Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Gibson's Players of the Week (Week Five) July 31, 2012


Week Five provided the CFL with a bit of deja vu, as Henry Burris reprised his Player of Week skills to lead the Ti Cats to a remarkable come from behind victory over Saskatchewan.

Burris' performance was such that he was given back to back Offensive Player of the week honours, adding to a strong bounce back year for the long time CFL pivot.

Another repeat winner for the awards was J. C. Sherritt who won his second Defensive Player of the week award this season, Sherritt's work came in a losing cause to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.  Rounding out the week's award winners were Daryl Townsend in Montreal and Andrew Harris of the Lions.


CFL.ca Press release

Offensive Player of the Week

Henry Burris Hamilton Tiger Cats QB

Week Five provided for the another showcase weekend of Henry Burris, the Ti Cats quarterback snared his share of the CFL weekly awards thanks to the Ti Cats come from behind victory over Saskatchewan, such was the nature of the Ti Cats victory that the Gibson's panel gave Burris his second award in a row.


Defensive Player of the Month

J. C. Sherritt Edmonton Eskimos CB

They may have ended up on the wrong side of the score in Winnipeg, but the efforts of the Edmonton Eskimo defence were not lost on the Gibson's panel. The Eskimos found themselves in the Winnipeg backfield quite frequently and none more than J. C. Sherritt who registered 10 tackles in the losing cause. Sherritt currently leads the CFL in tackles with 41.


Special Teams

Daryl Townsend Montreal Alouettes S

So far in 2012, frustration has been the word for the Alouettes, offence and defence have had their struggles and the Als seem to be on the downward side of the mountain that they've been atop for a number of years. If Marc Trestman is looking for something to build on however, special teams may be the place to start where Daryl Townsend has had a good start to the season. With four special teams tackles in the Als loss to the Argos last Friday, Townsend caught the attention of the Gibson's panel for week five.

Top Canadian

Andrew Harris British Columbia Lions RB

The Lions offence finally caught fire this weekend past, Travis Lulay finally able to find the right combinations to unleash the high profile offensive unit, that had struggled in the first four weeks. Week Five however showcased all of the Lions moving parts, none more so than Running back Andrew Harris who impressed the Gibsons' panel such that he was given the nod as Top Canadian for the week.


CFL Video Zone

Players of the Week highlights (view here)

Top Ten plays of Week 4 (view here)

Ultimate Replay of Week 4 (view here)

Gibson's Players of the Week Archives for 2012

Monday, July 30, 2012

Twelve Men Review -- Week Five (ending July 28)

Last quarter miscues once again altered the CFL landscape in week five, a disturbing trend for fans of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, who watched their team surrender a sizable lead for the second week in a row.

Week Five brought Henry Burris back to Saskatchewan, this time in the uniform of the Tiger Cats and his efforts provided for another Cat victory in most exciting style.

Likewise, entertaining finishes came to both Winnipeg where the Blue Bombers claimed their first victory of 2012and Montreal, though for the latter the fans were left disappointment as the visiting Argos claimed victory.

The only blowout of the weekend was found in Calgary, where the BC Lions finally unleashed the offensive display that CFL fans have been waiting for since Canada Day.

The reviews of the week that was can be found below.

Edmonton at Winnipeg

Good things come to those that wait, or in the case of the Blue Bombers, good things come to those that finally get to play at home.

Despite some last minute nerves, the Bombers prevailed on Thursday night, topping the visiting Edmonton Eskimos 23-22, thanks to the efforts of their defence, a steadier performance from QB Alex Brink and a gift from Steven Jyles, who fumbled away what may have been an Eskimo victory late in the fourth quarter.

It was an unfortunate end (if you're an Eskimo fan) for what appeared to be an Eskimo comeback in the making, the excitement of the final minute of the game a contrast to the tedium of the first quarter of football that provided for a 1-0 score.

Things improved a bit in the second quarter and then into the second half, offering up some of the CFL's more intriguing scoring plays with safety's and single points.

Still, there was time for some offence, Alex Brink had a solid game for the Bombers, calming perhaps some of the anxiety of the Bomber faithful of a season without points and despite the game changing fumble in the final minute, the Esks Jyles had success in leading his team downfield, only the finish on some drives was lacking for the Green and Gold.

It wasn't the most seamless of CFL contests, mistakes and turnovers were instrumental in the outcome, but for a team with a 0-4 record heading in to week five, a victory, by whatever means was no doubt a welcome thing.

You can review the points of interest of the Bombers and Eskimos here.

Toronto at Montreal

Two of the more familiar of CFL quarterbacks were back into battle on Friday night, as the Toronto Argonauts brought their new look Ricky Ray led offence into Molson Stadium, the chance to stake a claim to first place in the East on the line for the rebuilding Argonauts.

Montreal, showing signs of a team that perhaps is in need of a rebuild, has not been able to call on that resolve of swagger that once was their calling, the days of complete domination in the East seemingly part of the storied past of the Als last decade.

Calvillo, who has been playing injured since the season started and while he had some success on the day, the outcome was perhaps dictated by the Argos defensive backs who held off the Alouette aerial approach and picked off the Als QB at a key moment of the game, snuffing out an Alouette drive.

The Als defense had a long day on the field, the struggling Als offensive woes left their defence on the field for lengthy periods of play, something which tends to wear down a defence and makes for scoring opportunities, which the Argos took advantage of.

Between fumbles and interceptions, the Argos had more than a few opportunities to salt away a victory,    leaving with three instead of seven on more than a few opportunities. It was that inability to score majors that made for a closer score than perhaps the game warranted, still at the end of the day it's the team that takes the two points that claims the victory and in this case the Argos claimed the game and a share of first in the East with Hamilton.

You can look back at the Argos and Als contest here.

Hamilton at Saskatchewan

For the second week in a row the Rider Nation sat back in shock as the Riders, seemingly cruising to a certain victory suffered a late game collapse which handed victory to the opposition

With a 19 point lead as the fourth quarter began, the Riders and their fans most likely thought that the sun drenched afternoon was to be a celebration of the return of the Riders domination of the CFL standings.

With memories of last weeks last minute loss to Calgary still fresh in their minds however, one imagines that the faithful in the stands began to get worried as the Ti Cats began to gain momentum, taking advantage of Rider gifts in turnovers and pushing the Riders defensive squad to the breaking point.

