Yard by yard Mike Pringle dug in for the chance to seize George Reeds record, hit by hit the Calgary Stampeders defence made his job harder and harder.
In an otherwise brutal football game (for a Calgary fans standpoint anyway) the story of Pringle was all that mattered after the second quarter. The Edmonton Eskimos ran all over the Calgary Stampeders on Friday night at Commonwealth stadium. With over 50,000 on hand expecting to witness history, the Esks controlled the flow of the game and the scoreboard for all four quarters.
Once again it was the Calgary offence that had its troubles putting points on the board, giving up the ball on key plays to assist the Eskimos in pounding out 44 points by the end of the game. Marcus Crandell would have been wise to have been watching the TSN broadcast at the end of the second quarter, while panning across the Edmonton sideline the microphones picked up the Edmonton defence suggesting that Crandell not try side of the field patrolled by Malcolm Frank. It would have been the kind of advice that the Calgary coaches may have wished they had provided, the Edmonton cornerback controlled his side of the field nicely denying many Stampeder attempts and running back an interception for a touchdown, the fourth of his six picks this season he’s returned for a TD.
More mistakes from the Calgary offence and some brutal plays by the special teams dealt the Stamps the killing blow, as they gave up too many points related to turnovers. By the half the Eskies were firmly in control with a 21-3 lead, from there they would eventually build on that to a 44-12 final.
But while the crowd was happy with another win, they were there to see some history and on this Friday they would be denied their chance to say “I was there when…..” The Calgary defence which is the only bright spot on an otherwise woeful looking team, seemed to take the assault on George Reeds rushing record personally. The Stamps stacked the line and held Mike Pringle to 114 yards, two shy from claiming the rushing record as his own. It was if the Stampeder defence had decided to say “not on our watch” much to the disappointment of the assembled thousands at the stadium.
Linebacker Joe Fleming time and time again was in the face of Pringle denying him his grasp on history on this Friday night. Fleming, who had three personal tackles on Pringle, took the teams stand as a moral victory. And for him and his defensive team mates it was truly an impressive stand. The final stages of the fourth quarter were the most bizarre of any CFL game in a long time. The Stamps desperate to keep the ball from Pringle’s hands would take many 3rd and short attempts, to keep drives alive and eat up the clock.
Yet to the very end Pringle had a chance to launch the big celebration, by the three minute warning he seemed to be on his way to setting the new record, only to wind up losing yardage on consecutive carries. Pringle received on final shot at the record with two seconds left on the clock. Needing but one yard he was stopped one yard behind the line of scrimmage. That final stand by Calgary leaves him two yards short for the record, and sends the CFL back to the travel agents to book a flight to Vancouver for George Reed.
The travelling record watch will move to BC Place next Saturday night, when the Eskimos take on the Lions. Mercifully for all concerned on the Eskimo team, the record should fall with the first set of downs next week, giving an old number 34 the chance to pass the torch to the latest number 34 to set the CFL abuzz.
Three downs, a bigger ball, wider field and a lot more entertainment! The world of Canadian Football.
Friday, September 10, 2004
TSN’s Friday Night Football could showcase a Record making night
With 50,000 fans in the stands and hundreds of thousands more watching on the tube, Friday night truly may be a big night for the CFL. The Eskimos take on the Calgary Stampeders, in a rematch of last Monday’s Labour Day game at McMahon stadium. And while last Monday’s score of 25-7 in favour of the Eskies won’t cause many new fans to fight for the control of the clicker, the chance to watch Mike Pringle chase down George Reeds record surely will.
Pringle, who has quietly made his presence known in the CFL over the years, is on the verge of putting his name into the record books. Pringle is a mere 116 yards away from breaking George Reeds long time record of 16,116 yards, and if Jason Maas is smart about things, putting the ball in Pringles hands could pay of twice in this game, Should Pringle score two touchdowns he will also tie Reeds record for touchdowns at 135, making for a night of great celebration in Edmonton.
The former Saskatchewan great will be in the crowd watching ready to hail the new record holder should things fall into place at Commonwealth Friday night. One of the icons of Canadian football, Reeds record may fall, but he’ll forever be remembered for his powerful stride, running over tacklers rather than around them. Part of the great years on the prairies were Reed, Lancaster and a guy named Hugh Campbell, amongst others. The style of the boys from Regina, attracted many CFL fans to the cause of the Green Riders, the birth of Rider Pride in place across Canada can be traced to those great years of the sixties.
Campbell who is now President of the Eskies, has fond memories of Reed and marvelled at his style and the power he could summon on the field. Interestingly enough he says the fellow that is about to move into the record books is of a similar build and style, a worthy challenger to the rushing crown.
Friday night will be a great night for those in attendance at Commonwealth, Eskie fans are some of the best in the league and appreciate talent, having seen so much of it over the years. But more importantly for Pringle is going to be the presence of one special fan, his Mother has made the trip to Edmonton for the game, should he roll up the yardage and find the end zone Friday, Mrs. Pringle is going to see just how important her son has been to the Canadian Football League. And that may be worth more than any listing in a record book.
Pringle will have his work cut out for him though; the Stampeder defence is a unit that has been one of the few shining lights in Calgary this year and will no doubt play with pride once again. And while we certainly don’t wish bad luck on them, here’s hoping that Pringle has the game of his life Friday night. Records have to fall sometime, it’s always rewarding when they go to someone deserving of the accolades.
Pringle, who has quietly made his presence known in the CFL over the years, is on the verge of putting his name into the record books. Pringle is a mere 116 yards away from breaking George Reeds long time record of 16,116 yards, and if Jason Maas is smart about things, putting the ball in Pringles hands could pay of twice in this game, Should Pringle score two touchdowns he will also tie Reeds record for touchdowns at 135, making for a night of great celebration in Edmonton.
The former Saskatchewan great will be in the crowd watching ready to hail the new record holder should things fall into place at Commonwealth Friday night. One of the icons of Canadian football, Reeds record may fall, but he’ll forever be remembered for his powerful stride, running over tacklers rather than around them. Part of the great years on the prairies were Reed, Lancaster and a guy named Hugh Campbell, amongst others. The style of the boys from Regina, attracted many CFL fans to the cause of the Green Riders, the birth of Rider Pride in place across Canada can be traced to those great years of the sixties.
Campbell who is now President of the Eskies, has fond memories of Reed and marvelled at his style and the power he could summon on the field. Interestingly enough he says the fellow that is about to move into the record books is of a similar build and style, a worthy challenger to the rushing crown.
Friday night will be a great night for those in attendance at Commonwealth, Eskie fans are some of the best in the league and appreciate talent, having seen so much of it over the years. But more importantly for Pringle is going to be the presence of one special fan, his Mother has made the trip to Edmonton for the game, should he roll up the yardage and find the end zone Friday, Mrs. Pringle is going to see just how important her son has been to the Canadian Football League. And that may be worth more than any listing in a record book.
Pringle will have his work cut out for him though; the Stampeder defence is a unit that has been one of the few shining lights in Calgary this year and will no doubt play with pride once again. And while we certainly don’t wish bad luck on them, here’s hoping that Pringle has the game of his life Friday night. Records have to fall sometime, it’s always rewarding when they go to someone deserving of the accolades.
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
Quotables of September
What they said thru September, the list of the "Final Snaps"
1-Sep-04 "He and his family are embarassed by the incident"
2-Sep-04 "We want the opportunity to defend our title"
3-Sep-04 "We're going to try for 50,000"
4-Sep-04 "I may call my daughter, who took a course in sign language"
5-Sep-04 "People say we've been carefree with our practices"
6-Sep-04 "Arland Bruce is a major coup for us"
7-Sep-04 "It feels good to just have a win"
8-Sep-04 "and that was still the most fun I've had playing all year"
9-Sep-04 "Obviously I'm a little discouraged with the way things turned out"
10-Sep-04 "a family atmosphere was Bob Young's promise, not mine"
11-Sep-04 "Dave will be the man when he returns"
12-Sep-04 "There goes Westwood again, that's all I thought about"
13-Sep-04 "I need two yards now."
14-Sep-04 "Maybe Mr. Shivers doesn't know what he's talking about"
15-Sep-04 "He's (Robert's) a tough kid, He's a special player"
16-Sep-04 "I'm not here to take anybody's job"
17-Sep-04 "Am I playing? Does Batman fight crime?"
18-Sep-04 "Deep behind enemy lines"
19-Sep-04 "We feel we can compete with any club in this league, including Montreal "
19-Sep-04 "I’ll concede them first, but I won't concede them the Grey Cup"
20-Sep-04 "We've got a few days off to decide what we're going to be"
21-Sep-04 "Winning is definitely priority one, and it's not happening in Calgary"
22-Sep-04 "It's really not about what my agent wants, it's about what I want"
23-Sep-04 "I have faith we can turn this around"
24-Sep-04 "We'll stay with our long term plans"
25-Sep-04 "We finally got a spark there at the end"
26-Sep-04 "I would have loved to have stayed, but you can't control these things"
27-Sep-04 "I expect Jones to come here and lead this football team"
28-Sep-04 "It's all about winning and entertaining and right now we have neither"
29-Sep-04 "he's made good promise from last week, but we want to make sure"
30-Sep-04 "We just kept hurting ourselves again and again"
1-Sep-04 "He and his family are embarassed by the incident"
2-Sep-04 "We want the opportunity to defend our title"
3-Sep-04 "We're going to try for 50,000"
4-Sep-04 "I may call my daughter, who took a course in sign language"
5-Sep-04 "People say we've been carefree with our practices"
6-Sep-04 "Arland Bruce is a major coup for us"
7-Sep-04 "It feels good to just have a win"
8-Sep-04 "and that was still the most fun I've had playing all year"
9-Sep-04 "Obviously I'm a little discouraged with the way things turned out"
10-Sep-04 "a family atmosphere was Bob Young's promise, not mine"
11-Sep-04 "Dave will be the man when he returns"
12-Sep-04 "There goes Westwood again, that's all I thought about"
13-Sep-04 "I need two yards now."
14-Sep-04 "Maybe Mr. Shivers doesn't know what he's talking about"
15-Sep-04 "He's (Robert's) a tough kid, He's a special player"
16-Sep-04 "I'm not here to take anybody's job"
17-Sep-04 "Am I playing? Does Batman fight crime?"
18-Sep-04 "Deep behind enemy lines"
19-Sep-04 "We feel we can compete with any club in this league, including Montreal "
19-Sep-04 "I’ll concede them first, but I won't concede them the Grey Cup"
20-Sep-04 "We've got a few days off to decide what we're going to be"
21-Sep-04 "Winning is definitely priority one, and it's not happening in Calgary"
22-Sep-04 "It's really not about what my agent wants, it's about what I want"
23-Sep-04 "I have faith we can turn this around"
24-Sep-04 "We'll stay with our long term plans"
25-Sep-04 "We finally got a spark there at the end"
26-Sep-04 "I would have loved to have stayed, but you can't control these things"
27-Sep-04 "I expect Jones to come here and lead this football team"
28-Sep-04 "It's all about winning and entertaining and right now we have neither"
29-Sep-04 "he's made good promise from last week, but we want to make sure"
30-Sep-04 "We just kept hurting ourselves again and again"
September remembered
We track the entries in our "Opening Kickoff" feature, providing an acrhive for the developments as they happened day by day in September.
