh Patel, Vipin Patel and Stephen Roth to take the kind of road trip that most CFL fans can only dream about, a weekend of football spanning four provinces and allowing them to watch all eight Canadian Football League teams in action.
Week seven's geographic mix, allowed Alpesh Patel, Vipin Patel and Stephen Roth to take the kind of road trip that most CFL fans can only dream about, a weekend of football spanning four provinces and allowing them to watch all eight Canadian Football League teams in action.
The National Post outlines the trio's version of planes, trains and automobiles providing for a dream weekend of football in the summertime.
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Should you get the same travel bug, we would imagine that local travel agents are standing by, ready to re route you to and fro, with seats on the fifty five for all venues.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Week Seven (August 13 - 16
Games for week seven of the 2009 season include:
Thursday, August 13-- Calgary 35 @ Edmonton 38 (33,035)
Friday, August 14-- BC 38 @ Toronto 36 (24,745)
Saturday, August 15-- Montreal 39 @ Winnipeg 12 (25,053)
Sunday, August 16-- Hamilton 23 @ Saskatchewan 33 (30,360 )
Thursday, August 13-- Calgary 35 @ Edmonton 38 (33,035)
Friday, August 14-- BC 38 @ Toronto 36 (24,745)
Saturday, August 15-- Montreal 39 @ Winnipeg 12 (25,053)
Sunday, August 16-- Hamilton 23 @ Saskatchewan 33 (30,360 )
CFL Players of the Week -- Week Six
The Cats and Bombders shine on the awards list for week six.
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Video Replay of the players of the week.
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Among the best of the league this week were:
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OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Fred Reid-- RB -- Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Runner Up-- QB -- Anthony Calvillo -- Montreal Alouettes
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Markeith Knowlton-- LB -- Hamilton Tiger Cats
Runners up-- DT-- Jermaine McElveen -- Montreal Alouettes
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Sean Whyte -- K -- BC Lions
Runners up-- RB/KR- Arkee Whitlock –- Edmonton Eskimos,
WR -- Ryan Grice-Mullen - BC Lions
CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Doug Brown -- DT -- Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Runner Up-- WR -- Robb Bagg -- Saskatchewan Roughriders
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Video Replay of the players of the week.
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Among the best of the league this week were:
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OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Fred Reid-- RB -- Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Runner Up-- QB -- Anthony Calvillo -- Montreal Alouettes
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Markeith Knowlton-- LB -- Hamilton Tiger Cats
Runners up-- DT-- Jermaine McElveen -- Montreal Alouettes
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Sean Whyte -- K -- BC Lions
Runners up-- RB/KR- Arkee Whitlock –- Edmonton Eskimos,
WR -- Ryan Grice-Mullen - BC Lions
CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Doug Brown -- DT -- Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Runner Up-- WR -- Robb Bagg -- Saskatchewan Roughriders
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
CFL Players of the Week --- Week Five
The Cats, Eskimos and Riders dominate the awards list for week five.
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Video Replay of the players of the week.
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Among the best of the league this week were:
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OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Deandra' Cobb--Hamilton Tiger Cats
Runner Up-- QB -- Ricky Ray-- Edmonton Eskimos
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jamall Johnson -- LB -- Hamilton Tiger Cats
Runners up-- DE-- Gavin Walls -- Winnipeg Blue Bombers,
DT -- Dario Romero, Edmonton Eskimos
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Arkee Whitlock -- RB/KR -- Edmonton Eskimos
Runner up-- S - Dylan Barker – Hamilton Tiger-Cats
CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Chris Getzlaf -- SB -- Saskatchewan Roughriders
Runner Up-- Unanimous selection
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Video Replay of the players of the week.
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Among the best of the league this week were:
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OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Deandra' Cobb--Hamilton Tiger Cats
Runner Up-- QB -- Ricky Ray-- Edmonton Eskimos
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jamall Johnson -- LB -- Hamilton Tiger Cats
Runners up-- DE-- Gavin Walls -- Winnipeg Blue Bombers,
DT -- Dario Romero, Edmonton Eskimos
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Arkee Whitlock -- RB/KR -- Edmonton Eskimos
Runner up-- S - Dylan Barker – Hamilton Tiger-Cats
CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Chris Getzlaf -- SB -- Saskatchewan Roughriders
Runner Up-- Unanimous selection
Week Six (August 7 - 8)
Games for week six of the 2009 season include:
Friday, August 7-- Toronto 0 @ Montreal 25 (20.202)
Friday, August 7-- Saskatchewan 20 @ BC 35 (30.117)
Saturday, August 8-- Edmonton 21 @ Hamilton 28 (19,206)
Saturday, August 8-- Winnipeg 23 @ Calgary 31 (35,650)
Friday, August 7-- Toronto 0 @ Montreal 25 (20.202)
Friday, August 7-- Saskatchewan 20 @ BC 35 (30.117)
Saturday, August 8-- Edmonton 21 @ Hamilton 28 (19,206)
Saturday, August 8-- Winnipeg 23 @ Calgary 31 (35,650)
Sunday, August 02, 2009
The Final Snap -- August 2009
We look for the one quote of the day from the CFL that defines an interesting event or personality.