The twin themes of concern in Saskatchewan as they head into the CFL's bye week will be why their defence can't hold the line when the game is winding down and how Darian Durant is making key mistakes at the most untimely of moments.

Hamilton salvaged what started out as a long, long afternoon as Henry Burris hit his stride in that fourth quarter, taking the Cats down the field on one drive, taking advantage of the field position provided by his defence on another, and suddenly the seemingly certain Rider victory was in doubt.

Burris capped off the comeback with a final 90 yard drive for the final Ti Cat points on the day and the 35-34 lead that would prove the final margin of victory.

Though there would be some last minute drama, in the play of a missed field goal that left the Rider fans to contemplate all that had gone wrong in the final fifteen minutes.

The Rider collapse complete, the Cats took the victory, their first in Regina in twelve years, as a momentum builder for the rest of the season.

The first half struggles aside, it was yet another step for the Ti Cats who after an early season hiccup have battled back to start to resemble the squad that most thought would be the rising squad of the East in 2012.

On the other side of Mosaic Field came the questions of what has gone wrong after the Riders remarkable early season start, if not for defensive meltdowns and badly timed turnovers Saskatchewan could very well have been 5 and 0 heading into their break, instead the last two weeks give them much to work on before they take to the field once again.

A review of the Riders and Ti Cats can be found here.

British Columbia at Calgary

Finally, the much anticipated explosion of the BC Lions offensive squad finally took place. Travis Lulay and the Lions schooled the Stampeders on Saturday as to what a first string offence can look like when it's firing on all its cylinders.

The Lions took quick control of the game and left little doubt as to which team was going to be coming out of the evening's work with the victory. Providing the kind of display that many remember from the Lions march to the Grey Cup last fall, Lulay finding points from any number of options, while the Lions Defence shut down the Stamps quite impressively.

In fact, such was the nature of the Lions defensive play, that the discord within the Stampeder huddle quickly came to a boil, Jon Cornish seemingly weary of running into Lion defenders, lashed out in frustration over the woes of the O line.

Cornish was held to less than stellar numbers on the day, the Stamps also had trouble holding onto the ball at times, turnovers aiding the Lions in their domination of the play.

And while Kevin Glenn had a statistically decent day, those misplays would stall out any thoughts the Stamps might have had of making it an interesting day.

The Lions owned the play clock for most of the day, Lulay leading long time consuming drives downfield, normally collecting the seven points when all was said and done.

The Lions performance brought to an end the losing streak of two that the Lions came to town trying to understand, though judging by their performance on the day, they clearly found out what had gone wrong in the two weeks previous and addressed it.

The Stamps get a week off to regroup and perhaps get everyone back on the same page, the Lions in the meantime are off to Toronto, looking to improve on their record and bring the Argos, currently sharing first in the east with Hamilton back down to earth after a few weeks of successful football for the Double Blue.

A look back at the Lions and Stamps can be found here.

Saturday, July 28, 2012

CFL Game Day: British Columbia at Calgary (July 28, 2012)

The first month of 2012 is starting to look a little bit familiar to the British Columbia Lions, a period of struggle where the wins aren't coming easily, in fact only once thus far since Canada Day.

If the pay off for these early struggles is the same as last year, then the Grey Cup champion Lions will probably take it, but still, winning a few games through the summer months is probably still high on coach Mike Benevides to do list.

Towards that goal the Lions head into Calgary tonight, taking on a beat up Calgary squad that has put its hopes into the hands of Kevin Glenn, who has taken over for the injured and now recuperating Drew Tate and will be in charge of the Stamps offence through the season now.

Glenn has been solid, though sporadic at times in his return to the marquee role for a CFL team, perhaps not unexpected for a back up now put in charge, though for the Stamps the confidence of having someone with Glenn's experience is probably a helpful thing as John Hufnagel tries to retool his team and move forward.

On the other side of that scrimmage line the Lions defence will be looking to have another solid effort, punishing the running game and causing havoc with any aerial plans the Stamps may have.

On offence the Lions will be looking to cut down on the turnovers, a challenge of the last few weeks that have done more to turn the tide of the game than anything else. The untimely mistakes have been taken advantage of the opposing squads with relish, the Stamps will be looking to add to the Lions misery as best they can.

The West has quickly become a division where the standings can change with every completion of the weekend, the Stamps and Lions but two points behind the Riders and Eskimos currently holding down the top spot in the division.

It could be a pattern that carries forward through until November,  though both teams probably are more inclined to take things one weekend at a time at the moment, so by the time game four on the weekend schedule comes to an end, one or the other is most likely hoping to have vaulted ahead of the other, with first perhaps still in their grasp.

Game Time 7 PM MT (9 ET, 6 PT) McMahon Stadium TSN


British Columbia 34 at Calgary 8 (27,968)

Pre Game

CFL Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Lions-Stampeders game promises to go down to the wire
National Post-- Tad Kornegay adds new dimension to Stampeders
Calgary Sun-- Stampeders target talented QB Lulay
Calgary Herald-- Cornish gears up to grind out a greater ground game
Vancouver Province-- Patience key to Leos' success: Lulay
Vancouver Sun-- For Travis Lulay it's never over 'til it's over

Team Backgrounders

British Columbia Lions
Calgary Stampeders

Post Game

CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights


Globe and Mail-- Travis Lulay propels Lions to 34-8 romp of Stampeders
Calgary Sun-- Stampeders thrown to the Lions
Calgary Herald-- Stamps boss will work to find out what went wrong
Vancouver Province-- Lions dominate Stampeders, snap two-game skid
Vancouver Sun-- Lulay outstanding as Lions clobber Stampeders

CFL Game Day: Hamilton at Saskatchewan (July 28, 2012)

Saskatchewan is hoping for a bounce back game on Saturday, as they take to the field at Mosaic Field having surrendered their undefeated status last week in Calgary. The Riders who allowed the Stamps back into a game that they thought they had under control, learned a valuable lesson last Thursdays night, never let up, never take a win for granted.

The miscues that led to that collapse in Calgary no doubt were reviewed and re-emphasized by head coach Corey Chamblin and while losing their undefeated title for 2012 probably smarts, perhaps the greater goal of a long run into the Grey Cup in November will have been served by the loss.

Regardless, they had best shake off the last week's disappointment for they take on a Tiger Cat that it appears is starting to hit its stride.  Henry Burris had one of the best performances of the last few years against Montreal,  connecting with a wide cross section of his receivers for massive yardage.