1-Sep-04 Stamps summon the ghost of Allen Pitts
1-Sep-04 Dunnigan flys the maple leaf
1-Sep-04 Paopao stands by his men
2-Sep-04 Keeping his mouth shut
2-Sep-04 Rare CFL trade has two Renegades heading for Edmonton
2-Sep-04 The Masked Marvel apparently was busy
3-Sep-04 Andre's Rison
3-Sep-04 Bomber woes move off the sports page and onto the Front pages
3-Sep-04 It's go time for Glenn
4-Sep-04 Argos looking at 49ers cut
4-Sep-04 Riders can't wait to say hello
4-Sep-04 Anger management in Edmonton
5-Sep-04 Argos win the bidding war
5-Sep-04 A need for TD's
5-Sep-04 Time for the Rens to write some checks
6-Sep-04 Shivers needs to look at his own team first
6-Sep-04 Gaining fans in Stampeder country
6-Sep-04 Praising the talent that was Pitts
7-Sep-04 Pringle has a fan in Matt
7-Sep-04 Ricky Ray not racing to the CFL
7-Sep-04 Renegades standing by their foot for now
8-Sep-04 Remembering the good old days, while watching the current bad ones
8-Sep-04 The Offence took the day off
8-Sep-04 Big Blue get pumped up
9-Sep-04 Still talking about that Labour Day Classic
9-Sep-04 Clearing the air at McMahon Stadium
9-Sep-04 Ranek still running for a record
10-Sep-04 Staubach to Dunnigan once again
10-Sep-04 Mama's in the House
10-Sep-04 Bombers pick up a Volunteer
11-Sep-04 6 feet from the record books
11-Sep-04 Calgary fans losing patience
11-Sep-04 Tamaurice's meet and greet
12-Sep-04 Sad day in Calgary
12-Sep-04 More injury woes for the Renegades
12-Sep-04 Taking it to the Stamps again
13-Sep-04 Joe Fleming on the market?
13-Sep-04 Rens need to win four of six
13-Sep-04 Lumsden enters McMaster's record book
14-Sep-04 Maxie's Back
14-Sep-04 Piling up the injuries in Ottawa
14-Sep-04 Mustang Stampede turns U of T Black and Blue
15-Sep-04 You can never have too many pivots
15-Sep-04 The most important game in 2 1/2 years
15-Sep-04 Camp Dunigan is open again
16-Sep-04 Trying to put a best foot forward
16-Sep-04 A flood of NFLers arrive in Edmonton
16-Sep-04 Allen begins the road back to the lineup
17-Sep-04 CFLers and NFLers at different ends of the pay envelopes
17-Sep-04 McGrigg's back on patrol
17-Sep-04 Taking their time with Bashir
18-Sep-04 Two yards or two points
18-Sep-04 Westwood's Yap, has argos pumped
18-Sep-04 Takes a lickin', but keeps on ticking
19-Sep-04 Pringle enters the record book
19-Sep-04 Tumblimg turnstile numbers
19-Sep-04 Getting Daley a deal
19-Sep-04 Three hat Matt looks for a change
19-Sep-04 Adrift in a sea of double blue
19-Sep-04 From goat to hero
20-Sep-04 Argo airlift continues
20-Sep-04 Confident Blue ready for Als
20-Sep-04 Auditions for 2005 season now on in Calgary
21-Sep-04 Turning the turnstiles in the tough towns
21-Sep-04 Mighty Casey stays on the field
21-Sep-04 An end to the Joe witch hunt
22-Sep-04 Benching the Big money
22-Sep-04 Returner's a keeper
22-Sep-04 Andre was louder, now he's lighter
23-Sep-04 Rumbles in Renegadeland
23-Sep-04 Dickenson to sit one more week
23-Sep-04 2,000 dollars a carry
24-Sep-04 The reviews are in
24-Sep-04 Back from the Dead
24-Sep-04 Not yet the talk of the town
25-Sep-04 No need to worry
25-Sep-04 Building Blocks
25-Sep-04 On the cusp of a blockbuster trade
26-Sep-04 Doing the math in Ottawa
26-Sep-04 The missing name in the trade!
26-Sep-04 The yawns are out in Edmonton
27-Sep-04 Khari to wait!
27-Sep-04 Printers suggests preparation
27-Sep-04 Rens in trouble all around
28-Sep-04 Matt Dunigan's ragged road
28-Sep-04 Paopao pops a gasket
28-Sep-04 Hugh examines a clunker
29-Sep-04 The biggest hits are on the coach
29-Sep-04 Refs on the carpet
29-Sep-04 Shifting sands at skydome
30-Sep-04 Argos field of dreams put on hold
30-Sep-04 We'll always have Halifax
30-Sep-04 Earning their stripes in Steeltown
1-Sep-04 Stamps summon the ghost of Allen Pitts
1-Sep-04 Dunnigan flys the maple leaf
1-Sep-04 Paopao stands by his men
2-Sep-04 Keeping his mouth shut
2-Sep-04 Rare CFL trade has two Renegades heading for Edmonton
2-Sep-04 The Masked Marvel apparently was busy
3-Sep-04 Andre's Rison
3-Sep-04 Bomber woes move off the sports page and onto the Front pages
3-Sep-04 It's go time for Glenn
4-Sep-04 Argos looking at 49ers cut
4-Sep-04 Riders can't wait to say hello
4-Sep-04 Anger management in Edmonton
5-Sep-04 Argos win the bidding war
5-Sep-04 A need for TD's
5-Sep-04 Time for the Rens to write some checks
6-Sep-04 Shivers needs to look at his own team first
6-Sep-04 Gaining fans in Stampeder country
6-Sep-04 Praising the talent that was Pitts
7-Sep-04 Pringle has a fan in Matt
7-Sep-04 Ricky Ray not racing to the CFL
7-Sep-04 Renegades standing by their foot for now
8-Sep-04 Remembering the good old days, while watching the current bad ones
8-Sep-04 The Offence took the day off
8-Sep-04 Big Blue get pumped up
9-Sep-04 Still talking about that Labour Day Classic
9-Sep-04 Clearing the air at McMahon Stadium
9-Sep-04 Ranek still running for a record
10-Sep-04 Staubach to Dunnigan once again
10-Sep-04 Mama's in the House
10-Sep-04 Bombers pick up a Volunteer
11-Sep-04 6 feet from the record books
11-Sep-04 Calgary fans losing patience
11-Sep-04 Tamaurice's meet and greet
12-Sep-04 Sad day in Calgary
12-Sep-04 More injury woes for the Renegades
12-Sep-04 Taking it to the Stamps again
13-Sep-04 Joe Fleming on the market?
13-Sep-04 Rens need to win four of six
13-Sep-04 Lumsden enters McMaster's record book
14-Sep-04 Maxie's Back
14-Sep-04 Piling up the injuries in Ottawa
14-Sep-04 Mustang Stampede turns U of T Black and Blue
15-Sep-04 You can never have too many pivots
15-Sep-04 The most important game in 2 1/2 years
15-Sep-04 Camp Dunigan is open again
16-Sep-04 Trying to put a best foot forward
16-Sep-04 A flood of NFLers arrive in Edmonton
16-Sep-04 Allen begins the road back to the lineup
17-Sep-04 CFLers and NFLers at different ends of the pay envelopes
17-Sep-04 McGrigg's back on patrol
17-Sep-04 Taking their time with Bashir
18-Sep-04 Two yards or two points
18-Sep-04 Westwood's Yap, has argos pumped
18-Sep-04 Takes a lickin', but keeps on ticking
19-Sep-04 Pringle enters the record book
19-Sep-04 Tumblimg turnstile numbers
19-Sep-04 Getting Daley a deal
19-Sep-04 Three hat Matt looks for a change
19-Sep-04 Adrift in a sea of double blue
19-Sep-04 From goat to hero
20-Sep-04 Argo airlift continues
20-Sep-04 Confident Blue ready for Als
20-Sep-04 Auditions for 2005 season now on in Calgary
21-Sep-04 Turning the turnstiles in the tough towns
21-Sep-04 Mighty Casey stays on the field
21-Sep-04 An end to the Joe witch hunt
22-Sep-04 Benching the Big money
22-Sep-04 Returner's a keeper
22-Sep-04 Andre was louder, now he's lighter
23-Sep-04 Rumbles in Renegadeland
23-Sep-04 Dickenson to sit one more week
23-Sep-04 2,000 dollars a carry
24-Sep-04 The reviews are in
24-Sep-04 Back from the Dead
24-Sep-04 Not yet the talk of the town
25-Sep-04 No need to worry
25-Sep-04 Building Blocks
25-Sep-04 On the cusp of a blockbuster trade
26-Sep-04 Doing the math in Ottawa
26-Sep-04 The missing name in the trade!
26-Sep-04 The yawns are out in Edmonton
27-Sep-04 Khari to wait!
27-Sep-04 Printers suggests preparation
27-Sep-04 Rens in trouble all around
28-Sep-04 Matt Dunigan's ragged road
28-Sep-04 Paopao pops a gasket
28-Sep-04 Hugh examines a clunker
29-Sep-04 The biggest hits are on the coach
29-Sep-04 Refs on the carpet
29-Sep-04 Shifting sands at skydome
30-Sep-04 Argos field of dreams put on hold
30-Sep-04 We'll always have Halifax
30-Sep-04 Earning their stripes in Steeltown
Monday, September 06, 2004
The Thriller at the Wynner!
Labour Day in Hamilton is steeped in great moments of CFL history, even the years that featured some rather horrid Ti Cat and Argo teams always seemed to bring out the best in both teams.
Labour Day 2004 though provided one of those games for the ages, a 60 plus minute testimony to smash mouth football that featured everything a football fan could ever ask for. Fights, expulsions, injuries, star debuts and record setting performances and even Overtime; Ivor Wynne stadium saw it all in one thoroughly entertaining game.
The Argos and the Ti Cats took to battle as though two armies were fighting inch by inch for valuable turf in a final battle. This was a knockdown, drag them out fight that lasted until the last man was standing, and in this case both teams would pull themselves up from sure defeat and rally back, taking it to the final play of the game, a goal line dash for a tying touchdown that snatched victory from the jaws of the rabid fans of Ivor Wynne.
For the second game in a row the Tiger Cats sold out the stadium and responded to the adulation of their fans with a gutsy and hard fought game, one that highlighted the running skills of Troy Davis. Davis rewrote the Ti Cat record book this Labour Day with 233 rushing yards, routinely turning carries of three yards into major scrambles for eight or nine yards. In addition to his valuable runs, Davis put six points on the board with a four yard drive for a touchdown in the fourth quarter to set up the overtime, he then ran in another TD this time in the second overtime drive, which at the time seemed to be just enough to guarantee a Tiger Cat win.
But then Michael Bishop went to work for the Argonauts, engineering a drive that was aided by a pass interference penalty, culminated in three attempts from the one yard line, the final try the successful run to the right that sent both teams to the dressing room with a 30-30 tie.
Andre Rison’s debut as an Argo was successful as he made some key catches and showed a little bit of the form that made him an NFL legend, still not quite in midseason form, he was only supposed to ease into the line up on this day, but the Argo expulsions of the first quarter made him a regular contributor through the game. Arland Bruce the Third also returned to the CFL and provided some highlight material for his first game back.
The Hamilton defence played like Ti Cat defences of old, mean, unforgiving and brutally violent at times. Each play in the game, matched at times punch for punch, hit for hit by the Defenders of the double blue. The term Labour Day classic seems to get overused, sometimes more wishful thinking than actual fact, and for two of the games this weekend “classic” probably could have been removed from the graphics preceding the game. But Monday night in Hamilton, Classic was a perfect fit.
Stephen Brunt in Tuesday's edition of the Globe and Mail, captures perfectly the atmosphere and results of a game that fittingly featured intense Labour for a Labour Day Monday. And to think the two teams get together and do it all over again on October 21st! The Argos will take a week off now to nurse their wounds and rest their bones, the battered and bruised Ti Cats however get back to work quickly, as they travel to Montreal for a key game against the Alouettes on Sunday.
Over the years, the CFL has provided Canadians with some great football moments, Monday night in the trench warfare at Ivor Wynn Stadium; we added one more page to the memory book. May our little national treasure provide us with many, many more!
Labour Day 2004 though provided one of those games for the ages, a 60 plus minute testimony to smash mouth football that featured everything a football fan could ever ask for. Fights, expulsions, injuries, star debuts and record setting performances and even Overtime; Ivor Wynne stadium saw it all in one thoroughly entertaining game.
The Argos and the Ti Cats took to battle as though two armies were fighting inch by inch for valuable turf in a final battle. This was a knockdown, drag them out fight that lasted until the last man was standing, and in this case both teams would pull themselves up from sure defeat and rally back, taking it to the final play of the game, a goal line dash for a tying touchdown that snatched victory from the jaws of the rabid fans of Ivor Wynne.