August 31-- "We have so much talent on this receiving corps, you just don't know who it's going to be"
August 30-- "As much as it means to the fans, it comes back our way, too"
August 29-- "I know they put a lot of onus on me"
August 28-- "That’s all part and parcel of being a good football team"
August 27-- "We're not gelling as quickly as we all want to, but we're going to stay the course"
August 26-- "That’s the time when you have to stand up and make plays"
August 25-- "they just didn't really do that did they?"
August 24-- "If we could get good clean charters out of here with good hours, we would be willing to bite the bullet on the cost"
August 23-- "This is not like hockey where you can bag-skate them.”
August 22-- "That was embarrassing on every level"
August 21-- "It's a delicate decision and we need to be correct in our decision-making"
August 20-- "It’s still in me, but it has been toned down. My wife’s not excited about that energy"
August 19-- "I haven't given up my whole plate yet but a couple of peas and carrots and I still have the main entree"
August 18-- "Even though we lost, I can still see a growth"
August 17-- "If you don't like it, it's time for you to go into hibernation"
August 16-- "We haven’t done anything to show him we deserve the time off.”
August 15-- "It's a game we had and we just gave it away."
August 14-- "I finally have an opportunity to play and show people what I can do"
August 13-- "If they had pinned us back it would have been a lot harder . . . so he really he set that win up for us"
August 12-- "But in any sport, you’ve got to respect a man’s space. That’s as far as this goes"
August 11-- "We're emphasizing not letting the receivers get yards after the catch"
August 10-- "Grice-Mullen can be a great returner before he can ever be a great receiver"
August 9-- "They teach you to play through the whistle, but while I'm hustling I'm thinking, 'this isn't going to count'"
August 8-- ""
August 7-- "He told me about the respect they had for me as a team"
August 6-- "When I retire, I promise you I’ll subscribe to both papers, how about that?”
August 5-- "I don't want players to think of me as somebody who can't take a hit or can't take physical defence"
August 4-- "Damn. I had fun there. I always had it in the back of my mind that I had a job if that league was still around"
August 3-- "This got his attention and he's responded so well to it"
August 2-- "But that's a matter of me going back this week and doing extra conditioning"
August 1-- "You have plays like that at different times of your season that change your season and obviously that was a huge play"
August 31-- "We have so much talent on this receiving corps, you just don't know who it's going to be"
August 30-- "As much as it means to the fans, it comes back our way, too"
August 29-- "I know they put a lot of onus on me"
August 28-- "That’s all part and parcel of being a good football team"
August 27-- "We're not gelling as quickly as we all want to, but we're going to stay the course"
August 26-- "That’s the time when you have to stand up and make plays"
August 25-- "they just didn't really do that did they?"
August 24-- "If we could get good clean charters out of here with good hours, we would be willing to bite the bullet on the cost"
August 23-- "This is not like hockey where you can bag-skate them.”
August 22-- "That was embarrassing on every level"
August 21-- "It's a delicate decision and we need to be correct in our decision-making"
August 20-- "It’s still in me, but it has been toned down. My wife’s not excited about that energy"
August 19-- "I haven't given up my whole plate yet but a couple of peas and carrots and I still have the main entree"
August 18-- "Even though we lost, I can still see a growth"
August 17-- "If you don't like it, it's time for you to go into hibernation"
August 16-- "We haven’t done anything to show him we deserve the time off.”
August 15-- "It's a game we had and we just gave it away."
August 14-- "I finally have an opportunity to play and show people what I can do"
August 13-- "If they had pinned us back it would have been a lot harder . . . so he really he set that win up for us"
August 12-- "But in any sport, you’ve got to respect a man’s space. That’s as far as this goes"
August 11-- "We're emphasizing not letting the receivers get yards after the catch"
August 10-- "Grice-Mullen can be a great returner before he can ever be a great receiver"
August 9-- "They teach you to play through the whistle, but while I'm hustling I'm thinking, 'this isn't going to count'"
August 8-- ""
August 7-- "He told me about the respect they had for me as a team"
August 6-- "When I retire, I promise you I’ll subscribe to both papers, how about that?”