Burris returns to Mosaic, a place he once was the marquee attraction at.  A lot of time has passed since he wore the Green and White and he's  no longer playing for the Riders rivals in Calgary, still a return to Regina for any player is always an interesting experience, never more so for the Cats who in addition to Burris bring former Rider Andy Fantuz back to familiar terrain.

It should be a very interesting experience for both on Saturday, as the large crowds of Mosaic provide a welcome to the one time Riders.

The Cats also bring some excitement with them on Special teams, a segment of the Ti Cat playbook that looks to be on track  the Cats Chris Williams rattling off yardage at a record clip. Williams as well learned a lesson last week, showboating is a costly thing to take on, especially when you are run down and hauled down before your showboating is completed, detracting from what would have been another remarkable run.

A lesson learned no doubt, after Williams felt the wrath of the Tiger Cat faithful for his miscue and we suspect he won't be doing that any more, having apologized not only to his own team and their fans, but to the Montreal Alouettes and their coach for his arrogance.

No doubt the Ti Cats will wish to return the favour of the Riders from week one, where Saskatchewan totally dominated the Cats in their home opener over the Canada Day weekend, that's a performance that we imagine is still fresh in their minds some four weeks later.

The one advantage of football is that each week offers up an opportunity to show if you have learned from your past, the result of Saturday's game will give us an idea which team has the better students.

Game Time-- 6 PM ET (2 ST, 3 PT) Mosaic Field TSN


Hamilton 35 at Saskatchewan 34 (32,898)

Pre Game

CFL Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Andy Fantuz returns to Regina to face Roughrider fans
National Post-- Ticats' Andy Fantuz ready for anything in return to Saskatchewan
Hamilton Spectator-- Tiger-Cats, 'Riders take stock tonight
Toronto Sun-- Fantuz coming 'home'
Regina Leader Post-- Playing at home draws Brendon LaBatte, Andy Fantuz

Team Backgrounders

Hamilton Tiger Cats
Saskatchewan Roughriders

Post Game


CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights

Globe and Mail-- Fantuz, Burris rally Tiger-Cats past Roughriders
Hamilton Spectator-- Ticats enjoy great comeback win - that ain't no lie
Toronto Sun-- Ticats storm back to sack Riders
Regina Leader-Post-- Murray's mutterings and mumblings over Saturday's defeat

Friday, July 27, 2012

CFL Game Day: Toronto at Montreal (July 27,2012)

For Ricky Ray it won't be quite the same animosity that the Hamilton/Argos game brought to the field,  as that's a whole different world of nasty, still when Toronto meets Montreal there's always a little bit of extra interest in the event.

The football version of storied rivalry of the cities takes place tonight when the Argos take on the Als at Molson Stadium. A rivalry that Argo head coach Scott Milanovich now sees from the Double Blue side of the field, returning to the city where he found success in the Als most productive of eras, Milanovich will bring his squad into Montreal to play a struggling Als squad that is showing signs of slowing down while his Argos are revving up.

Two teams perhaps heading in different directions this year, the Argos on the rise with Ricky Ray taking the helm of the offence, providing for an aerial display that hasn't been seen in Toronto for a long time.

In Montreal, with Anthony Calvillo struggling with injuries in the early season there is the sense of a team in decline, the halcyon days of the last ten years starting to fade as the cold reality that it may be time to rebuild the perennial top dogs of the CFL east.

Calvillo when healthy is as dangerous a quarterback as there is in the CFL, his longevity at the position means that he's seen every situation and generally finds the right play at the right time to make the most of it all.

However, he has clearly been hobbled in the first four weeks, leading some to wonder if perhaps it's not time to have him sit out a few games to get fully healthy for the post Labour Day stretch. It's a decision that coach Marc Trestman hasn't seemingly found cause to make yet, but if the injury situation for the Als on field leader gets worse, then the Als will truly be in dire straits.

For Toronto, the genesis of a revival has been seen over the last few weeks, Ricky Ray has grown more comfortable with the collection of receivers he has to work with and he has used the running game to gain field position at key times.

While there have been a few setbacks along the way, the Argos are most likely quite happy with the progression rate of their offence as it tries to find its way in a new environment.

The only real concern of the Argos in the early going is the rather worrisome performance of the special teams which have at times allowed the opposition to gain massive yardage as well as timely game changing points.

That seems to be a work in progress for the Argos, so for now, it will be up to the defence to stop the opposing teams from scoring, while the offence will have to put up as many points as it takes to win.

How that all works out gets another shake on Friday night.

Game Time 7:30 ET, 4:30 PT Molson Stadium TSN


Toronto 23 at Montreal 20 (22,773)

Pre Game

CFL Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Argonauts set course for East lead
National Post-- Three things: Argonauts vs. Alouettes
Toronto Sun-- Argos' Ray, Als' Calvillo following similar scripts
Toronto Star-- Montreal QB Anthony Calvillo braces for painful night against Toronto ...
Montreal Gazette-- Alouettes' Brandon Whitaker chafes for carries

Team Backgrounders

Toronto Argonauts
Montreal Alouettes

Post Game


CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights

Globe and Mail-- Argonauts hang on to edge Alouettes
National Post-- Argos' defence holds off Alouettes for tight victory
Toronto Sun-- Better late than never for Ray
Toronto Star-- Toronto Argonauts edge Montreal Alouettes 23-20, take over first place..
Montreal Gazette-- After 23-20 loss to Argos, Alouettes desperately need a win

Thursday, July 26, 2012

CFL Game Day: Edmonton at Winnipeg (July 26 2012)

When the Winnipeg Blue Bombers looked at the schedule for 2012, they no doubt had a very different vision as to how things were going to shape up heading into the last week of July.

The Bombers had heavily weighed their schedule for road games in the first month of the season, anticipating taking delivery of their new home in time for the home opener of tonight against the Edmonton Eskimos.

As things have turned out the Stadium isn't ready, still under construction as a matter of fact and some might say the same could be said about the Blue Bombers.

This has been a horrid start for the defending Eastern Champions, a team far removed from their Grey Cup appearance of last November.

Injuries of course have played a part, the never ending cycle of woe for Buck Pierce continues on into 2012, a string of injuries that have many wondering if he hasn't lost his starters job for good. If so, not many are sold it seems on Alex Brink being the one take the torch, Brink who has been pressed into service through July has struggled to generate offence, though head coach Paul LaPolice isn't going to be the one to throw him under the bus.