For the second game in a row the Tiger Cats sold out the stadium and responded to the adulation of their fans with a gutsy and hard fought game, one that highlighted the running skills of Troy Davis. Davis rewrote the Ti Cat record book this Labour Day with 233 rushing yards, routinely turning carries of three yards into major scrambles for eight or nine yards. In addition to his valuable runs, Davis put six points on the board with a four yard drive for a touchdown in the fourth quarter to set up the overtime, he then ran in another TD this time in the second overtime drive, which at the time seemed to be just enough to guarantee a Tiger Cat win.
But then Michael Bishop went to work for the Argonauts, engineering a drive that was aided by a pass interference penalty, culminated in three attempts from the one yard line, the final try the successful run to the right that sent both teams to the dressing room with a 30-30 tie.
Andre Rison’s debut as an Argo was successful as he made some key catches and showed a little bit of the form that made him an NFL legend, still not quite in midseason form, he was only supposed to ease into the line up on this day, but the Argo expulsions of the first quarter made him a regular contributor through the game. Arland Bruce the Third also returned to the CFL and provided some highlight material for his first game back.
The Hamilton defence played like Ti Cat defences of old, mean, unforgiving and brutally violent at times. Each play in the game, matched at times punch for punch, hit for hit by the Defenders of the double blue. The term Labour Day classic seems to get overused, sometimes more wishful thinking than actual fact, and for two of the games this weekend “classic” probably could have been removed from the graphics preceding the game. But Monday night in Hamilton, Classic was a perfect fit.
Stephen Brunt in Tuesday's edition of the Globe and Mail, captures perfectly the atmosphere and results of a game that fittingly featured intense Labour for a Labour Day Monday. And to think the two teams get together and do it all over again on October 21st! The Argos will take a week off now to nurse their wounds and rest their bones, the battered and bruised Ti Cats however get back to work quickly, as they travel to Montreal for a key game against the Alouettes on Sunday.
Over the years, the CFL has provided Canadians with some great football moments, Monday night in the trench warfare at Ivor Wynn Stadium; we added one more page to the memory book. May our little national treasure provide us with many, many more!
Stampeder defence puts in a full day of frustrating work
The Calgary Stampeders can thank their defence for keeping this years Labour Day Classic from getting totally out of hand. Despite a solid performance from the Stamps D crew, the Eskimos still managed to dominate the Calgarians, taking a win out of McMahon stadium with a 25-7 handling of Matt Dunnigans confused offensive squad.
Try as hard as they did with some big plays on defence, the Stamps couldn’t find a way to make their offensive brothers get their act together. A telling moment in the game was in the third quarter, when the Stamps defence had once again turned aside an Eskie attack, sending the Offence out to get some points, only to have to head back out on the field after one play after an untimely turnover. The reaction of the Stamps defensive co-ordinator, Denny Crehan said it all, as he all but threw away his clipboard in disgust.
In short, the Stamps problems are all on the offence. This is a team that seems to be in terrible trouble at the moment, unsure of how to approach the game and incapable of sustaining drives or making the big plays. Dropped passes, no protection for the Quarterback, small gains on the run, and poor execution. It's as if all of the little things have been forgotten, leading to a confused attack that far too often leads to two downs and punt. It’s hard to reach the end zone if you can’t make ten yards.
This Labour Day game once again was played in front of a sold out McMahon stadium crowd, who were hoping for a barn burner and ended up at a barn painter! At least the faithful could hold out some hope until the third quarter. The Stamps should only have been trailing by 12 points going into the half, but a mis-timed pass from Tommy Jones was picked off by Malcolm Frank and returned 56 yards for a spirit crushing touchdown. It also spelled the end of Jones' time behind the centre in this game, as Marcus Crandell took the ball for the third quarter,
But for all their faults the Stamps didn’t give up at the half, they took advantage of another big play from their defence and punched in a touchdown early in the third quarter pulling to within twelve points of the Esks to start the third quarter, making that second quarter interception appear even more costly. However, the rally sputtered out shortly after that, the Esks picked up two more field goals, putting the game to rest at 25-7, never really in any danger of losing, they then went on to control the play and frustrate the Stamps and their fans even further.
Jason Maas played most of the game but gave way to Bart Hendricks in the third quarter after receiving a burner on his hand. With the game well under control there was no urgency to having the key component of the Esks attack remain in the game. As for the record watch, Mike Pringle did not score any touchdowns in this one and rushed for only 76 yards, thus George Reeds contributions to CFL lore will stand for at least one more week.
The Eskies take the two points and keep the pace of the division leading BC Lions, who take on Ottawa on Saturday afternoon. The Stamps and Esks, renew acquaintances on Friday night, this time in Edmonton. The Stamps retired Allen Pitt’s fabled number 18 at half time, perhaps they can see if he wants to tag along for the ride to Edmonton. If he’s not inclined to strap on the pads anymore, the least he could do is run a clinic for Stampeder receivers, they are a class of students who are in desperate need of schooling in the fine art of catching a football.
Try as hard as they did with some big plays on defence, the Stamps couldn’t find a way to make their offensive brothers get their act together. A telling moment in the game was in the third quarter, when the Stamps defence had once again turned aside an Eskie attack, sending the Offence out to get some points, only to have to head back out on the field after one play after an untimely turnover. The reaction of the Stamps defensive co-ordinator, Denny Crehan said it all, as he all but threw away his clipboard in disgust.
In short, the Stamps problems are all on the offence. This is a team that seems to be in terrible trouble at the moment, unsure of how to approach the game and incapable of sustaining drives or making the big plays. Dropped passes, no protection for the Quarterback, small gains on the run, and poor execution. It's as if all of the little things have been forgotten, leading to a confused attack that far too often leads to two downs and punt. It’s hard to reach the end zone if you can’t make ten yards.
This Labour Day game once again was played in front of a sold out McMahon stadium crowd, who were hoping for a barn burner and ended up at a barn painter! At least the faithful could hold out some hope until the third quarter. The Stamps should only have been trailing by 12 points going into the half, but a mis-timed pass from Tommy Jones was picked off by Malcolm Frank and returned 56 yards for a spirit crushing touchdown. It also spelled the end of Jones' time behind the centre in this game, as Marcus Crandell took the ball for the third quarter,
But for all their faults the Stamps didn’t give up at the half, they took advantage of another big play from their defence and punched in a touchdown early in the third quarter pulling to within twelve points of the Esks to start the third quarter, making that second quarter interception appear even more costly. However, the rally sputtered out shortly after that, the Esks picked up two more field goals, putting the game to rest at 25-7, never really in any danger of losing, they then went on to control the play and frustrate the Stamps and their fans even further.
Jason Maas played most of the game but gave way to Bart Hendricks in the third quarter after receiving a burner on his hand. With the game well under control there was no urgency to having the key component of the Esks attack remain in the game. As for the record watch, Mike Pringle did not score any touchdowns in this one and rushed for only 76 yards, thus George Reeds contributions to CFL lore will stand for at least one more week.
The Eskies take the two points and keep the pace of the division leading BC Lions, who take on Ottawa on Saturday afternoon. The Stamps and Esks, renew acquaintances on Friday night, this time in Edmonton. The Stamps retired Allen Pitt’s fabled number 18 at half time, perhaps they can see if he wants to tag along for the ride to Edmonton. If he’s not inclined to strap on the pads anymore, the least he could do is run a clinic for Stampeder receivers, they are a class of students who are in desperate need of schooling in the fine art of catching a football.
CFL alumni 3 for 3 in NFL roster cuts
With NFL training camps winding down, NFL franchises are starting to pare down their rosters as they prepare for next weeks start to the NFL season.
This year there were three high profile ex-CFLers out there trying to make the cut in the big American league, and this year the alumni were shut out. Interestingly enough all three high profile former CFLers tried out for the same team the New York Jets, all with the same eventual result.
Kenton Keith was the first to feel the blade of Herman Edwards as he was released by the Jets earlier and subsequently rejoined the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Matt Dominguez is another ex CFLer who found himself cleaning out his Jets locker this weekend; the former Rider is reportedly exploring his options, as there is a chance he may be recalled to the Jets roster.
But by far the most interesting NFL cut this year for CFL fans was made Sunday by the Jets, who released Ricky Ray from their roster. Ray became expendable when Quincy Carter was picked up from Dallas to serve as back up to Chad Pennington, leaving Ray as the odd man out.
He is still considered to be Eskimo property and if he is to return to the CFL he would have to return to Edmonton and fill out the terms of his last contract. However, with Jason Maas presently leading the Eskimos with some amazing stats it would be hard to believe that the Esks would be inclined to make a change heading into the stretch before the playoffs.
It makes for one of those scenarios where the rich only get richer, as the Esks can collect QB’s and then make a trade to shore up any weak spots before the playoffs. The only question is who would they send off and how fast that could come back to haunt them. But then that’s why President Hugh Campbell makes the big money.
This year there were three high profile ex-CFLers out there trying to make the cut in the big American league, and this year the alumni were shut out. Interestingly enough all three high profile former CFLers tried out for the same team the New York Jets, all with the same eventual result.
Kenton Keith was the first to feel the blade of Herman Edwards as he was released by the Jets earlier and subsequently rejoined the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Matt Dominguez is another ex CFLer who found himself cleaning out his Jets locker this weekend; the former Rider is reportedly exploring his options, as there is a chance he may be recalled to the Jets roster.
But by far the most interesting NFL cut this year for CFL fans was made Sunday by the Jets, who released Ricky Ray from their roster. Ray became expendable when Quincy Carter was picked up from Dallas to serve as back up to Chad Pennington, leaving Ray as the odd man out.
He is still considered to be Eskimo property and if he is to return to the CFL he would have to return to Edmonton and fill out the terms of his last contract. However, with Jason Maas presently leading the Eskimos with some amazing stats it would be hard to believe that the Esks would be inclined to make a change heading into the stretch before the playoffs.
It makes for one of those scenarios where the rich only get richer, as the Esks can collect QB’s and then make a trade to shore up any weak spots before the playoffs. The only question is who would they send off and how fast that could come back to haunt them. But then that’s why President Hugh Campbell makes the big money.
Sunday, September 05, 2004
Give it Away, Give it Away, Give it Away, NOW!
If the folks working the PA system at Taylor field need some new music, we respectfully submit the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, with their Big 90’s hit, Give it Away. You could have sworn you could hear it playing underneath the play of Henry Burris and the Saskatchewan Roughriders, as they turned the ball over at the most inopportune times. The miscues of the Riders allowed the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to take charge of the Labour Day Classic, leave a sold out Taylor Field with two points and climb the standings to a tie with the Riders for the third and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
To be fair to the Riders, the entire loss can’t be pinned on them. The Bombers defence had one of their better games of late as they shut down the Rider attack at key times and made the big plays when needed. And former Rider QB Kevin Glenn served up a nice helping of “OH YEAH”, to the Taylor Field faithful as he tossed for 163 yards completing 14 of 27 passes, two of them for touchdowns on the way to a 17-4 victory in the much anticipated Labour Day weekend match up. Glenn’s touchdown passes went to Kamau Peterson and Milt Stegall. Hillbilly baiting kicker Troy Westwood converted both TD’s and added a field goal on the day and managed to stay out of trouble with Taylor Field fans.
Burris’ numbers were a bit better on the stat sheet with total yards of196 yards and 20 for 27 on pass attempts, but turnovers made the difference and in the end, the only important stat is who gets the W, and this time W is for Winnipeg. With the win, the Bombers now hold an edge over the Riders should the two teams be tied for a playoff spot at the end of the season, making the on field mistakes possibly that much more costly in the long run.
Rider head coach Danny Barrett, did not point his finger directly at Burris following the game, instead suggesting it was a team problem that needed to be taken care of. But he did remind the young Saskatchewan QB that the Riders have put a lot of faith in him and expect him to step up and deliver when needed.
For Glenn the return to Taylor field could not have ended any better. Sent to Winnipeg at the start of the season when the Quarterback changing area in Regina got a little too crowded, he’s now getting a chance to shine in Winnipeg which has struggled all year. With Khari Jones injured the former Rider will be getting even more opportunity to perform. He can continue his mastery over his former team mates next Sunday, when the Riders head across the prairie to take on the Bombers in Winnipeg in a rematch.
Hey, Mr. DJ, play a tune for me! How the Riders decide to play will set the play list for Sunday, if they don’t get their act together quickly, Tom Petty’s Running down a Dream is going to make a wonderful theme for the season.