August 5-- "I don't want players to think of me as somebody who can't take a hit or can't take physical defence"
August 4-- "Damn. I had fun there. I always had it in the back of my mind that I had a job if that league was still around"
August 3-- "This got his attention and he's responded so well to it"
August 2-- "But that's a matter of me going back this week and doing extra conditioning"
August 1-- "You have plays like that at different times of your season that change your season and obviously that was a huge play"
The Opening Kickoff-- August 2009
With one full month of competition under its belt, the CFL continues the march towards Grey Cup Sunday in November. We'll track our three top stories of the day from this location, providing a snapshot of the CFL in August.
August 31-- Freak injury sidelines Alouettes' Josh Bourke
August 31-- It's back to the drawing board for Ticats
August 31-- Lions run defence to be tested again
August 30-- It's my fault, Argos' Andrus admits
August 30-- Bomber coach nixes calls to radio show
August 30-- Ricky dodges a bullet
August 29-- Als legend Sam Etcheverry dies at 79
August 29-- Inappropriate gesture irks Buono
August 29-- Edmonton Eskimos beat Hamilton Tiger-Cats 31-30
August 28-- Roughriders' Darian Durant recognizes importance of personal sacrifices for good of team
August 28-- Stamps beef up run defence
August 28-- Lions homecoming for UBC's McCuaig
August 27-- Argos' offence continues to stall
August 27-- Esks’ Lumsden to limit physical contact for six months
August 27-- Hogtown jitters
August 26-- Glenn on call as Porter hurt
August 26-- Record Numbers
August 26-- Edmonton signs running back to practice roster
August 25-- Hamstring injury sidelines Edmonton Eskimos’ McCarty
August 25-- Eubanks ready to get his mitts on Argos
August 25-- Time to challenge wisdom of summoning the short-yardage offence
August 24-- Are Bombers foolish to risk Reid on returns?
August 24-- 'Mid-term' report card for the Saskatchewan Roughriders
August 24-- Romero cracks up fans with antics
August 23-- Extra! Extra! REID ALL IT'S ABOUT
August 23-- Stampeder jolts back to reality
August 23-- Eskimos get back to work
August 22-- Bombers defuse Lions
August 22-- Riders vow to make changes after break
August 22-- Stamps’ Arthur itching to return to action
August 21-- Alouettes hold off Roughriders
August 21-- Ticats take show to London in effort to expand fan base
August 21-- Barrin mind
August 20-- Roughriders looking for revenge
August 20-- BC Lion Jarious Jackson showed true character, channeled his anger
August 20-- Kelly's scheme no dream
August 19-- Ex-Al may bolster Stamps defence
August 19-- Als' Larry Taylor a victim of his own success
August 19-- Riders still searching for an identity
August 18-- Perseverance pays off for Als' Bowman
August 18-- Paris Jackson lights it up
August 18-- Think Tank in session
August 17-- Ticat rally falls short
August 17-- Bombers add returner, dump Giles
August 17-- Jarious Jackson looking out for No. 1
August 16-- Als dine on turnovers
August 16-- Lumsden 'laying low' until next week
August 16-- Brief CFL career opened doors for `Cool Hand Luc'
August 15-- Lions-Argos QB quandry
August 15-- Calvillo leads Als over Bombers
August 15-- An uplifting of the spirit
August 14-- Bombers focus on consistency
August 14-- McPherson prepared to wait for his turn
August 14-- Student, teacher square off for real
August 13-- Eskimos capture Battle of Alberta over Stamps
August 13-- Argos' Murphy anxious to meet former teammates
August 13-- Roughriders don't have history of developing quarterbacks
August 12-- Mallett runs into high praise
August 12-- Johnson leading Ticats defence
August 12-- Romby lets play do his talking... he hasn't had much to say
August 11-- Argos turn to Pickett to spark offence
August 11-- 'We still have a legitimate shot'
August 11-- B.C. Lions: Yurichuk making up for mistakes
August 10-- Argos ponder change at pivot
August 10-- Short passes work, for now
August 10-- Huff lays down law on stamps penalty parade
August 9--
August 9--
August 9--
August 8--
August 8--
August 8--
August 7--
August 7--
August 7--
August 6-- Cobourne and Robertson ready to face off
August 6-- Ticats look for support outside Hamilton
August 6-- Frustrated Lewis wants more action
August 5-- Lions can't afford more mistakes
August 5-- Argos coach Andrus not sweating so-so start
August 5-- Siddeeq the Freak gets his props
August 4-- Schultz decides to leave Roughriders
August 4-- Alouettes' offence stuck in neutral
August 4-- Bombers' linebacker Shabazz nurses ankle injury
August 3-- Edmonton Eskimos’ coach says team should focus on improving
August 3-- Thelwell joins Stamps receivers in sick bay
August 3-- Argos close to bringing back Sam
August 2-- Well, at least they're being honest