Larger issues for the Bombers loom, defensively they have given up too many points, while their offence of course has struggled to generate points on their side of the board.  Special teams have at times let the Blue down as well, a collection of troubles that needs to be addressed by the coaching staff quickly, lest the season go to ruin before Labour Day.

Of course in the CFL, you're only a few wins away from getting back into the thick of things, just ask the Grey Cup Champion Lions who started last year off with a terrible record, small comfort for LaPolice who has to try to turn it all around quickly, lest the Bomber faithful start to turn in their tickets to friends or charity.

The Eskimos arrive in River City feeling rejuvenated about their chances this season, a few ugly games at the start of the season have given way to some solid performances, the latest a hard earned victory over the Lions last week in Vancouver.

The Eskimos have taken advantage of their opportunities in the last few weeks, turnovers in their favour are usually turned into points and while Steven Jyles may not have won over all of the Eskimo followers, he's had enough success to quiet down the rumbles of discontent of early July.

The key to the Eskimos appears to be their head coach Kavis Reed, as level headed a CFL coach as we've seen in a long time, clearly not one to panic if things go wrong, he's being rewarded by his players with some strong play when they are going right.

They head into Winnipeg a confident bunch, perhaps bad news for the Bombers..

Game Time 7:30 CT, 8:30 ET, 5:30 PT CanadInn Stadium TSN

Edmonton 22 at Winnipeg 23 (29,553)

Pre Game

CFL Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Injury woes continue to mount for Blue Bombers
Winnipeg Free Press-- No time for 'true, but useless' comparisons
Winnipeg Sun-- Jobs on line if Bombers lose to Esks
Edmonton Journal-- Eskimos QB tries to smooth things over with opposing defender...
Edmonton Sun-- No love for Eskimos at CanadInns

Team Backgrounders

Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Edmonton Eskimos

Post Game


CFL.ca -- Pressure Perfect: Bombers shut down Esks for first win
CFL.ca-- Video Review

Globe and Mail-- Bombers get first win of the season, down Eskimos in home opener
National Post-- Eskimos' Steven Jyles hands Blue Bombers their first win of the season
Winnipeg Free Press-- Blue bring home the bacon
Winnipeg Sun-- Blue Bombers blitz
Edmonton Journal-- Blue Bombers rally from 13 point deficit to beat Eskimos
Edmonton Sun-- Jyles shoulders blame for Eskimos late loss

CFL 2012 Regular Season: Week 5

Will Week Five be the lucky week for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers? That's one of the plot lines for the final weekend of July as the Bombers still looking for a win in 2012, take on the Edmonton Eskimos in their home debut at Canad Inn Stadium.

Winnipeg's troubles provide for a recurring theme so far in 2012, injuries taking their toll on the defending Easter champions, who have suffered a rather severe change of direction from last November's Grey Cup appearance.

Toronto will seek to make the concerns in Montreal grow a little, Ricky Ray who is starting to mesh with his offence options heads into a gunslingers showdown with Anthony Calvillo with the Als, Montreal's problems however are more to the defensive and on special teams, two areas the Argos will seek to exploit on their trip.

The showcase game of the weekend could fall on Saturday as the rejuvenated Tiger Cats, who have looked good the last two weeks as Henry Burris hits his stride travel to Saskatchewan, facing a Rider team that is still smarting from last weeks late game collapse against the Stampeders.  Add into the mix a return of one time Rider Burris and the forecast is for a hard hitting, possibly shoot out the lights kind of day.

BC rounds out the weekend schedule heading off to Calgary, the Lions struggling of late have suffered losses mainly of their own making, turnovers proving to be a costly thing sliding them down the Western standings.  Calgary will seek to build on last weeks character win over the Riders to continue the Lions troubles for another week.

Previews and Reviews of the weeks action can be found below:

Thursday, July 26-- Edmonton 22 at Winnipeg 23  (29,533)
Friday, July 27-- Toronto 23 at Montreal 20,  (22,773)
Saturday, July 28-- Hamilton 35 at Saskatchewan 34 (32,898)
Saturday, July 28-- British Columbia 34 at Calgary 8,  (27,968)

Twelve Men Prognostications: Predicted Winners

Edmonton
Toronto
Saskatchewan
British Columbia

Weekly Record

2 - 2

Overall Record

12 correct, 8 wrong

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Mr. Cohon lowers the gavel on Khalif Mitchell, but appeal is pending...

“There was stuff that happened under the piles and things that remain unspoken of, but not to that degree.” -- Eskimos O line coach and former CFL lineman Tim Prinsen

As any viewer of such films as North Dallas Forty or Any Given Sunday can tell you coach Prinsen is right! Nasty, ugly things can happen in the trenches of professional football. Still, in a game known for its nasty, the events of last Friday night at BC Place seem to have gone beyond the regular convention of line play in professional football.

Late in the first half the Eskimos Simeon Rottier's arm became lodged between Khalif Mitchell's arm and his body, Mitchell then pulled on Rottier's arm bending it in a most un-natural position, in the end hyper extending the arm. An ugly looking play that provided for that cringe at home on the couch moment, though we imagine it was even more painful at Rottier's end of the spectrum.

At the time no penalty was assessed on the play, though the volume of commentators and observers (not to mention the avalanche of tweets on twitter) all suggested that the refs clearly missed something.

The half time panel on TSN in particular was quick to suggest that the Commissioner would need to review the play and assess an appropriate penalty on Mitchell, a view shared by a number of journalists (most of which were of course Edmonton based, who have proclaimed Mitchell to be among the league's dirtiest players)

Regardless of source, the outcry over the play was enough to prove the Commissioner with cause to issue a two game suspension to Khalif Mitchell (now under appeal) , but the CFL's Commissioner most likely won't be swayed by the argument of Lions GM Wally Buono, though perhaps his cause may be advanced if he introduces this testimony from former Blue Bomber Doug Brown.

The video evidence however would seem to work against Mitchell, as can be seen in reviews of the play in question, his extra curricular pulls and tugs, aren't exactly in the realm of clean football, something that the Commissioner will no doubt reinforce at their hearing in early August.

The Commissioner's results table isn't particularly solid on past suspensions that total more than one game. Since he joined the league in 2007 Cohon has attempted to assess a two game suspension on  three previous incidents, all eventually were overturned in arbitration.