To be fair to the Riders, the entire loss can’t be pinned on them. The Bombers defence had one of their better games of late as they shut down the Rider attack at key times and made the big plays when needed. And former Rider QB Kevin Glenn served up a nice helping of “OH YEAH”, to the Taylor Field faithful as he tossed for 163 yards completing 14 of 27 passes, two of them for touchdowns on the way to a 17-4 victory in the much anticipated Labour Day weekend match up. Glenn’s touchdown passes went to Kamau Peterson and Milt Stegall. Hillbilly baiting kicker Troy Westwood converted both TD’s and added a field goal on the day and managed to stay out of trouble with Taylor Field fans.
Burris’ numbers were a bit better on the stat sheet with total yards of196 yards and 20 for 27 on pass attempts, but turnovers made the difference and in the end, the only important stat is who gets the W, and this time W is for Winnipeg. With the win, the Bombers now hold an edge over the Riders should the two teams be tied for a playoff spot at the end of the season, making the on field mistakes possibly that much more costly in the long run.
Rider head coach Danny Barrett, did not point his finger directly at Burris following the game, instead suggesting it was a team problem that needed to be taken care of. But he did remind the young Saskatchewan QB that the Riders have put a lot of faith in him and expect him to step up and deliver when needed.
For Glenn the return to Taylor field could not have ended any better. Sent to Winnipeg at the start of the season when the Quarterback changing area in Regina got a little too crowded, he’s now getting a chance to shine in Winnipeg which has struggled all year. With Khari Jones injured the former Rider will be getting even more opportunity to perform. He can continue his mastery over his former team mates next Sunday, when the Riders head across the prairie to take on the Bombers in Winnipeg in a rematch.
Hey, Mr. DJ, play a tune for me! How the Riders decide to play will set the play list for Sunday, if they don’t get their act together quickly, Tom Petty’s Running down a Dream is going to make a wonderful theme for the season.
Saturday, September 04, 2004
Alouettes special plays squad spells end of Renegades effort
For Joe Paopao and the Ottawa Renegades close is just not enough anymore, with the season past the half way point the Rens need wins, and need them fast. Ottawa is desperately trying to keep pace with the Hamilton Tiger Cats and Toronto Argonauts for the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Friday night gave them a huge task; take on the always tough Montreal Alouettes, a team that has won all but one game this year. But for roughly 55 minutes or so they were more than up for the job at hand. As the Renegades played hard nosed football, getting the best out of a beat up offence with Quarterback Kerry Joseph taking his lumps in order to keep the Rens moving down the field.
Ottawa and Montreal traded leads for three quarters, with Ottawa finally surrendering the lead for good in the third quarter. The killer on this night was a blocked punt late in the fourth quarter, returned all the way for an insurance touchdown as the Alouettes put the finishing touches on a 25-16 victory over the Renegades at Frank Clair Stadium. The loss as unfair as it is for the hardworking Rens drops their record to 4 and 7 and keeps them mired in last place in the CFL East.
Montreal had all they could handle on this Friday night, but as long time CFL watchers know, a Don Matthews coached team is never really out of a game, whatever the score, whatever the time left. And this Friday was no exception, Anthony Calvillo kept the Als within striking distance for most of the game, answering Ottawa scoring drives point for point.
The Alouette defence came up big when it was needed most, putting the Renegades into a punting situation with less than eight minutes to go. The Alouettes blocked the Sandro Sciortino kick, Stephane Fortin chased it down the field and scooped it up and was off into the Renegades end zone. Game, set and match, Alouettes take the win and prepare for next weeks contest with Hamilton at Molson Stadium in Montreal.
For Ottawa the loss was a particularly bitter one, having played up to the level and at times surpassing the elite of the East. A hard fought effort going for naught, when it was needed most. Things don’t get any easier for the Renegades; next up on the schedule is a trip out to Vancouver to take on the Western Division leading BC Lions, how come off a bye week and with rumbles that Dave Dickenson is preparing to return to the Lion line up. Whether it’s on the field or on the schedule the Renegades can’t seem to catch a break this year.
Ottawa and Montreal traded leads for three quarters, with Ottawa finally surrendering the lead for good in the third quarter. The killer on this night was a blocked punt late in the fourth quarter, returned all the way for an insurance touchdown as the Alouettes put the finishing touches on a 25-16 victory over the Renegades at Frank Clair Stadium. The loss as unfair as it is for the hardworking Rens drops their record to 4 and 7 and keeps them mired in last place in the CFL East.
Montreal had all they could handle on this Friday night, but as long time CFL watchers know, a Don Matthews coached team is never really out of a game, whatever the score, whatever the time left. And this Friday was no exception, Anthony Calvillo kept the Als within striking distance for most of the game, answering Ottawa scoring drives point for point.
The Alouette defence came up big when it was needed most, putting the Renegades into a punting situation with less than eight minutes to go. The Alouettes blocked the Sandro Sciortino kick, Stephane Fortin chased it down the field and scooped it up and was off into the Renegades end zone. Game, set and match, Alouettes take the win and prepare for next weeks contest with Hamilton at Molson Stadium in Montreal.
For Ottawa the loss was a particularly bitter one, having played up to the level and at times surpassing the elite of the East. A hard fought effort going for naught, when it was needed most. Things don’t get any easier for the Renegades; next up on the schedule is a trip out to Vancouver to take on the Western Division leading BC Lions, how come off a bye week and with rumbles that Dave Dickenson is preparing to return to the Lion line up. Whether it’s on the field or on the schedule the Renegades can’t seem to catch a break this year.
Friday, September 03, 2004
Hitting the Books, Hitting the Field
The Canadian college football season got underway on Thursday night, as the new football hotbed of Quebec hosted the opening game of the CIS season. The Universite de Montreal Carabins shutout the McGill Redmen 26-0, as the two teams got things under way for the 2004 season. Almost 4800 fans took in the kick-off to action at the University de Montreal campus.
Football in Quebec has taken on a renaissance of late with the Alouettes selling out Molson stadium professionally each game. In Quebec City, the Rouge et Or of Laval routinely bring in 12,000 a game and the Quebec conference of CIS football has some of the most intense rivalries of any in the country.
For the CIS the path that starts this month will end in Hamilton in November with the championship game, the Desjardins Vanier Cup at Ivor Wynn Stadium, the first time it has been moved out of Toronto since the creation of the Vanier Cup in 1965. 27 teams are chasing the dream of a national championship, with the St. Mary’s Huskies rated as the number one team going into the 2004 campaign.
Last years champion Laval Rouge et Or may have something to say about those ratings by the time the final kick off takes place November 27th. They are presently rated as the number three team in the country trailing the Huskies and McMaster in the top three.
Opening week play continues through the Labour Day weekend in all conferences except the Atlantic, they don’t get the season underway until week two. College football in Canada has come a long way since the early days and now provides some pretty entertaining football, many of the folks on the field this year in the CIS will be seen in the CFL in the years to come. If you live near a CIS school, college ball can make for an enjoyable and cheap night out for the family. Check out a team near you.
Football in Quebec has taken on a renaissance of late with the Alouettes selling out Molson stadium professionally each game. In Quebec City, the Rouge et Or of Laval routinely bring in 12,000 a game and the Quebec conference of CIS football has some of the most intense rivalries of any in the country.
For the CIS the path that starts this month will end in Hamilton in November with the championship game, the Desjardins Vanier Cup at Ivor Wynn Stadium, the first time it has been moved out of Toronto since the creation of the Vanier Cup in 1965. 27 teams are chasing the dream of a national championship, with the St. Mary’s Huskies rated as the number one team going into the 2004 campaign.
Last years champion Laval Rouge et Or may have something to say about those ratings by the time the final kick off takes place November 27th. They are presently rated as the number three team in the country trailing the Huskies and McMaster in the top three.
Opening week play continues through the Labour Day weekend in all conferences except the Atlantic, they don’t get the season underway until week two. College football in Canada has come a long way since the early days and now provides some pretty entertaining football, many of the folks on the field this year in the CIS will be seen in the CFL in the years to come. If you live near a CIS school, college ball can make for an enjoyable and cheap night out for the family. Check out a team near you.
Sunday, August 29, 2004
Eskimos with the touchdown (repeat 7 times!)
At the start things appeared to be going the Ottawa Renegades way, the Renegades taking the ball and marching down the field to open the scoring with a Touchdown, followed up by a single point when the Eskies bobbled the ensuing kick off. For a minute, it looked like the Rens were going to run rough shod over the Eskimos, but it was really only for a minute.
What followed in the rest of the game can best be described as a dissection. Edmonton was in complete control, as they sent the Rens back home shaking their heads after a 57-16 loss at Commonwealth Stadium.
The Eskimo offence was firing on all cylinders, Mike Pringle was seemingly on course to catch George Reeds touchdown record in one game, he needed six at kickoff time and by the sound of the final gun he, was two away from George. With his 114 yard day he now is only 191 yards away from Reeds other record of 16,116 yards as all time CFL rusher.
Jason Maas, still looking a little unsteady from his early season injuries, none the less had yet another spectacular performance, completing 28 of 32 passes an 80% completion ratio, for a total of 350 yards. Maas played a little pitch and catch at leisure with Jason Tucker, Derell Mitchell and Terry Vaughn, so secure is Maas, that he’s outsourcing his passing. Ed Hervey actually ended up on the stats sheet as the passer of one of Mitchell’s TD’s, putting those old college skills of his to work.
The Eskimo defence wasn’t on the field that much, and when they were the Renegades has some success but not enough to make a difference. Kerry Joseph threw 17 completions on 26 attempts for 347 yards, but tellingly gave up four interceptions in the game and was sacked three times by the charging Eskimo defence. Ottawa lost 9 points on botched field goal attempts, three times Sandro Sciortino sent the ball wide right. If the three attempts had gone through the Rens would still have been within striking distance!
In fact at the half the outcome was still very much in doubt, despite controlling the play on the field, the Esks were not that far ahead on the board at 24-16, those costly missed field goals certainly the tale of the first half.. But as the second half got rolling that would change as Maas led them down the field time and time again able to score at will. By the time the carnage was finished the Eskimos had 31 unanswered points on the board and another two points in the win column.
The win pushes the Esks into second place behind the BC Lions, while Ottawa stays mired in the basement trailing the Tiger Cats for the final playoff spot. Things do not get any easier for the Renegades, league leading Montreal is next up on the schedule Friday night at Frank Clair stadium. They need to turn things around quickly, having lost five of their last six games and watching a streaking Ti Cat team move on ahead of them.
As for the Eskimos, they travel down highway 2 to take on their Alberta rivals the Stamps on Labour Day Monday, judging by the performance of Calgary on Friday against the Ti Cats that could be a very long afternoon for the team in Red and White.
One thing is certain the CFL should send George Reed an airline ticket for
Calgary and have him standing by, Mike Pringle is closing in on those records fast, and it’s not out of the question to expect him to pass George, on both counts next week
What followed in the rest of the game can best be described as a dissection. Edmonton was in complete control, as they sent the Rens back home shaking their heads after a 57-16 loss at Commonwealth Stadium.
The Eskimo offence was firing on all cylinders, Mike Pringle was seemingly on course to catch George Reeds touchdown record in one game, he needed six at kickoff time and by the sound of the final gun he, was two away from George. With his 114 yard day he now is only 191 yards away from Reeds other record of 16,116 yards as all time CFL rusher.
Jason Maas, still looking a little unsteady from his early season injuries, none the less had yet another spectacular performance, completing 28 of 32 passes an 80% completion ratio, for a total of 350 yards. Maas played a little pitch and catch at leisure with Jason Tucker, Derell Mitchell and Terry Vaughn, so secure is Maas, that he’s outsourcing his passing. Ed Hervey actually ended up on the stats sheet as the passer of one of Mitchell’s TD’s, putting those old college skills of his to work.
The Eskimo defence wasn’t on the field that much, and when they were the Renegades has some success but not enough to make a difference. Kerry Joseph threw 17 completions on 26 attempts for 347 yards, but tellingly gave up four interceptions in the game and was sacked three times by the charging Eskimo defence. Ottawa lost 9 points on botched field goal attempts, three times Sandro Sciortino sent the ball wide right. If the three attempts had gone through the Rens would still have been within striking distance!