August 2-- Michael Bishop in pain but happy to take over as Bombers' new starting QB
August 2-- Rider pride runs wild at McMahon
August 1-- Cobb carries Ticats
August 1-- Argos lose ugly to Bombers
August 1-- Esks block out trouble
August 31-- Freak injury sidelines Alouettes' Josh Bourke
August 31-- It's back to the drawing board for Ticats
August 31-- Lions run defence to be tested again
August 30-- It's my fault, Argos' Andrus admits
August 30-- Bomber coach nixes calls to radio show
August 30-- Ricky dodges a bullet
August 29-- Als legend Sam Etcheverry dies at 79
August 29-- Inappropriate gesture irks Buono
August 29-- Edmonton Eskimos beat Hamilton Tiger-Cats 31-30
August 28-- Roughriders' Darian Durant recognizes importance of personal sacrifices for good of team
August 28-- Stamps beef up run defence
August 28-- Lions homecoming for UBC's McCuaig
August 27-- Argos' offence continues to stall
August 27-- Esks’ Lumsden to limit physical contact for six months
August 27-- Hogtown jitters
August 26-- Glenn on call as Porter hurt
August 26-- Record Numbers
August 26-- Edmonton signs running back to practice roster
August 25-- Hamstring injury sidelines Edmonton Eskimos’ McCarty
August 25-- Eubanks ready to get his mitts on Argos
August 25-- Time to challenge wisdom of summoning the short-yardage offence
August 24-- Are Bombers foolish to risk Reid on returns?
August 24-- 'Mid-term' report card for the Saskatchewan Roughriders
August 24-- Romero cracks up fans with antics
August 23-- Extra! Extra! REID ALL IT'S ABOUT
August 23-- Stampeder jolts back to reality
August 23-- Eskimos get back to work
August 22-- Bombers defuse Lions
August 22-- Riders vow to make changes after break
August 22-- Stamps’ Arthur itching to return to action
August 21-- Alouettes hold off Roughriders
August 21-- Ticats take show to London in effort to expand fan base
August 21-- Barrin mind
August 20-- Roughriders looking for revenge
August 20-- BC Lion Jarious Jackson showed true character, channeled his anger
August 20-- Kelly's scheme no dream
August 19-- Ex-Al may bolster Stamps defence
August 19-- Als' Larry Taylor a victim of his own success
August 19-- Riders still searching for an identity
August 18-- Perseverance pays off for Als' Bowman
August 18-- Paris Jackson lights it up
August 18-- Think Tank in session
August 17-- Ticat rally falls short
August 17-- Bombers add returner, dump Giles
August 17-- Jarious Jackson looking out for No. 1
August 16-- Als dine on turnovers
August 16-- Lumsden 'laying low' until next week
August 16-- Brief CFL career opened doors for `Cool Hand Luc'
August 15-- Lions-Argos QB quandry
August 15-- Calvillo leads Als over Bombers
August 15-- An uplifting of the spirit
August 14-- Bombers focus on consistency
August 14-- McPherson prepared to wait for his turn
August 14-- Student, teacher square off for real
August 13-- Eskimos capture Battle of Alberta over Stamps
August 13-- Argos' Murphy anxious to meet former teammates
August 13-- Roughriders don't have history of developing quarterbacks
August 12-- Mallett runs into high praise
August 12-- Johnson leading Ticats defence
August 12-- Romby lets play do his talking... he hasn't had much to say
August 11-- Argos turn to Pickett to spark offence
August 11-- 'We still have a legitimate shot'
August 11-- B.C. Lions: Yurichuk making up for mistakes
August 10-- Argos ponder change at pivot
August 10-- Short passes work, for now
August 10-- Huff lays down law on stamps penalty parade
August 9--
August 9--
August 9--
August 8--
August 8--
August 8--
August 7--
August 7--
August 7--
August 6-- Cobourne and Robertson ready to face off
August 6-- Ticats look for support outside Hamilton
August 6-- Frustrated Lewis wants more action
August 5-- Lions can't afford more mistakes
August 5-- Argos coach Andrus not sweating so-so start
August 5-- Siddeeq the Freak gets his props
August 4-- Schultz decides to leave Roughriders
August 4-- Alouettes' offence stuck in neutral
August 4-- Bombers' linebacker Shabazz nurses ankle injury
August 3-- Edmonton Eskimos’ coach says team should focus on improving
August 3-- Thelwell joins Stamps receivers in sick bay
August 3-- Argos close to bringing back Sam
August 2-- Well, at least they're being honest
August 2-- Michael Bishop in pain but happy to take over as Bombers' new starting QB
August 2-- Rider pride runs wild at McMahon
August 1-- Cobb carries Ticats
August 1-- Argos lose ugly to Bombers
August 1-- Esks block out trouble
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Arland dons his Tigers stripes
“It was an easy trade for Hamilton, they got a heck of a deal"-- Toronto Argonauts GM, Adam Rita outlining his thoughts on the relocation plans of Arland Bruce III, former member of the Double blue.