It all makes for an interesting study into the dynamics of the CFL and its top position, but then there may not be a more glaring example of intent to injure provided in those previous incidents.

With the appeal, Mitchell can play this week in Calgary, however if the league is serious about protecting its players and drawing a line between nasty and dirty, we imagine that it may be the last of the field he sees until the Lions game of August 24th.


Vancouver Province-- Lions' Khalif Mitchell stays calm amid media circus over suspension
Vancouver Province-- B. C. Lions' Kalif Mitchell suspended two games for arm pull
Vancouver Province-- Khalif Mitchell at the centre of cheap-shot storm
Vancouver Sun-- Khalif Mitchell appeals suspension, will continue to play
Vancouver Sun-- Lions defensive lineman Khalif Mitchell to appeal CFL imposed suspension
Vancouver Sun-- Khalif Mitchell handed two-game suspension
Vancouver Sun-- B. C. Lions' Khalif Mitchell could be disciplined for arm wrench
Vancouver Sun-- I'm nasty, not dirty,' Mitchell says
Edmonton Journal-- Lions defender appeals suspension for injuring Eskimos O-lineman
Edmonton Journal-- Eskimos' Rottier forgives and forgets Mitchell incident
Edmonton Sun-- Eskimos looking beyond Mitchell incident
Edmonton Journal-- Eskimos players outraged after Rottier hurt
National Post-- Lions' Khalif Mitchell on the defence after questionable tackle
Globe and Mail--  Lions licking their wounds
TSN-- CFL Suspends Lions' Mitchell two games for injuring opponent
TSN--- Mitchell crossed the line by hurting Rottier

Gibson's Players of the Week (Week Four) July24, 2012

Week Four provided the CFL with what Hamiltonians hope will be the arrival of the Tiger Cats, a resounding victory over the Alouettes on the weekend put two Tiger Cats into the weekly awards, as Henry Burris and Andy Fantuz stood out among all from the weekend past.

The Eskimos defence provided more than a match for the BC Lions and with it a Defensive player of the week award for Joe Burnett and in a season of woe thus far, a light in the distance for the Blue Bombers as Winnipeg's Justin Palardy picks up the Special Teams player award for week four.


CFL.ca Press release

Offensive Player of the Week

Henry Burris Hamilton Tiger Cats QB

Week Four provided for the showcase weekend of Henry Burris, the Ti Cats quarterback snared his share of the CFL weekly awards thanks to his spectacular day on the field against the Alouettes on Saturday, his string of statistics more than enough to secure the Offensive player of the week.


Defensive Player of the Month

Joe Burnett Edmonton Eskimos CB

The Eskimos defence had a very good night Friday in Vancouver and a big part of that Edmonton defence was Joe Burnett, he picked off Travis Lulay twice on the night and registered three tackles to help lead his Eskimos on to victory in BC for the first time since the Lions moved back home to BC Place.


Special Teams

Justin Palardy  Winnipeg Blue Bombers K

The Blue Bombers struggles have been many this season, but if Paul LaPolice needs to look for a bit of a silver lining in a rather grey sky, it's coming from the foot of Justin Palardy.  The Winnipeg kicker went five for five on Wednesday night and picked up single point to boot. So far in 2012 Palardy has made ten of his 11 attempts, making him one of the most reliable of kickers in the league this year.


Top Canadian

Andy Fantuz Hamilton Tiger Cats WR

A big weekend for Henry Burris meant a big weekend for one of his favourite targets, Andy Fantuz. The TiCats receiving picked up 135 yards against the Alouettes on eight receptions, one of which was a Ti Cat touchdown. With his stats of the week Fantuz secured his place as the top receiver for the Cats so far in 2012.


CFL Video Zone

Players of the Week highlights (view here)

Top Ten plays of Week 4 (view here)

Ultimate Replay of Week 4 (view here)

Gibson's Players of the Week Archives for 2012


Monday, July 23, 2012

CIS Digest 2012



Our archive of items of note on the 2012 CIS Football season.

June 18-- Two Bishop's University football players suspended for doping
June 18-- McGill applies to move Redman to OUA
February 27-- Positive drug test for CIS football player Carlos Martinez

CIS 2012



Our page for items of notes on Canadian University Football for 2011

CIS homepage
CIS Schedule for 2012
CIS Digest (notes on the CIS in 2012)
CIS Twelve Men Posts (our original items for 2012)
CIS Team by Team 2012

Twelve Men Review -- Week Four (ending July21)

A few surprises were delivered in week number four as the league's two undefeated teams suffered their first loss on the season with both Saskatchewan and the British Columbia Lions tasting defeat, both at the hands of Albertans.

Week four also heralded the return to form of Henry Burris, the Ticats QB who was seeking to find a groove in Steel town found it over the weekend as Hamilton served notice that the pre season anticipations for their team may very well be merited.

And in Manitoba the concern continues on as the Blue Bombers skid continued on into late July.

The reviews of the week follow

Winnipeg at Toronto

The Argonauts got off to a sluggish start but as they say it's all how you finish and the Argos finished in style with Ricky Ray hitting his stride with just over two minutes to go to lead the Argos to a 25-22 come from behind victory.

The Bombers were on pace to break their losing skid as the fourth quarter was winding down, incredibly so considering the anemic offence generated, QB Alex Brink was but 9 for 34 passing for 195 yards on the day, the pressure of the Argo defence had him scrambling for most of the game, sacked three times and tossing interceptions twice, the Bombers still had hope with less than two minutes to go.

However, a third down gamble failed and by the time the Blue and Gold had the ball back, there was less than 35 seconds to go and many yards to make up.

The Argos with victory in their sights, knuckled down and held the Bombers to negligible yards and no further points, bringing their record to 2 and 2 in the East.

While it wasn't a particularly pretty victory, the Argos once again saw the promise that Ricky Ray will bring to their offence this season,  Ray tossed three TD passes on the way to the victory providing solid execution and confidence.

For Winnipeg it was another game with questions at the QB position, with Buck Pierce injured the Bombers turned to Alex Brink to take the helm but he struggled to get the Bombers moving, unable to take advantage of the Bombers defensive squad which kept them in the game and provided for field position.

For the next week at any rate Brink will be the go to guy, head coach Paul LaPolice suggesting that the weight of the Blue Bombers troubles shouldn't fall completely on his quarterback's shoulders.

The previews and reviews of the Argos/Bombers game can be found here.