In fact at the half the outcome was still very much in doubt, despite controlling the play on the field, the Esks were not that far ahead on the board at 24-16, those costly missed field goals certainly the tale of the first half.. But as the second half got rolling that would change as Maas led them down the field time and time again able to score at will. By the time the carnage was finished the Eskimos had 31 unanswered points on the board and another two points in the win column.
The win pushes the Esks into second place behind the BC Lions, while Ottawa stays mired in the basement trailing the Tiger Cats for the final playoff spot. Things do not get any easier for the Renegades, league leading Montreal is next up on the schedule Friday night at Frank Clair stadium. They need to turn things around quickly, having lost five of their last six games and watching a streaking Ti Cat team move on ahead of them.
As for the Eskimos, they travel down highway 2 to take on their Alberta rivals the Stamps on Labour Day Monday, judging by the performance of Calgary on Friday against the Ti Cats that could be a very long afternoon for the team in Red and White.
One thing is certain the CFL should send George Reed an airline ticket for
Calgary and have him standing by, Mike Pringle is closing in on those records fast, and it’s not out of the question to expect him to pass George, on both counts next week
Leos flood the good ship Argonaut
Casey Printers continued to post some impressive numbers as the BC Lions took control of the Argonauts and refused to let them into the game. Printers threw for three touchdowns and ran one in himself, as he led the Lions to a 31-10 drubbing of the Argos in front of over 29,000 fans at BC Place.
When Printers wasn’t throwing TD passes to Geroy Simon and Frank Cutolo he was handing it off to Antonio Warren, Warren making his return to Lion uniform galloped for over 100 yards, helping to keep the Argo defence off balance through the majority of the game.
Toronto started Michael Bishop for the second game in a row and his second start in his career, but playing against a far more aggressive Lions defence Bishop didn’t have the time to set up, nor was he able to read the Leos defence. The net result was an offence that could not get started and had few bright moments, the highlight reel moment for the double blue an amazing 46 yard touchdown toss to J Soward, accounting for 7 of Toronto’s ten points.
The loss was even more important with news of the Tiger Cat victory earlier in the night, the Argos now only lead the surging Cats by 2 points, with the two teams set to meet in Hamilton on Labour Day. The match up should make this Labour Day Classic a definite Big Time game, most likely giving Mr. Young another huge crowd on hand to view.
For the Lions the win solidifies their place at the top of the West, from a shaky start to the regular season Wally Buono has quickly corrected the problems and finds himself with a well developed team both on offence and defence. With Casey Printers continuing to shine, it raises an interesting dilemma for the Lions coach, what to do when Dave Dickenson returns, expected within the next two to three weeks. It’s a problem that the likes of Winnipeg, Ottawa and Calgary can only wish they had.
For their hard work the Lions receive the bye this week, with the eight other teams engaged in games with their “traditional” rivals, the Lions will watch some TV and rest up. Life is suddenly quite good on the West coast, the team is winning and the fans are coming back to the ball park. Labour Day is going to be a very good weekend for the Lions to take stock, and David Braley is gong to like the report he gets..
When Printers wasn’t throwing TD passes to Geroy Simon and Frank Cutolo he was handing it off to Antonio Warren, Warren making his return to Lion uniform galloped for over 100 yards, helping to keep the Argo defence off balance through the majority of the game.
Toronto started Michael Bishop for the second game in a row and his second start in his career, but playing against a far more aggressive Lions defence Bishop didn’t have the time to set up, nor was he able to read the Leos defence. The net result was an offence that could not get started and had few bright moments, the highlight reel moment for the double blue an amazing 46 yard touchdown toss to J Soward, accounting for 7 of Toronto’s ten points.
The loss was even more important with news of the Tiger Cat victory earlier in the night, the Argos now only lead the surging Cats by 2 points, with the two teams set to meet in Hamilton on Labour Day. The match up should make this Labour Day Classic a definite Big Time game, most likely giving Mr. Young another huge crowd on hand to view.
For the Lions the win solidifies their place at the top of the West, from a shaky start to the regular season Wally Buono has quickly corrected the problems and finds himself with a well developed team both on offence and defence. With Casey Printers continuing to shine, it raises an interesting dilemma for the Lions coach, what to do when Dave Dickenson returns, expected within the next two to three weeks. It’s a problem that the likes of Winnipeg, Ottawa and Calgary can only wish they had.
For their hard work the Lions receive the bye this week, with the eight other teams engaged in games with their “traditional” rivals, the Lions will watch some TV and rest up. Life is suddenly quite good on the West coast, the team is winning and the fans are coming back to the ball park. Labour Day is going to be a very good weekend for the Lions to take stock, and David Braley is gong to like the report he gets..
Saturday, August 28, 2004
A roaring good time had by almost all
When Bob Young bought the Tiger-Cats last year, taking them from the clearance shelves of the CFL basement, he probably had a little dream like Friday night. His team would come out of the dressing room and find a stadium filled with rabid Ti-Cat fans, they would respond with a convincing win and everyone would go home happy. The only thing to make it even better would be having the Argos on the receiving end, but hey, there’s got to be something left for next week.
Friday night saw the Tiger Cats entertain the first sold out Ivor Wynne crowd in six years with total domination of the Calgary Stampeders. 28,850 cheered on the Black and gold and they sent Matt Dunigans team back to cowtown with a 26-7 shellacking.
Danny McManus maintained the ball control game, as the Cats controlled play for 34 minutes compared to the Stamps who only had their hands on the ball for 26, eight minutes that told the tale on this night.
While the score may not show it, Calgary’s defence held the fort as best they could, but could not control Danny Mac’s throwing arm or Troy Davis’ legs; Davis accumulated over 100 yards on the night with his 23 carries. McManus completed a touch down pass to D. J. Flick; while Jason Lamar ran back an interception for a TD and Julian Radelin ran the ball in from the two for the final major. The Ti Cat explosion most of which happened in the first half, raised their record to 5-5 and boosted them into third place in the East and holding the final playoff spot for the moment, but more importantly putting them back into the hunt for second and targeting arch rival Toronto. It shouldn’t be too surprising to find the Ti Cats with their second consecutive sell out next Monday.
As for the Stamps all of Calgary’s points came off of the foot of Charles Hebert. Calgary used both Tommy Jones and third stringer Michael Souza during the course of the game, neither of which had a particularly stellar evening. Patience is the word being proclaimed by head coach Matt Dunigan, hoping that the duo will be given time to better understand the game. Marcus Crandell was not in the line up on Friday, suffering from an injury, he may or may not be in the line up for the Labour Day Classic with the Eskimos, rumours continue to persist that he’s on the trading block and may have a change of address in the near future. Dunigan has made no decision yet as to who will get the start for the much anticipated battle of Alberta.
The loss was Calgary’s third in a row and drops the Stamps to 2-8 so far on the year, leaving Matt Dunigan with nothing much more to do than issue apologies at the moment. Lose to the Eskies next week and he may end up having to grovel.
Friday night saw the Tiger Cats entertain the first sold out Ivor Wynne crowd in six years with total domination of the Calgary Stampeders. 28,850 cheered on the Black and gold and they sent Matt Dunigans team back to cowtown with a 26-7 shellacking.
Danny McManus maintained the ball control game, as the Cats controlled play for 34 minutes compared to the Stamps who only had their hands on the ball for 26, eight minutes that told the tale on this night.
While the score may not show it, Calgary’s defence held the fort as best they could, but could not control Danny Mac’s throwing arm or Troy Davis’ legs; Davis accumulated over 100 yards on the night with his 23 carries. McManus completed a touch down pass to D. J. Flick; while Jason Lamar ran back an interception for a TD and Julian Radelin ran the ball in from the two for the final major. The Ti Cat explosion most of which happened in the first half, raised their record to 5-5 and boosted them into third place in the East and holding the final playoff spot for the moment, but more importantly putting them back into the hunt for second and targeting arch rival Toronto. It shouldn’t be too surprising to find the Ti Cats with their second consecutive sell out next Monday.
As for the Stamps all of Calgary’s points came off of the foot of Charles Hebert. Calgary used both Tommy Jones and third stringer Michael Souza during the course of the game, neither of which had a particularly stellar evening. Patience is the word being proclaimed by head coach Matt Dunigan, hoping that the duo will be given time to better understand the game. Marcus Crandell was not in the line up on Friday, suffering from an injury, he may or may not be in the line up for the Labour Day Classic with the Eskimos, rumours continue to persist that he’s on the trading block and may have a change of address in the near future. Dunigan has made no decision yet as to who will get the start for the much anticipated battle of Alberta.
The loss was Calgary’s third in a row and drops the Stamps to 2-8 so far on the year, leaving Matt Dunigan with nothing much more to do than issue apologies at the moment. Lose to the Eskies next week and he may end up having to grovel.
Friday, August 27, 2004
Big Blue left sitting in the rain
The Montreal Alouettes improved their record to 9 and 1 with a soggy 29-13 win over the Blue Bombers in Winnipeg on Thursday night. The Als, who couldn’t break free of the Bombers until the fourth quarter, watched the diminutive Ezra Landry deliver the final blow with a 120 yard wide field goal return, finishing off the Bomber hopes for yet another night.
Landry’s amazing return, with only six minutes left in the game, came off yet another wide Troy Westwood field goal. Taking advantage of less than intense special team coverage, Landry bobbled the ball in the end zone before blasting down the sidelines to the Bomber endzone. His return set a new Alouette record for returning wide field goals, ironically held by current Blue Bomber Keith Stokes.
The wide field goal continued to highlight the difficulties that the Winnipeg kicking game have suffered the last few years. Westwood who had engaged in a rather public spat with Alouette Ed Phillion, didn’t let his foot do the talking on a windswept, rain filled game at CanadaInn stadium. His missed field goal which resulted in that ten point swing was the definitive play in the game that featured fumbles, interceptions, incompletions and penalties making for a sloppy game in less than ideal conditions.
Unfortunately for the Bombers, who now fall to 3 and 7 on the season, a decent performance by the defence, was tossed to the sideline with the untimely return. Keith Stokes electrified the wet gathering of 22,826 with a kick return of his own for a touchdown, taking a punt back 83 yards for a touchdown and setting a Bomber record for most punt returns in a season at 3. And while he was putting points on the board, his Bomber team mates were having some problems. The Bombers managed only 1 yard of total offence in the first half, compared to 192 for Montreal. It’s a testimony to the bad weather and some strong defence that the Als couldn’t put more points on the board.
Khari Jones, who threw 8 for 16 with 56 yards, found himself on the bench in the second half as the Bombers turned things over to Kevin Glenn. Throwing completions for 6 of 11 attempts and gaining 84 yards. Neither Bomber Quarterback threw an interception.
Montreal QB Anthony Calvillo, who admitted the conditions were not very good, threw the ball 38 times, completing 17 of his passes for 277 yards, giving up one interception. Jermaine Copeland scored a TD as did Bruno Heppell as the Alouettes success in the Winnipeg end of the field. Penalties also helped to bring down the Blue; Winnipeg took 15 penalties, surrendering 113 yards to the Alouettes as the game wound down.
The Alouettes take their juggernaut off to Ottawa for a Friday Night game on the Labour Day weekend , while the Bombers try to regroup and move on to the always tough Labour Day Classic on September 5th, against the Riders in Regina.
One thing is certain having had his chatter thrown back in his face by the Als; Troy Westwood won’t be recounting his famous comments about Saskatchewan fans. He needs to concentrate on getting his foot to work with the ball and not end up in his mouth.
Landry’s amazing return, with only six minutes left in the game, came off yet another wide Troy Westwood field goal. Taking advantage of less than intense special team coverage, Landry bobbled the ball in the end zone before blasting down the sidelines to the Bomber endzone. His return set a new Alouette record for returning wide field goals, ironically held by current Blue Bomber Keith Stokes.
The wide field goal continued to highlight the difficulties that the Winnipeg kicking game have suffered the last few years. Westwood who had engaged in a rather public spat with Alouette Ed Phillion, didn’t let his foot do the talking on a windswept, rain filled game at CanadaInn stadium. His missed field goal which resulted in that ten point swing was the definitive play in the game that featured fumbles, interceptions, incompletions and penalties making for a sloppy game in less than ideal conditions.