The Arland Bruce days in Argo Blue have come to an end, the showdown between coach Bart Andrus and his talented but decidedly independent thinking receiver ended on Wednesday as the Argos traded Bruce to their bitter rivals the Hamilton Tiger Cats.
The move was a reinforcement of control for new head coach Bart Andrus, who quickly tired of the off field inconsistencies (and perhaps one or two of the on the field ones) that Bruce showcased in his first four weeks under the Andrus regime.
As the weeks went by, it became clear that the two weren't going to be getting along too well, with Bruce proving to be a bit of a disruptive force early on this season. So Andrus it seems outlined where he stood and in the end the Argos management decided that their new coach needed their support much more than they required Bruce's talents.
So it's down the QEW he goes, in return the Cats have received the rights to highly touted Canadian defensive lineman Corey Mace,currently with the Buffalo Bills, the Cats also will receive a third-round pick next year as well as a conditional pick in the 2011 draft.
As Wednesday was coming to an end, the word was that the Argos had made contact with Mace and it's anticipated that an agreement may soon be worked out to bring him back across the border to Ontario. An ending that at least may help calm down those Argo fans who may be feeling that they played a poor hand of poker this week in TO.
For Bruce, it's perhaps the best result he could have hoped for, a chance to remain in the centre of the CFL's media universe (though slightly west of the centre) and provides the chance to come back and haunt his former team on a somewhat regular basis.
The only question for Hamilton fans probably is what may be ahead, can he just concentrate on the football while in Hamilton and leave the off field theatrics back in the Argo camp. If he can focus on the football, the Cats suddenly have become a very serious threat to the final standings for the 2009 season.
In the end though, the two weeks of drama have at least kept the CFL on the sports pages in Southern Ontario.
And while they've not said a word, we suspect that the league likewise is pretty content with the way it all has played out.
As if the Argo/Tiger Cat rivalry needed any help in raising the temperature, we now add in the element of the Cats taking on the spurned son of the Double Blue, old Harold Ballard would have loved the theatre of it all.
Hamilton Spectator-- Argos send disgruntled receiver Bruce to Ticats
National Post-- Bruce starting fresh with Tiger-Cats
Globe and Mail--Hey Bart, get used to flakes
Globe and Mail-- Bruce says he won’t lie down on job
Globe and Mail-- Bruce dealt to Tiger Cats
Globe and Mail-- Re-visiting the Arland Bruce Shuffle
Toronto Star-- Argos end Bruce saga with trade to Hamilton
Toronto Sun-- Argos deal Bruce to arch-rival Ticats
Toronto Sun-- Bruce traded to Hamilton
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Photo above from Globe and Mail website
The Arland Bruce days in Argo Blue have come to an end, the showdown between coach Bart Andrus and his talented but decidedly independent thinking receiver ended on Wednesday as the Argos traded Bruce to their bitter rivals the Hamilton Tiger Cats.
The move was a reinforcement of control for new head coach Bart Andrus, who quickly tired of the off field inconsistencies (and perhaps one or two of the on the field ones) that Bruce showcased in his first four weeks under the Andrus regime.
As the weeks went by, it became clear that the two weren't going to be getting along too well, with Bruce proving to be a bit of a disruptive force early on this season. So Andrus it seems outlined where he stood and in the end the Argos management decided that their new coach needed their support much more than they required Bruce's talents.
So it's down the QEW he goes, in return the Cats have received the rights to highly touted Canadian defensive lineman Corey Mace,currently with the Buffalo Bills, the Cats also will receive a third-round pick next year as well as a conditional pick in the 2011 draft.
As Wednesday was coming to an end, the word was that the Argos had made contact with Mace and it's anticipated that an agreement may soon be worked out to bring him back across the border to Ontario. An ending that at least may help calm down those Argo fans who may be feeling that they played a poor hand of poker this week in TO.