Saskatchewan at Calgary

The dreams of the undefeated season came to an end for the Rider Nation this week, the Riders falling to a remarkable come from behind victory by the Calgary Stampeders.

The Riders appeared set to cruise to their fourth victory on the year, effectively scoring almost at will in the first three quarters, Darian Durant looking very much in control of his game the Riders defence making life as difficult as possible for Kevin Glenn and his offence.

In the end the game turned into a CFL shoot em out, where no lead is safe and a 17 point lead at that.

The Stamps battled back to tie things up at 38 each sending the game into an Overtime frame, where Rene Parades delivered the final knock out blow for the Stamps.

Calgary benefited nicely from the Kevin Glenn to Nik Lewis combination which provided for three touchdowns on the night, Larry Taylor also was on the receiving end of a Glenn TD pass to round out the majors, leaving the Stamps Parades to finish off the scoring with four filed goals including the most important one in OT.

For Saskatchewan beyond the defensive slips that allowed the Stamps back in the game, the key part of their loss came from missed opportunities where they couldn't turn field position into points or had to settle for field goals over majors.

Still a 41-38 barn burner is some pretty good entertainment, though the Riders probably are hoping that the lost three points don't come back to haunt them in late November.

A review of the Stamps/Riders game can be found here

Edmonton at British Columbia

The Eskimos can knock off one more item from their 2012 bucket list, after knocking off the BC Lions at home in BC Place, the first Eskimo victory in the newly renovated yard since the Lions moved back in last year.

The Eskimos took advantage of the Lions hospitality, a key moment being cornerback Joe Burneet's electrifying 108 yard interception return for the Esks, turning a strong Lions drive into a six point deficit   in less than ten seconds.

The pick six came off the hands of Geroy Simon the normally sure handed Lions receiver who was playing with a dislocated finger, a factor which perhaps provided for the string of events that led to the Eskimos score.

Still, lucky bounce or not, Burnett clearly was in his zone, making two picks off the Lions Travis Lulay and he was just inches away from making it a third, leading some to wonder why Lulay would keep testing Burnett's side of the field.

The Eskimos also benefited from a solid game by starter Steven Jyles, who took advantage of the good field position provided to him to lead the Esks down field, testing the Lions defensive squad regularly.

While he may not have answered all the questions of the Eskimo fan base with his performance, positive results tend to quiet down the torch bearing mobs, if nothing else with his win and the success he had in   Vancouver, Jyles may have bought himself (and by extension his General Manager) some time to see if he can find his form in Green and Gold.

The Lions defensive squad held its own, surrendering a few points but denying the Eskimos a larger margin of victory. The shortcomings on the day were with the offence, which had the opportunity to put points on the board, but let them slip away through turnovers and dropped passes.

Those big turnovers proved to be the story of the game, a string of events that toppled the Lions from the ranks of the undefeated in 2012.

A full review of the Lions/Eskimos game can be found here.


Montreal at Hamilton

On a Steeltown Saturday night, the Ticats faithful found the promise of Henry Burris, the Ticat starter had his best game since joining the Tabbies earlier this year and perhaps had the best game of the last few years as he connected regularly with a string of receivers that seem to be on the cusp of providing for bad dreams for CFL defensive backs.

Burris tossed for touchdown passes with a completion ratio of 27 of 30, racking up aerial yardage to a total of 360 yards, the kind of numbers that we saw back in his high performance days in Calgary. If it's an indication that he's back on track then Hamilton is going to be very happy with their off season acquisition.

Another positive thing for the Cats is the continued impact that Chris Williams has on the squad, though he learned a valuable lesson about finish on Saturday, after a bit of showboating cost him what would have been a spectacular return for a touchdown.  Hauled down on the one yard line, Williams was denied another highlight reel run, a faux pas for which he was quite apologetic over to his team mates.

The only cloud on an otherwise impressive day for the Cats was a third period setback which allowed the Alouettes back into the game, providing Anthony Calvillo with field position and opportunity is never a wise defensive strategy and for a few moments there it appeared that the wily Als veteran was going to lead yet another of his comebacks.

The Also clawed away at the 31-10 half time lead and through the third closed the gap to 32-24, however the fourth once again belonged to the Cats, the defensive side returning to form to finally limit the Alouette gains, the Cats offence once again adding to the cushion that eventually became the 39-24 victory.

Cats head coach George Cotez will look to correct some of the lapses that allowed the Als to mount their attempted comeback, but overall, considering the concern that was percolating in the early part of the season, the coach and his staff must be pleased at how the Cats are coming together.

The reviews of the Cats/Als game can be found here.



Saturday, July 21, 2012

Another chance for an American Close Up

One of the benefits of the growing explosion of sports television options both in Canada and the United States is that there is a thirst for programming that the growing number of sports platforms is in need of.

The NBC Sports Network was launched earlier this year, the re-branding of the old Versus network which has gone heavy on the NHL so far and now, will dip its toe in the world of Canadian Football.

The CFL announced this week that the NBC Sports network will carry a weekly schedule of nine games plus the playoffs and Grey Cup this year, offering up wider exposure of the CFL brand in the football hungry US.

It's not the first time that NBC has looked at the CFL for a programming option, when the NFL was behind picket lines a few years back the main NBC network took on some CFL games to mixed results, owing in part to one sided games and unfamiliarity of the product and the arrival of the World Series, the project was quickly shelved.

Yet, it seems that the CFL was not totally forgotten by NBC Sports program consultants.

Indeed, with 24 hours a day, and seven days in a week there is a need to feed the machine and for a portion of that feeding time NBC will once again test out the CFL.

And judging by the schedule of games that NBC Sports Network plans to air, Americans are going to become very well versed in the exploits of the Edmonton Eskimos, who will make six marquee appearances on the broadcasts. The Eskimos (and the CFL) make their NBC Sports Network debut on August 27th when the Eskimos are in Toronto.

Among the highlights in the package is a Labour Day weekend doubleheader featuring the traditional rivalries of the Cats/Argos and Stamps/Eskimos.  Not lost on the residents of Manitoba and Saskatchewan however is the omission of their teams from the NBC schedule and let the conspiracy theories begin (though we imagine that with the start Winnipeg has had to the season, they might be thankful to be among the hidden).

Those missing teams aside, it's another good opportunity for the league to raise its awareness level in the USA, a helpful thing when it comes time to secure players for roster spots and training camp invitations.  Not to mention for those players arriving from the US, the NBC Sports Network games will provide another chance for family and friends to realize that hey, he's not in the witness protection program after all.