Unfortunately for the Bombers, who now fall to 3 and 7 on the season, a decent performance by the defence, was tossed to the sideline with the untimely return. Keith Stokes electrified the wet gathering of 22,826 with a kick return of his own for a touchdown, taking a punt back 83 yards for a touchdown and setting a Bomber record for most punt returns in a season at 3. And while he was putting points on the board, his Bomber team mates were having some problems. The Bombers managed only 1 yard of total offence in the first half, compared to 192 for Montreal. It’s a testimony to the bad weather and some strong defence that the Als couldn’t put more points on the board.
Khari Jones, who threw 8 for 16 with 56 yards, found himself on the bench in the second half as the Bombers turned things over to Kevin Glenn. Throwing completions for 6 of 11 attempts and gaining 84 yards. Neither Bomber Quarterback threw an interception.
Montreal QB Anthony Calvillo, who admitted the conditions were not very good, threw the ball 38 times, completing 17 of his passes for 277 yards, giving up one interception. Jermaine Copeland scored a TD as did Bruno Heppell as the Alouettes success in the Winnipeg end of the field. Penalties also helped to bring down the Blue; Winnipeg took 15 penalties, surrendering 113 yards to the Alouettes as the game wound down.
The Alouettes take their juggernaut off to Ottawa for a Friday Night game on the Labour Day weekend , while the Bombers try to regroup and move on to the always tough Labour Day Classic on September 5th, against the Riders in Regina.
One thing is certain having had his chatter thrown back in his face by the Als; Troy Westwood won’t be recounting his famous comments about Saskatchewan fans. He needs to concentrate on getting his foot to work with the ball and not end up in his mouth.
Thursday, August 26, 2004
Quotables of August
What they said and who said it, the final snaps of August.
8-Aug-04 "Our football club plays hard, I don't think that our record indicates the type of football club we have"
9-Aug-04 "There will probably be something today"
10-Aug-04 "They tried but there wasn't that much they could do"
11-Aug-04 "Sitting back and hoping that things get better is not acceptable. Hope is not a method"
12-Aug-04 "If you want to call us financially prudent, okay, But don't say we're broke, that’s BS."
13-Aug-04 "It was as if a dark cloud had been lifted off the dressing room"
14-Aug-04 "You don't know what your going to get from him"
15-Aug-04 "It's bad, but not as bad as we thought!"
16-Aug-04 "I don't get it, I just don't get it"
17-Aug-04 "I feel better today than I did the day of the game"
18-Aug-04 "Challenges are challenges"
19-Aug-04 "Marcus is real, he's a grown man and he's not getting his feelings get inolved"
20-Aug-04 "I don't have to take sides, I just watched with amusement"
21-Aug-04 "Based on what's on the end of the tape, it's obvious which organization these people are from"
22-Aug-04 "We needed a good outing by everybody, and that's what we got"
23-Aug-04 "It's unacceptable at this level. You just have to be more aware."
24-Aug-04 "That’s not my call"
25-Aug-04 "Internally, we'll have a chat about it before we make any public statement"
26-Aug-04 "It seems like I kind of walked that man's shoes in a way"
27-Aug-04 "that's fine, but we speak with our pads"
28-Aug-04 "we stink"
29-Aug-04 "Everybody's looking for a Ricky Ray"
30-Aug-04 "I have a plan in my mind on how I want this thing to unfold today"
31-Aug-04 "I'm not going to lie to you, it hurts"
8-Aug-04 "Our football club plays hard, I don't think that our record indicates the type of football club we have"
9-Aug-04 "There will probably be something today"
10-Aug-04 "They tried but there wasn't that much they could do"
11-Aug-04 "Sitting back and hoping that things get better is not acceptable. Hope is not a method"
12-Aug-04 "If you want to call us financially prudent, okay, But don't say we're broke, that’s BS."
13-Aug-04 "It was as if a dark cloud had been lifted off the dressing room"
14-Aug-04 "You don't know what your going to get from him"
15-Aug-04 "It's bad, but not as bad as we thought!"
16-Aug-04 "I don't get it, I just don't get it"
17-Aug-04 "I feel better today than I did the day of the game"
18-Aug-04 "Challenges are challenges"
19-Aug-04 "Marcus is real, he's a grown man and he's not getting his feelings get inolved"
20-Aug-04 "I don't have to take sides, I just watched with amusement"
21-Aug-04 "Based on what's on the end of the tape, it's obvious which organization these people are from"
22-Aug-04 "We needed a good outing by everybody, and that's what we got"
23-Aug-04 "It's unacceptable at this level. You just have to be more aware."
24-Aug-04 "That’s not my call"
25-Aug-04 "Internally, we'll have a chat about it before we make any public statement"
26-Aug-04 "It seems like I kind of walked that man's shoes in a way"
27-Aug-04 "that's fine, but we speak with our pads"
28-Aug-04 "we stink"
29-Aug-04 "Everybody's looking for a Ricky Ray"
30-Aug-04 "I have a plan in my mind on how I want this thing to unfold today"
31-Aug-04 "I'm not going to lie to you, it hurts"
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Recapturing the moments of August
We continue with the archival tidbits of our little effort here.
This entry consists of the August contributions to my Opening kick off feature. I'll add the remaining weeks worth to the entry as they come along.
8-Aug-04 In praise of Mr. Jones
8-Aug-04 The road to hell passes through BC Place
8-Aug-04 180 degrees in 365 days
9-Aug-04 Big Blue Bid Ritchie farewell
9-Aug-04 Avery makes a statement
9-Aug-04 The owner's not in the store
10-Aug-04 Daley takes the reins
10-Aug-04 Walking tall in cowtown
10-Aug-04 Maas to take Pass in the Peg
11-Aug-04 Printing up some honours on the resume
11-Aug-04 Everything's coming up ARGOS
11-Aug-04 A Pivotal game for the Eskies
12-Aug-04 In Argoland there is now rest for the weary
12-Aug-04 Eskies take a gander on a long shot
12-Aug-04 Daley tackles double duty to turn around Bombers
13-Aug-04 Argos loss deeper than the scoreboard
13-Aug-04 A brand new Daley for Winnipeg
13-Aug-04 Cat fight ahead in Steeltown
14-Aug-04 Ti-Cats clawless against Lions
14-Aug-04 Bad day in Bomberland
14-Aug-04 ACL spells MIA
15-Aug-04 Back in the Playoff hunt, simply by taking a week off
15-Aug-04 Big Blue ready to work for Daley
15-Aug-04 The Silence of the Don
16-Aug-04 Cockiness or crazy? A voice booms across the prairies!
16-Aug-04 Not done yet!
16-Aug-04 An ill wind felt all the way to Winnipeg
17-Aug-04 Pinball's confidence man
17-Aug-04 Buono's got calls holding!
17-Aug-04 Rens punter getting comfortable
18-Aug-04 Bishop receives the praises and makes the passes
18-Aug-04 Geroy's the man of the week
18-Aug-04 Bad blood on the flatlands
19-Aug-04 This Bishop is a Believer
19-Aug-04 Stampeders down in wins, up in injuries
19-Aug-04 A Renegade sparkplug
20-Aug-04 The bombers are a mess
20-Aug-04 Midway through the season it's already must win time for the Eskies
20-Aug-04 Ti-cats end losing skid with win over Rens
21-Aug-04 The owner won't take anymore
21-Aug-04 Some new hands Rison in Toronto?
21-Aug-04 Report Card day in the Peg
22-Aug-04 Questions on comittment in Ottawa
22-Aug-04 Buono's QB assembly line
22-Aug-04 It's true! Rison will wear double blue.
23-Aug-04 Andre meets the media
23-Aug-04 Rens take steps to fix the O line
23-Aug-04 Toss the ball to Tucker
24-Aug-04 Woodcock ponders the bumps in the road
24-Aug-04 No rush on Rison
24-Aug-04 Back to Training camp
25-Aug-04 Snarling at the Bomber kennel
25-Aug-04 Bishop the Best
25-Aug-04 The Rush is on Rison
26-Aug-04 The Ramblin' Stallion fan
26-Aug-04 Ritchie in for repairs
26-Aug-04 Searching for answers in Ottawa
27-Aug-04 Losing the fans in the Peg!
27-Aug-04 Ricky Ray's biggest fan is Jason Maas
27-Aug-04 Signal Stealing Als have the Bombers spooked
28-Aug-04 Everybody Loves Danny
28-Aug-04 Steeltown sellout!
28-Aug-04 Weather, on field record and attendance all heading in the same direction
29-Aug-04 A Roaring Good time
29-Aug-04 Mills gone for rest of the regular season
29-Aug-04 Clearance time in Winnipeg
30-Aug-04 A one man scoring machine
30-Aug-04 Rison to step up
30-Aug-04 A new low point for Ottawa
31-Aug-04 Shouldering his share
31-Aug-04 Still Searching for answers in Bytown
31-Aug-04 Bishop still the field captain of the good ship Argo
This entry consists of the August contributions to my Opening kick off feature. I'll add the remaining weeks worth to the entry as they come along.
8-Aug-04 In praise of Mr. Jones
8-Aug-04 The road to hell passes through BC Place
8-Aug-04 180 degrees in 365 days
9-Aug-04 Big Blue Bid Ritchie farewell
9-Aug-04 Avery makes a statement
9-Aug-04 The owner's not in the store
10-Aug-04 Daley takes the reins
10-Aug-04 Walking tall in cowtown
10-Aug-04 Maas to take Pass in the Peg
11-Aug-04 Printing up some honours on the resume
11-Aug-04 Everything's coming up ARGOS
11-Aug-04 A Pivotal game for the Eskies
12-Aug-04 In Argoland there is now rest for the weary
12-Aug-04 Eskies take a gander on a long shot
12-Aug-04 Daley tackles double duty to turn around Bombers
13-Aug-04 Argos loss deeper than the scoreboard
13-Aug-04 A brand new Daley for Winnipeg
13-Aug-04 Cat fight ahead in Steeltown
14-Aug-04 Ti-Cats clawless against Lions
14-Aug-04 Bad day in Bomberland
14-Aug-04 ACL spells MIA
15-Aug-04 Back in the Playoff hunt, simply by taking a week off
15-Aug-04 Big Blue ready to work for Daley
15-Aug-04 The Silence of the Don
16-Aug-04 Cockiness or crazy? A voice booms across the prairies!
16-Aug-04 Not done yet!
16-Aug-04 An ill wind felt all the way to Winnipeg
17-Aug-04 Pinball's confidence man
17-Aug-04 Buono's got calls holding!
17-Aug-04 Rens punter getting comfortable
18-Aug-04 Bishop receives the praises and makes the passes
18-Aug-04 Geroy's the man of the week
18-Aug-04 Bad blood on the flatlands
19-Aug-04 This Bishop is a Believer
19-Aug-04 Stampeders down in wins, up in injuries
19-Aug-04 A Renegade sparkplug
20-Aug-04 The bombers are a mess
20-Aug-04 Midway through the season it's already must win time for the Eskies
20-Aug-04 Ti-cats end losing skid with win over Rens
21-Aug-04 The owner won't take anymore
21-Aug-04 Some new hands Rison in Toronto?
21-Aug-04 Report Card day in the Peg
22-Aug-04 Questions on comittment in Ottawa
22-Aug-04 Buono's QB assembly line
22-Aug-04 It's true! Rison will wear double blue.
23-Aug-04 Andre meets the media
23-Aug-04 Rens take steps to fix the O line
23-Aug-04 Toss the ball to Tucker
24-Aug-04 Woodcock ponders the bumps in the road
24-Aug-04 No rush on Rison
24-Aug-04 Back to Training camp
25-Aug-04 Snarling at the Bomber kennel
25-Aug-04 Bishop the Best
25-Aug-04 The Rush is on Rison
26-Aug-04 The Ramblin' Stallion fan
26-Aug-04 Ritchie in for repairs
26-Aug-04 Searching for answers in Ottawa
27-Aug-04 Losing the fans in the Peg!
27-Aug-04 Ricky Ray's biggest fan is Jason Maas
27-Aug-04 Signal Stealing Als have the Bombers spooked
28-Aug-04 Everybody Loves Danny
28-Aug-04 Steeltown sellout!