For Bruce, it's perhaps the best result he could have hoped for, a chance to remain in the centre of the CFL's media universe (though slightly west of the centre) and provides the chance to come back and haunt his former team on a somewhat regular basis.
The only question for Hamilton fans probably is what may be ahead, can he just concentrate on the football while in Hamilton and leave the off field theatrics back in the Argo camp. If he can focus on the football, the Cats suddenly have become a very serious threat to the final standings for the 2009 season.
In the end though, the two weeks of drama have at least kept the CFL on the sports pages in Southern Ontario.
And while they've not said a word, we suspect that the league likewise is pretty content with the way it all has played out.
As if the Argo/Tiger Cat rivalry needed any help in raising the temperature, we now add in the element of the Cats taking on the spurned son of the Double Blue, old Harold Ballard would have loved the theatre of it all.
Hamilton Spectator-- Argos send disgruntled receiver Bruce to Ticats
National Post-- Bruce starting fresh with Tiger-Cats
Globe and Mail--Hey Bart, get used to flakes
Globe and Mail-- Bruce says he won’t lie down on job
Globe and Mail-- Bruce dealt to Tiger Cats
Globe and Mail-- Re-visiting the Arland Bruce Shuffle
Toronto Star-- Argos end Bruce saga with trade to Hamilton
Toronto Sun-- Argos deal Bruce to arch-rival Ticats
Toronto Sun-- Bruce traded to Hamilton
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Photo above from Globe and Mail website
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Week Five (July 30--August 1)
Games for week five of the 2009 season include:
Thursday, July 30--Montreal 19 at Edmonton 33 (33,206)
Friday, July 31-- BC 18 at Hamilton 30 (20,103)
Saturday, August 1-- Winnipeg 13 at Toronto 12 (23,821)
Saturday, August 1-- Saskatchewan 24 at Calgary 23 (35,650)
Thursday, July 30--Montreal 19 at Edmonton 33 (33,206)
Friday, July 31-- BC 18 at Hamilton 30 (20,103)
Saturday, August 1-- Winnipeg 13 at Toronto 12 (23,821)
Saturday, August 1-- Saskatchewan 24 at Calgary 23 (35,650)
CFL Players of the Week Archive 2009
We archive the Player of the Week selections here for the 2009 Season!
Week Four -- July 23-26
Week Three -- July 16-19
Week Two -- July 9-12
Week One -- July 1 -4
Week Four -- July 23-26
Week Three -- July 16-19
Week Two -- July 9-12
Week One -- July 1 -4
CFL Players of the Week -- Week Four
Two Als, and two Eskimos highlight the week four selections of the Players of the Week.
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Video Replay of the players of the week.
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Among the best of the league this week were:
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OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Anthony Calvillo-- QB -- Montreal Alouettes
Unanimous selection
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Anwar Stewart-- DE -- Montreal Alouettes
Runner up-- LB-- Barrin Simpson-- Winnipeg Blue Bombers
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Tristan Jackson-- KR -- Edmonton Eskimos
Runner up-- K -- Sandro DeAngelis-- Calgary Stampeders
CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Calvin McCarty -- RB-- Edmonton Eskimos
Unanimous selection
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Video Replay of the players of the week.
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Among the best of the league this week were:
.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Anthony Calvillo-- QB -- Montreal Alouettes
Unanimous selection
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Anwar Stewart-- DE -- Montreal Alouettes
Runner up-- LB-- Barrin Simpson-- Winnipeg Blue Bombers
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Tristan Jackson-- KR -- Edmonton Eskimos
Runner up-- K -- Sandro DeAngelis-- Calgary Stampeders
CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Calvin McCarty -- RB-- Edmonton Eskimos
Unanimous selection
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Printers, Bishop on the Bombers speed dial?
The growing chorus of dissatisfied Blue Bomber fans may soon be heard, their increasing anger and disappointment over the state of the Bombers perhaps answered.
A report in the Globe and Mail suggests that phone calls have been made and tentative contacts made with both Casey Printers and Michael Bishop, two high profile former CFL quarterbacks currently sitting on the sidelines in the US after less than successful 2008 campaigns.
With the Bomber offence struggling under Stefan Lefors, the post game talk shows have been jammed with stadium, armchair and TV GM's offering up their advice as to what path the Blue should go to try and get things back on track.
Concerns over the lethargic and inconsistent Bomber offence (one first down in thirty minutes of football, just the latest trend) have grown as the Bombers pile up the losses.
A report in the Globe and Mail suggests that phone calls have been made and tentative contacts made with both Casey Printers and Michael Bishop, two high profile former CFL quarterbacks currently sitting on the sidelines in the US after less than successful 2008 campaigns.