Of course, exposure is a double edge sword, more frequent appearances of the CFL brand on American TV could provide for NFL contracts for those that are excelling in Canada, though realistically we imagine word is already out for those that are peaking at the right time.

All CFL games are currently available on ESPN3.com, an internet portal tied into the iconic ESPN brand, the NBC Sports Network deal will put the CFL into homes through cable and satellite distributors across the US.

The wider exposure of the CFL in the US, and on a name brand network  can only be seen as a good thing for the league and will no doubt be welcomed at the head office.

The partnership with TSN has been a very profitable and image boosting experience, one imagines tying the CFL brand to NBC is going to be a smart move as well.

Globe and Mail-- NBC announces CFL broadcast plans
National Post-- NBC Sports Network to start showing CFL games, including Grey Cup
Toronto Star-- NBC Sports Network to broadcast Grey Cup in the U. S.
TSN--  NBC Sports Network to Broadcast Grey Cup
CBC Sports--  NBC to broadcast Grey Cup, 9 regular season CFL games
Edmonton Journal-- Esks land on NBC Sports Network six times this year
Edmonton Sun-- Eskimos prominent in U. S. TV deal
Yahoo Sports-- The new CFL - NBC Sports Network deal could substantially benefit the league
MSN/Sports-- CFL games, Grey Cup to be on US TV

CFL Game Day: Montreal at Hamilton (July 21, 2012)

The wrap up to week four provides for perhaps the closest of the match ups this week, as the Montreal Alouettes travel to Hamilton to take on the Tiger Cats.

The home side coming off the always character building experience of a game against the Argonauts (and for good measure a winning one) finally seems to be showing some of the promise that was anticipated in the off and pre season.

The offence was clicking with more regularity last week, the defence as it normally is when playing at home  (week one not with standing) was on mission, the Cats no doubt hoping that all carries forward to this weeks visit of the Als.

Montreal has apparently removed any concept of a lame duck coach this week with word that a lengthy extension of Marc Trestman's contract as head coach is in place (though he perhaps has an escape clause should a greener pasture beckon).  In the mean time the Als continue to just keep trucking along, Anthony Calvillo getting into a groove that as the Stampeders found out last week sometimes is best viewed in the last two minutes of a game.

There were troubling signs for Trestman in last weeks game, the Stampeders were clearly the better squad for the majority of 55 of the 60 minutes, but with the benefit of a few gifts from the Stamps, Anthony Calvillo once again had opportunity to show why he's perhaps one of the best at the two minute drill in the league.

Coming off a last minute victory as the Als have also builds confidence, so today's game should make for an entertaining affair, with two teams that may believe they have put some of their early season struggle behind them finally.

With two of the league's most storied QB's of the current era at the helm, offence should be a key feature of the evening's offerings, if there is to be an edge the Cats may have it from home field advantage and the usually reliable Ti Cat defence when playing at home.

In a week of surprising events, you never know what may happen but in preview at least, the Cats and Als are fairly equal and it should offer up a back and forth match that could very well take us to another two minute drill experience, the winner depending on who has the last touch of the ball.

Game Time 7 PM ET (4 PT) Ivor Wynne Stadium (TSN)

Pre Game

CFL Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Ticat's Williams off to blazing start in second season
National Post-- Ticats' Chris Williams full of extra gears
Montreal Gazette-- Nine finger Anderson returns
Hamilton Spectator-- Hands on approach by Cortez can leave a mark sometime
Toronto Sun-- Chemistry lesson for Ticats

Team Backgrounders

Montreal Alouettes
Hamilton Tiger Cats

Post Game


CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights

Globe and Mail-- Henry Burris leads Tiger-Cats past Alouettes
National Post-- Henry Burris, Ticats' offence teach Alouettes tough lesson
Montreal Gazette-- Alouettes are worse than you think
Hamilton Spectator-- Williams electrifies again, even with a silly gaffe
Toronto Sun-- Ticats' Williams hot-dogs in Hamilton win



Friday, July 20, 2012

CFL Game Day: Edmonton at British Columbia (July 20, 2012)

Which Eskimos have made the trek across the Rockies in this week four, the Eskimos of last week's convincing 42-10 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, or the team from the week before that couldn't manage anything more than a single?

That is the question Edmonton fans will be wondering about as they settle in for TSN's Friday Night Football match up with the BC Lions.

The Eskimos quelled some of the growing unease in the Alberta capital with their timely victory over Winnipeg, the only point of concern perhaps that the victory was against a battered and clearly confused Bomber squad.

A more realistic test perhaps arrives tonight when the Eskimos play the Lions, BC still smarting from their three point loss to Saskatchewan last week, a loss that toppled them from the ranks of the undefeated.

Special teams proved to be their undoing last weekend and with a week to contemplate what could have been, Lions kick Paul McCallum has vowed to get his kicking game back on track.

The Eskimos will take on a defensive squad that enjoys making things uncomfortable for visiting quarterbacks, giving Kavis Reed something to work on as he tries to find the right game plan to take advantage of Stephen Jyles skill set.

Edmonton is still very much a work in progress, trying to come to terms with the off season changes and the impact that they have had on their execution and expectations.

One bright spot for coach Reed however is his defensive side, which has been tough and focused in the first three weeks of the season. A trait we imagine will continue as the Eskimos seek to make life difficult for Travis Lulay's offensive unit.

The Lions started the season off much like they finished 2011, last week's loss a helpful wake up call that in the CFL your fortunes can turn around quickly, not that they need any reminders on that fact, but a close loss such as last weeks can do wonders to help a team refocus on the little things that can be the difference between victory and defeat.

With Saskatchewan losing last night in Calgary, the West has tightened up significantly in the last 24 hours, a victory by either the Lions or the Eskimos will provide further congestion in the West standings and signal that no one team is destined to run away with the division just yet.