28-Aug-04 Weather, on field record and attendance all heading in the same direction
29-Aug-04 A Roaring Good time
29-Aug-04 Mills gone for rest of the regular season
29-Aug-04 Clearance time in Winnipeg
30-Aug-04 A one man scoring machine
30-Aug-04 Rison to step up
30-Aug-04 A new low point for Ottawa
31-Aug-04 Shouldering his share
31-Aug-04 Still Searching for answers in Bytown
31-Aug-04 Bishop still the field captain of the good ship Argo
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
July's Quotabales!
We carry on with our housekeeping as we archive all our quotables from our "Final Snaps" from July.
1-Jul-04 "His attitude is infectious"
2-Jul-04 "We don't view ourselves as an expansion team anymore"
3-Jul-04 "I scooped it up and let my legs do the rest"
6-Jul-04 "You can't spot a team 25 points and expect to win"
7-Jul-04 "Never judge a man by his waistline"
8-Jul-04 "We are projecting a recovery time of late August"
9-Jul-04 "You can play this game as long as you want, but until you have won a championship you can never have total satisfaction"
10-Jul-04 "Can a coach's future be determined in fifteen minutes of football"
11-Jul-04 "I should have got my ass kicked"
12-Jul-04 "I'm just reading defences, trying to make the right decisions"
13-Jul-04 "Don't quit because you can play this game"
14-Jul-04 "Nobody knows they're good until the end of the year"
16-Jul-04 "This team still has plenty to prove before it's removed from the endangered species list of CFL contenders"
17-Jul-04 "Other than all the surgery I have a lot of fun memories of Edmonton"
18-Jul-04 "I had a player late for practice today because he'd just finished up open heart surgery"
19-Jul-04 "I guess the one great thing for us is they're playing on a short week too"
20-Jul-04 "The bandwagon seems to be picking up more passengers at every stop"
21-Jul-04 "I never thought in a million years that I would be living in Winnipeg, Manitoba"
22-Jul-04 "He's a victim of his own success"
23-Jul-04 "You'll still see a bad ball or two, you'll still see something go wrong"
24-Jul-04 "For the most part I was really pleased with him, he never gave up"
25-Jul-04 "He's the guy who's supposed to be making the plays"
1-Jul-04 "His attitude is infectious"
2-Jul-04 "We don't view ourselves as an expansion team anymore"
3-Jul-04 "I scooped it up and let my legs do the rest"
6-Jul-04 "You can't spot a team 25 points and expect to win"
7-Jul-04 "Never judge a man by his waistline"
8-Jul-04 "We are projecting a recovery time of late August"
9-Jul-04 "You can play this game as long as you want, but until you have won a championship you can never have total satisfaction"
10-Jul-04 "Can a coach's future be determined in fifteen minutes of football"
11-Jul-04 "I should have got my ass kicked"
12-Jul-04 "I'm just reading defences, trying to make the right decisions"
13-Jul-04 "Don't quit because you can play this game"
14-Jul-04 "Nobody knows they're good until the end of the year"
16-Jul-04 "This team still has plenty to prove before it's removed from the endangered species list of CFL contenders"
17-Jul-04 "Other than all the surgery I have a lot of fun memories of Edmonton"
18-Jul-04 "I had a player late for practice today because he'd just finished up open heart surgery"
19-Jul-04 "I guess the one great thing for us is they're playing on a short week too"
20-Jul-04 "The bandwagon seems to be picking up more passengers at every stop"
21-Jul-04 "I never thought in a million years that I would be living in Winnipeg, Manitoba"
22-Jul-04 "He's a victim of his own success"
23-Jul-04 "You'll still see a bad ball or two, you'll still see something go wrong"
24-Jul-04 "For the most part I was really pleased with him, he never gave up"
25-Jul-04 "He's the guy who's supposed to be making the plays"
Looking Back through July
We continue our trip down memory lane with more of our "Opening kick-offs of July".
1-Jul-04 Mr. Wright needs a Mr. Right
1-Jul-04 Big Blue with Big Box Office
1-Jul-04 Ranek's rushing to the top
2-Jul-04 Some kind of work ethic
2-Jul-04 And they're not comfortable yet
2-Jul-04 Burris to the rescue
3-Jul-04 Lions defensive woes beginning to show
3-Jul-04 Renegades looking to 1972 for incentive
3-Jul-04 Fluties observations on the season so far6-Jul-04 Bobo back in blue6-Jul-04 Rens cram for next exam on Friday
6-Jul-04 If you shrink it will they come?
7-Jul-04 Western struggles signal change in the CFL
7-Jul-04 Jospeh's honoured for another great week
7-Jul-04 Fire the coach! Pressure building in Edmonton
8-Jul-04 The Miracle of Steeltown
8-Jul-04 Pringle picks his words
8-Jul-04 Time to show some pride
9-Jul-04 Anticipating the Big East showdown
9-Jul-04 On the case for Casey
9-Jul-04 Eskies by the numbers
10-Jul-04 Back to reality for the Renegades
10-Jul-04 It's not the field at all, believe me
10-Jul-04 Montreal's Little BIG Play man
11-Jul-04 Winning ugly with the Esks
11-Jul-04 The Heat is off in Mantiboa
11-Jul-04 Dickenson holds out hope
12-Jul-04 The West wants a leader
12-Jul-04 A Disappointed Dunigan
12-Jul-04 Stamps look to corral Als Thursday
13-Jul-04 Als running back receives honours
13-Jul-04 Renegades move on from disappointment
13-Jul-04 It's a snap!
14-Jul-04 Visions of the Gizmo
14-Jul-04 Sharing the load in Montreal
14-Jul-04 CFL on the air everywhere
16-Jul-04 The Als and all the rest
16-Jul-04 Kerry's kids benefit from Joseph's largesse
16-Jul-04 Still Undefeated
17-Jul-04 Ritchie holds the keys
17-Jul-04 Caught in the Stampede
17-Jul-04 Argos hold on to beat Riders
18-Jul-04 Re-runs at the Stampeder film festival
18-Jul-04 Levingston lectured in prime time
18-Jul-04 An October surpise in July
19-Jul-04 Khari is still pivotal
19-Jul-04 Joseph won't be ready for Wednesday
19-Jul-04 A chance for the little guy
20-Jul-04 Big Task ahead for Rens backup
20-Jul-04 To bring the best out of Bashir
20-Jul-04 Ryan's Fancy Kicking
21-Jul-04 Alouette players back in familiar territory
21-Jul-04 Argos to honour Gill the Thrill
21-Jul-04 The second chance club
22-Jul-04 Bombers triple pay
22-Jul-04 Stamps looking for a few good hands
22-Jul-04 Taking their shares to the road
23-Jul-04 Questions on Avery's longevity
23-Jul-04 One big unhappy family in Cowtown
23-Jul-04 Ti Cats join the spy race
24-Jul-04 Paopao preaches patience
24-Jul-04 Stamps await Dangerous Burris
24-Jul-04 Selfish behaviour unwanted with Blue
25-Jul-04 Perfection in Montreal
25-Jul-04 Accountability begins in the dressing room
25-Jul-04 Flag Days
1-Jul-04 Mr. Wright needs a Mr. Right
1-Jul-04 Big Blue with Big Box Office
1-Jul-04 Ranek's rushing to the top
2-Jul-04 Some kind of work ethic
2-Jul-04 And they're not comfortable yet
2-Jul-04 Burris to the rescue
3-Jul-04 Lions defensive woes beginning to show
3-Jul-04 Renegades looking to 1972 for incentive
3-Jul-04 Fluties observations on the season so far6-Jul-04 Bobo back in blue6-Jul-04 Rens cram for next exam on Friday
6-Jul-04 If you shrink it will they come?
7-Jul-04 Western struggles signal change in the CFL
7-Jul-04 Jospeh's honoured for another great week
7-Jul-04 Fire the coach! Pressure building in Edmonton
8-Jul-04 The Miracle of Steeltown
8-Jul-04 Pringle picks his words
8-Jul-04 Time to show some pride
9-Jul-04 Anticipating the Big East showdown
9-Jul-04 On the case for Casey
9-Jul-04 Eskies by the numbers
10-Jul-04 Back to reality for the Renegades
10-Jul-04 It's not the field at all, believe me
10-Jul-04 Montreal's Little BIG Play man
11-Jul-04 Winning ugly with the Esks
11-Jul-04 The Heat is off in Mantiboa
11-Jul-04 Dickenson holds out hope
12-Jul-04 The West wants a leader
12-Jul-04 A Disappointed Dunigan
12-Jul-04 Stamps look to corral Als Thursday
13-Jul-04 Als running back receives honours
13-Jul-04 Renegades move on from disappointment
13-Jul-04 It's a snap!
14-Jul-04 Visions of the Gizmo
14-Jul-04 Sharing the load in Montreal
14-Jul-04 CFL on the air everywhere
16-Jul-04 The Als and all the rest
16-Jul-04 Kerry's kids benefit from Joseph's largesse
16-Jul-04 Still Undefeated
17-Jul-04 Ritchie holds the keys
17-Jul-04 Caught in the Stampede
17-Jul-04 Argos hold on to beat Riders
18-Jul-04 Re-runs at the Stampeder film festival
18-Jul-04 Levingston lectured in prime time
18-Jul-04 An October surpise in July
19-Jul-04 Khari is still pivotal
19-Jul-04 Joseph won't be ready for Wednesday
19-Jul-04 A chance for the little guy
20-Jul-04 Big Task ahead for Rens backup
20-Jul-04 To bring the best out of Bashir
20-Jul-04 Ryan's Fancy Kicking
21-Jul-04 Alouette players back in familiar territory
21-Jul-04 Argos to honour Gill the Thrill
21-Jul-04 The second chance club
22-Jul-04 Bombers triple pay
22-Jul-04 Stamps looking for a few good hands
22-Jul-04 Taking their shares to the road
23-Jul-04 Questions on Avery's longevity
23-Jul-04 One big unhappy family in Cowtown
23-Jul-04 Ti Cats join the spy race
24-Jul-04 Paopao preaches patience
24-Jul-04 Stamps await Dangerous Burris
24-Jul-04 Selfish behaviour unwanted with Blue
25-Jul-04 Perfection in Montreal
25-Jul-04 Accountability begins in the dressing room
25-Jul-04 Flag Days
Monday, August 23, 2004
Quotables!
As I began this blog there has been a nightly feature called the "Final Snap", it was basically the quote of the day from a CFL player, coach or executive. The plan again was to keep a list of them by the month and include it on the blog. So three months later we begin that project and hope to catch up quickly. Unfortunately in both the Final Snaps and the Opening kickoff's some links have gone missing, we regret the inconvenience.
13-Jun-04 "But I wouldn't listen to me."
14-Jun-04 "Protect the chief"
15-Jun-04 "Like it or not, Ontario counts"
16-Jun-04 "But I think for the first time."
17-Jun-04 "The Playoffs are every teams goal"
18-Jun-04 "The League has never enjoyed as much exposure"
19-Jun-04 "Even though I'm a Bombers fan…"
20-Jun-04 "Some days you walk the dog, some days the dog walks you"
21-Jun-04 "One weeks results, do not a season make"
23-Jun-04 "The CFL is, if nothing else, entertaining"
24-Jun-04 "I think they go hand in hand"
25-Jun-04 "Coach Marshall said we'e not here to tune up for next year…"
26-Jun-04 "Whoever coached him, hurt him"
27-Jun-04 "A stench in the trenches"
29-Jun-04 "In fact, some of the guys felt left out"
30-Jun-04 "He's gone far beyond what we expected of him"
13-Jun-04 "But I wouldn't listen to me."
14-Jun-04 "Protect the chief"
15-Jun-04 "Like it or not, Ontario counts"
16-Jun-04 "But I think for the first time."