With the Bomber offence struggling under Stefan Lefors, the post game talk shows have been jammed with stadium, armchair and TV GM's offering up their advice as to what path the Blue should go to try and get things back on track.
Concerns over the lethargic and inconsistent Bomber offence (one first down in thirty minutes of football, just the latest trend) have grown as the Bombers pile up the losses.
.
During the course of Friday nights broadcast of the Bombers Argos game, head coach Mike Kelly was quoted as suggesting that he was almost at the point of having to "fish or cut bait" when it came to his dedication to Stefan Lefors to lead the Bomber offence.
Printers received a look over during the winter when he was put through some offensive paces by the Bombers after his release from his horrific year with the Ti Cats, with the Bombers suffering some horrors of their own in the first quarter of the CFL season, the Blue may be on the verge of perhaps giving Printers another shot at CFL success.
Likewise, Bishop may get a chance to reclaim a starting position, last lost in Saskatchewan following last years playoffs, Bishop who started the year last season with the Argonauts was moved when Toronto made Kerry Joseph their number one starter, his stay in Regina however was shortlived when the Riders failed to move forward in last years playoffs.
With the way the Bombers season is progressing, even the prospect of picking up the damaged or frustrated cast offs of last year may seem like progress, if nothing else, it may buy them some time with their fans, who are quickly letting the team know that they aren't happy with the way things are going so far.
Winnipeg Free Press-- Back to the sandlot, boys
Winnipeg Free Press-- Hey Kelly, your offence -- it's a really big issue
Winnipeg Sun-- Blue hit new low
National Post-- Bombers’ offence sputters in loss to Argos
Printers received a look over during the winter when he was put through some offensive paces by the Bombers after his release from his horrific year with the Ti Cats, with the Bombers suffering some horrors of their own in the first quarter of the CFL season, the Blue may be on the verge of perhaps giving Printers another shot at CFL success.
Likewise, Bishop may get a chance to reclaim a starting position, last lost in Saskatchewan following last years playoffs, Bishop who started the year last season with the Argonauts was moved when Toronto made Kerry Joseph their number one starter, his stay in Regina however was shortlived when the Riders failed to move forward in last years playoffs.
With the way the Bombers season is progressing, even the prospect of picking up the damaged or frustrated cast offs of last year may seem like progress, if nothing else, it may buy them some time with their fans, who are quickly letting the team know that they aren't happy with the way things are going so far.
Winnipeg Free Press-- Back to the sandlot, boys
Winnipeg Free Press-- Hey Kelly, your offence -- it's a really big issue
Winnipeg Sun-- Blue hit new low
National Post-- Bombers’ offence sputters in loss to Argos
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Buono sticks with Buck, but those whispers will continue from the fans
Loyalty is a trademark of Lions head coach Wally Buono, where injury never plays a role in replacing a starting quarterback, so it probably is not a surprise to learn that when the Lions host the Stamps on Friday night, it will be Buck Pierce who takes to the field as the starting quarterback of the hometown Leos.
Despite an impressive performance in relief and his selection as the offensive player of the week for week three, Jarious Jackson will be back on the sidelines on Friday, scouting out the trends of the Stamps defence and standing ready just in case he's needed again.
Quarterback controversies are not an unknown thing in BC, it's one of those problems that coaches love to have, when they have two strong performers at the starting position, but they can at times become a disruptive part of a teams psyche.
It wasn't too long ago, that the Casey Printers/Dave Dickenson tandem provided for the conversation starters on the sports talk shows of BC, each player had his own fan base, equally able to voice an opinion as to which QB should be carrying the load on a game to game basis.
That hasn't developed yet with Jackson/Pierce, but the makings of it are surely there. Jackson has frequently risen to the occasion when called on in relief, whether its a move to shake up a lacklustre offence, or the result of injury.
With the Lions having struggled out of the start of the season, Jackson's success in game number three probably converted a few more fans over to his side of the debate, fans who had seen some bad signs in the first two games, were quite thrilled with the Lions plan B QB's, ability to take charge of last Thursday's domination of the Edmonton Eskimos.
Should they stumble on Friday against the Stamps, one suspects that it won't be long before coach Buono hears from the loyal supporters. Winning will quiet that debate for the short term, but the two seem equal in talent and heart, eventually Jackson we suspect will be a starting QB in the CFL, whether that is in BC remains to be seen.
Though when given the chance, he clearly provides for a most entertaining audition tape...