Game Time 7 PM PT (8 MT, 10 ET) BC Place (TSN)


Edmonton 27 at British Columbia 14 (28,335)

Pre Game

CFL Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- Lions kicker McCallum takes blame for misses, looks to rebound ...
National Post-- Lions bracing for Eskimos' tough defence
Edmonton Sun-- Eskimos 0-fer in revamped BC Place
Edmonton Journal-- Frustrated Stamps is still Esks' leading receiver
Vancouver Sun-- Players to watch, three themes to the game
Vancouver Province-- B. C. Lions' Paris Jackson ready to resume regular service

Team Backgrounders

Edmonton Eskimos
British Columbia Lions

Post Game


CFL.ca-- Video Highlights
CFL.ca-- Game Recap

Globe and Mail-- Eskimos gain share of first place in West with win over Lions
National Post-- Lions' costly mistake hands Eskimos key victory
Edmonton Sun-- Eskimos beat Lions at BC Place
Edmonton Journal-- Do-it-all Burnett leads Eskimos to big win over Lions
Vancouver Sun-- Big Play costly as Lions bow to Eskimos
Vancouver Province-- Eskimos win 27-14 as B. C. Lions offence goes missing

Thursday, July 19, 2012

A Rider Nation celebration

These are joyous days for the Rider Nation, the team atop the standings undefeated in battle thus far in the 2012 season and with Saturday's announcement, the much anticipated new stadium for Saskatchewan is much, much closer to reality.

The stadium plan which has been bounced back and forth over the last year, took a tangible step towards construction on Saturday when Premier Brad Wall announced that ground breaking would take place shortly for a new state of the art, roof ready complex destined for completion in 2017.
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The new stadium will hold 33,000 of the Rider congregation, with room for guests upon special occasion, such as oh lets say a Grey Cup game or Western final for instance..

And while the current design is for an open air stadium, the design will be such, that should Saskatchewan residents decide that maybe sitting in the late November cold isn't as endearing as it sounds, then a roof can be added to the complex at a later date.

We wonder on what the over/under on that date might be?

Whether open air or fully enclosed at some future date, the Riders will join a parade of CFL cities with new homes, with Hamilton ready to build and the tantalizing prospect of Ottawa returning to the league with a rebuilt Lansdowne Park. But,  as always the competitive nature between Manitoba and Saskatchewan will make for an interesting view on the project.

Winnipeg of course had to revisit their plans owing to construction delays on their new home, forcing them to press Canad Inn stadium into service for one more year, the euphoria of a new home placed on the back burner in what is shaping up to be a rather long and sad season for the Blue.

We imagine the Riders will be anxious to make sure all their ducks are in a row and the timetable is focused on that 2017 date.

If for no other reason than to have something else to talk about when they arrive in River City for the annual banjo bowl showdowns...

Regina Leader Post-- New Stadium MOU passes Committee
Regina Leader Post -- New stadium for Regina in 2017
Regina Leader Post-- Saskatchewan residents weigh in on stadium announcement
Regina Leader Post-- Editorial: Stadium goal realistic, affordable
Regina Leader Post-- Time is right for new stadium
Global Regina-- Regina Stadium project takes another step forward 
Metro News Regina-- Stadium gets the go from City's executive council
Saskatchewan Lifestyles-- User pay is the way for new stadium
TSN-- New Digs
Sportsnet-- Roughriders get news of new stadium for 2017
CBC-- New stadium taxes on agenda at Regina City Hall
Globe and Mail-- Roughrider fans get news they were all waiting for: New stadium for 2017
National Post-- Roughriders to get new stadium for 2017
Toronto Sun-- Saskatchewan Roughriders to play in new stadium by 2017

CFL Game Day: Saskatchewan at Calgary (July 19, 2012)

The undefeated Saskatchewan Roughriders, perhaps still getting used to that title after last year's meltdown take their record across the line into Alberta tonight, looking to remain atop the pack of the CFL at the expense of the Calgary Stampeders.

The Riders, who have turned around last years misery rather nicely in the first three weeks will once again look to quarterback Darian Durant to keep the momentum moving, Durant has helped to banish those bad memories of 2011 with some impressive leadership on the field, leading drives, taking long runs across the prairie and most importantly putting points on the board when the opportunity arrives.

A combination that has provided for six points thus far in the standings and for the most part accounted for the Riders 83 total points on the scoreboard over those three games.

Combined with a defensive squad playing with renewed confidence and head coach Corey Chamblin is looking to be the toast of Saskatchewan if this keeps up through to November.

The only cloud on the horizon in Saskatchewan these days is the placement of Wide Receiver Rob Bagg on the injury list for nine games, which is sizable hole for a lengthy period of time, but one which coach Chamblin seems to be using as a teachable moment for his squad.

The Stamps on the other hand have struggled through the first three weeks, losing 2 of their three games and now looking to move forward through the year without starting quarterback Drew Tate. It was announced over the weekend that Tate, who was injured in the Montreal game will miss the majority of the season owing to the need for shoulder surgery,

And while they perhaps are a bit ahead of other teams in the backup department with Kevin Glenn, he is going to have to knuckle down and provide the kind of leadership that doesn't leave them on the wrong end of a scoreboard when they held the lead heading into the final moments.

Coach John Hufnagel must be a little concerned about where his QB situation is at in the short term after watching his team self destruct last week in Montreal, where the Als stormed back as Anthony Calvillo led the perfect last minute offence to not only control the clock, but put points on the board.

That was something that the Stamps couldn't seem to accomplish, nor on the defensive side were they able to prevent. Turnovers and miscues gave the Als the opportunity to reclaim what seemed lost, something that the Stamps must be aware of should they want to find progress in the 2012 season.

The Riders game tonight provides their toughest test yet in the early season, it showcases a determined and confident team coming into the home of one which is perhaps struggling to reinvent itself on the fly after but three weeks.  The kind of scenario that surely gives an edge to the visitors from the east, but should make for a most entertaining contest.

Game Time 7 PM MT 9 ET, 6 PT McMahon Stadium (TSN) 


Saskatchewan 38 at Calgary 41 (32,228)


Pre Game


CFL Video Preview


Globe and Mail-- Kevin Glenn ready to lead Stampeders against unbeaten Roughriders
National Post-- Explaining the Roughriders' dramatic turnaround
Calgary Sun-- Tidy up time for Stamps
Calgary Herald-- Stamps eager for  West Division litmus test
Regina Leader Post-- What's right with the Riders?

Team Backgrounders


Saskatchewan Roughriders
Calgary Stampeders

Post Game

CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights

Globe and Mail-- Stampeders erase 17 point deficit to beat Roughriders in OT
National Post-- Stampeders storm back to top Riders in wild west shootout
Calgary Sun-- Wow! Stamps rally for late win
Calgary Herald-- Never say die Stamps beat Riders 41-38 in OT
Regina Leader Post-- Anatomy of a collapse