Vancouver Province-- QB silence is golden
Canadian Press/TSN-- Despite Stellar performance by Jackson, Pierce to start vs Stamps
Vancouver Sun-- Buck Pierce remains Buono's man
Vancouver Sun-- Buck’s back in the saddle as starter
Despite an impressive performance in relief and his selection as the offensive player of the week for week three, Jarious Jackson will be back on the sidelines on Friday, scouting out the trends of the Stamps defence and standing ready just in case he's needed again.
Quarterback controversies are not an unknown thing in BC, it's one of those problems that coaches love to have, when they have two strong performers at the starting position, but they can at times become a disruptive part of a teams psyche.
It wasn't too long ago, that the Casey Printers/Dave Dickenson tandem provided for the conversation starters on the sports talk shows of BC, each player had his own fan base, equally able to voice an opinion as to which QB should be carrying the load on a game to game basis.
That hasn't developed yet with Jackson/Pierce, but the makings of it are surely there. Jackson has frequently risen to the occasion when called on in relief, whether its a move to shake up a lacklustre offence, or the result of injury.
With the Lions having struggled out of the start of the season, Jackson's success in game number three probably converted a few more fans over to his side of the debate, fans who had seen some bad signs in the first two games, were quite thrilled with the Lions plan B QB's, ability to take charge of last Thursday's domination of the Edmonton Eskimos.
Should they stumble on Friday against the Stamps, one suspects that it won't be long before coach Buono hears from the loyal supporters. Winning will quiet that debate for the short term, but the two seem equal in talent and heart, eventually Jackson we suspect will be a starting QB in the CFL, whether that is in BC remains to be seen.
Though when given the chance, he clearly provides for a most entertaining audition tape...
Vancouver Province-- QB silence is golden
Canadian Press/TSN-- Despite Stellar performance by Jackson, Pierce to start vs Stamps
Vancouver Sun-- Buck Pierce remains Buono's man
Vancouver Sun-- Buck’s back in the saddle as starter
From the land of Friday Night Lights, to one with Friday Night Football
Once again, the Saskatchewan Roughriders have stolen the week's thunder, this time with a surprise signing of potentially one of the names to watch in Canadian Football.
The Riders announced the signging of Graham Harrell this week, introducing him to his new team mates and the curious onlookers of a Riders practice on Tuesday.
Harrell, is a highly regarded quarterback out of Texas Tech, the first quarterback to throw for over 5,000 yards in consecutive seasons and one of the top five finalists for the Heisman trophy.
The Riders announced the signging of Graham Harrell this week, introducing him to his new team mates and the curious onlookers of a Riders practice on Tuesday.
Harrell, is a highly regarded quarterback out of Texas Tech, the first quarterback to throw for over 5,000 yards in consecutive seasons and one of the top five finalists for the Heisman trophy.
In short, he's a guy with a lot of talent it would seem and considering his passing stats, someone who just may be suited to the pass happy CFL.
His road to Regina came as a byway of the NFL draft, where scouts suggested that his passing numbers were more a result of the type of offence that Texas Tech put in place, whispering concerns over his arm strength, apparently loud enough to move him off the depth charts of much of the NFL.
While there was a slight bit of interest in the newly formed UFL, Harrell instead has decided that for now, the best place for him to play professional football will be above the 49th parallel, far from the football factories of Texas, but not to far from that passion for the game.
One of his first observations of his early days in Regina has been that total involvement that football and the community have in Saskatchewan. One where a little bit of success could go a long way in building up a core of supporters.
The Riders have no plans to rush Harrell into their system, in fact his first official function it seems was to sign on to the Injured List, though many suspect it was a method the Riders have used in order to work around their cap problems with the new hire.
His placement on that list, will allow him nine weeks to learn the system and now ease into the CFL and learn the differences between the styles of football. It may not be what the list was designed for, but he more than likely is not the first person in the CFL to come down with such maladies as Turf toe, throwers elbow or any other creative injury to while away the hours.
You can't help but notice their glee in luring such a high profile candidate into their organization. A move that has attracted attention on both sides of the border.
Harrell no doubt will be anxious to prove those NFL scouts and doubters wrong and if all goes according to plan, the Riders will be more than happy to provide that platform for him.
From the accounts of his time in Texas, he sounds like someone that is perfectly suited to the more wide open Canadian game, once he's comfortable we're sure we'll see him in play, perhaps not in the starting role that he may have become accustomed to, but as another part of what continues to be a well run machine out of Saskatchewan, one that frequently finds the players required to keep the Riders part of the hunt for the Grey Cup.
Regina Leader Post-- CFL offers new Roughriders quarterback Graham Harrell opportunity
Vancouver Sun-- Riders land Texas gunslinging QB
Dallas Morning News-- Harrell heading to Saskatchewan, CFL
The Daily Toreador-- Harrell will play in Canadian Football League
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