17-Jun-04 "The Playoffs are every teams goal"
18-Jun-04 "The League has never enjoyed as much exposure"
19-Jun-04 "Even though I'm a Bombers fan…"
20-Jun-04 "Some days you walk the dog, some days the dog walks you"
21-Jun-04 "One weeks results, do not a season make"
23-Jun-04 "The CFL is, if nothing else, entertaining"
24-Jun-04 "I think they go hand in hand"
25-Jun-04 "Coach Marshall said we'e not here to tune up for next year…"
26-Jun-04 "Whoever coached him, hurt him"
27-Jun-04 "A stench in the trenches"
29-Jun-04 "In fact, some of the guys felt left out"
30-Jun-04 "He's gone far beyond what we expected of him"
Looking back thus far!
A bit of site maintenance to be done here. Had planned to make this a monthly feature but somehow got sidetracked. Shall compile the collection of Opening kick off entries on a monthly basis. It's also my plan to put the final snap entries in a similar compilation.
We'll begin with the start of the season and the month of June.
13-Jun-04 Ritchie in the hot seat in the Peg
13-Jun-04 Stamps have many questions
13-Jun-04 Cut down day
14-Jun-04 Leos turn to untested QB for season debut
14-Jun-04 Stameders hope to surprise
14-Jun-04 Ti Cats hope that Marshall has the plan
15-Jun-04 Pringle runs for the record books
15-Jun-04 Stampeders face a long season
15-Jun-04 Avery gets clearance to play
16-Jun-04 Argos have almost the perfect game
16-Jun-04 Dickenson's health is the key
16-Jun-04 Green and Gold and doing what they're told
17-Jun-04 Dunnigan ready to take it all on
17-Jun-04 Another Edmonton era?
17-Jun-04 New Bombers hope to prove their worth
18-Jun-04 Tale of the turf
18-Jun-04 Stamps adjust to Greeneless Riders
18-Jun-04 Tough words in Winnipeg
19-Jun-04 Pressure on the coaches to deliver this year
19-Jun-04 Welcome to Dave Ritchie's doghouse
19-Jun-04 Revenge is best served cold
20-Jun-04 Maritimers ready to explore the elusive 10th franchise
20-Jun-04 Keeping the finger off the panic button in the peg
20-Jun-04 Ti Cats ready to show they're for real
21-Jun-04 Stamps savour first win of the season
21-Jun-04 Renegades look back at game one, prepare for game two
21-Jun-04 Mixed emotions in the bomber box
22-Jun-04 Danny Mac is the top of the pack
22-Jun-04 Back in the coaching saddle
22-Jun-04 Nova Scotia football loses a giant: Don Loney passes away
23-Jun-04 The owner's over the moon
23-Jun-04 Renegades put out the No Returns sign
23-Jun-04 Tom Wright's fact finding mission down east
24-Jun-04 The million dollar man
24-Jun-04 A work in progress
24-Jun-04 Singing a song
25-Jun-04 Hamilton fans are buying what Young is selling
25-Jun-04 Argos find fault with the officials
25-Jun-04 Getting better with age
26-Jun-04 Danny Mac's attack
26-Jun-04 Leos shoot it out with Esks at Commonwealth
26-Jun-04 Smiling Stamps ready for home opener
27-Jun-04 Defensive downfall
27-Jun-04 Anwar Stewart - gamebreaker
27-Jun-04 Leos win on the field, now want to win in the board room
29-Jun-04 CFL and NFL find common ground until 2006
29-Jun-04 Bombers heading in the wrong direction
29-Jun-04 Same colour, different Green, Kenton Keith rejoins Riders
30-Jun-04 Twice bitten, once shy
30-Jun-04 Bombers look to shore up defence
30-Jun-04 Award winning Renegades
We'll begin with the start of the season and the month of June.
13-Jun-04 Ritchie in the hot seat in the Peg
13-Jun-04 Stamps have many questions
13-Jun-04 Cut down day
14-Jun-04 Leos turn to untested QB for season debut
14-Jun-04 Stameders hope to surprise
14-Jun-04 Ti Cats hope that Marshall has the plan
15-Jun-04 Pringle runs for the record books
15-Jun-04 Stampeders face a long season
15-Jun-04 Avery gets clearance to play
16-Jun-04 Argos have almost the perfect game
16-Jun-04 Dickenson's health is the key
16-Jun-04 Green and Gold and doing what they're told
17-Jun-04 Dunnigan ready to take it all on
17-Jun-04 Another Edmonton era?
17-Jun-04 New Bombers hope to prove their worth
18-Jun-04 Tale of the turf
18-Jun-04 Stamps adjust to Greeneless Riders
18-Jun-04 Tough words in Winnipeg
19-Jun-04 Pressure on the coaches to deliver this year
19-Jun-04 Welcome to Dave Ritchie's doghouse
19-Jun-04 Revenge is best served cold
20-Jun-04 Maritimers ready to explore the elusive 10th franchise
20-Jun-04 Keeping the finger off the panic button in the peg
20-Jun-04 Ti Cats ready to show they're for real
21-Jun-04 Stamps savour first win of the season
21-Jun-04 Renegades look back at game one, prepare for game two
21-Jun-04 Mixed emotions in the bomber box
22-Jun-04 Danny Mac is the top of the pack
22-Jun-04 Back in the coaching saddle
22-Jun-04 Nova Scotia football loses a giant: Don Loney passes away
23-Jun-04 The owner's over the moon
23-Jun-04 Renegades put out the No Returns sign
23-Jun-04 Tom Wright's fact finding mission down east
24-Jun-04 The million dollar man
24-Jun-04 A work in progress
24-Jun-04 Singing a song
25-Jun-04 Hamilton fans are buying what Young is selling
25-Jun-04 Argos find fault with the officials
25-Jun-04 Getting better with age
26-Jun-04 Danny Mac's attack
26-Jun-04 Leos shoot it out with Esks at Commonwealth
26-Jun-04 Smiling Stamps ready for home opener
27-Jun-04 Defensive downfall
27-Jun-04 Anwar Stewart - gamebreaker
27-Jun-04 Leos win on the field, now want to win in the board room
29-Jun-04 CFL and NFL find common ground until 2006
29-Jun-04 Bombers heading in the wrong direction
29-Jun-04 Same colour, different Green, Kenton Keith rejoins Riders
30-Jun-04 Twice bitten, once shy
30-Jun-04 Bombers look to shore up defence
30-Jun-04 Award winning Renegades
Sunday, August 22, 2004
Spurgeon for the Wynn!
The vast majority of the gathering at McMahon stadium Saturday night left the ball park cold, wet and unhappy over the final result. But the one thing they couldn’t say was that they weren’t entertained!
Saturday night’s CFL contest in Calgary was one of the more entertaining efforts thus far this year. Providing some hope for Stamps fans that their team is about to begin a rising from the also rans. The Stamps forced the Western division leading BC Lions into over time before eventually ending up on the short end of the 25-18 score. The Lions who increased their winning streak to six in a row, found all they could handle with a Stamps team that played hard hitting, smash mouth football combined with some impressive offence from Marcus Crandell and his receiving corps.
Both teams traded scoring drives with heavy hits in a hard fought battle on the wet McMahon turf. Nasty weather helped to contribute to the old time football atmosphere as the Alberta winds whipped around the stadium. Both starting QB’s managed to keep their passes on target through the night, but for the Lions it was the running of Eddie Linscomb that sealed the fate of the Stamps. Linscomb scored twice in the game, the more important of the two a one yard run in the overtime to put the Lions into the lead. The CFL overtime rules called for one more set of downs for the Stamps, and try as they did they could not make it to the end zone. Crandell was sacked on a third down attempt to bring the Overtime to an end, securing the win for the Leos.
Much will be discussed about the decision of Stamps QB to throw a pass as the second half wound down rather than to stop the clock and attempt a field goal. The lost three points would have been the difference by the games end giving the Stamps a victory; instead the two teams tied at 18 each went to the extra time. The score remained tied late in the game thanks to a remarkable game saving knockdown by Defensive back Jason Crumb who came from half a field away to deflect a certain touchdown pass to the ground.
The Lions were forced to rely on third string Spurgeon Wynn when starting QB Casey Printers was taken out of the game in the fourth, Printers who was creamed by Scott Coe as the third quarter ended tried to return to play but never really was the same. Printers was forced out for good in the fourth quarter when he came up limping, Wally Buono sent Wynn in to carry the torch and after a bit of a struggle Wynn kept the Leos rolling.
His contribution should prove to be a huge confidence builder for the third stringer, who only a year ago was being spoken about as a possible starter for the Leos one day. Since training camp he has been in the shadow of Printers all season. Printers of course took over for the injured Dave Dickenson weeks ago and has had the Lions on a streak ever since.
Wynn put his stamp on the Stamps in the overtime with a 29 yard pass to Ryan Thelwell that set up the winning run by Linscomb. His success bodes well for Lions team that must now feel as though they are the team to beat in the Western division. They now return home to take care of the bumps and bruises and prepare for the Argonauts.
Calgary frustrated as they must be can take some positive things from the game, despite the second quarter miscue Marcus Crandell seemed to have returned to his level of play from last year, a good sign for a Stamps team that needs to put points on the board. The defence played very hard to keep a powerhouse Lions attack in check for most of the game, a few more yards and a bit better clock management could have been the missing ingredient to a Stamps win. Its cold comfort for a cold and wet Stampeder fan, but for the football fan watching on the tube it was a pretty entertaining night of CFL football.
Saturday night’s CFL contest in Calgary was one of the more entertaining efforts thus far this year. Providing some hope for Stamps fans that their team is about to begin a rising from the also rans. The Stamps forced the Western division leading BC Lions into over time before eventually ending up on the short end of the 25-18 score. The Lions who increased their winning streak to six in a row, found all they could handle with a Stamps team that played hard hitting, smash mouth football combined with some impressive offence from Marcus Crandell and his receiving corps.
Both teams traded scoring drives with heavy hits in a hard fought battle on the wet McMahon turf. Nasty weather helped to contribute to the old time football atmosphere as the Alberta winds whipped around the stadium. Both starting QB’s managed to keep their passes on target through the night, but for the Lions it was the running of Eddie Linscomb that sealed the fate of the Stamps. Linscomb scored twice in the game, the more important of the two a one yard run in the overtime to put the Lions into the lead. The CFL overtime rules called for one more set of downs for the Stamps, and try as they did they could not make it to the end zone. Crandell was sacked on a third down attempt to bring the Overtime to an end, securing the win for the Leos.
Much will be discussed about the decision of Stamps QB to throw a pass as the second half wound down rather than to stop the clock and attempt a field goal. The lost three points would have been the difference by the games end giving the Stamps a victory; instead the two teams tied at 18 each went to the extra time. The score remained tied late in the game thanks to a remarkable game saving knockdown by Defensive back Jason Crumb who came from half a field away to deflect a certain touchdown pass to the ground.
The Lions were forced to rely on third string Spurgeon Wynn when starting QB Casey Printers was taken out of the game in the fourth, Printers who was creamed by Scott Coe as the third quarter ended tried to return to play but never really was the same. Printers was forced out for good in the fourth quarter when he came up limping, Wally Buono sent Wynn in to carry the torch and after a bit of a struggle Wynn kept the Leos rolling.
His contribution should prove to be a huge confidence builder for the third stringer, who only a year ago was being spoken about as a possible starter for the Leos one day. Since training camp he has been in the shadow of Printers all season. Printers of course took over for the injured Dave Dickenson weeks ago and has had the Lions on a streak ever since.
Wynn put his stamp on the Stamps in the overtime with a 29 yard pass to Ryan Thelwell that set up the winning run by Linscomb. His success bodes well for Lions team that must now feel as though they are the team to beat in the Western division. They now return home to take care of the bumps and bruises and prepare for the Argonauts.
Calgary frustrated as they must be can take some positive things from the game, despite the second quarter miscue Marcus Crandell seemed to have returned to his level of play from last year, a good sign for a Stamps team that needs to put points on the board. The defence played very hard to keep a powerhouse Lions attack in check for most of the game, a few more yards and a bit better clock management could have been the missing ingredient to a Stamps win. Its cold comfort for a cold and wet Stampeder fan, but for the football fan watching on the tube it was a pretty entertaining night of CFL football.
Andre’s Toronto pit stop
More than one eye has been raised with the news that former NFL All Pro Andre Rison has signed a practice roster contract with the Toronto Argonauts. Rison who last played football in the 2000 NFL campaign, arrived in Toronto this weekend and will be on the field wearing number three when the Argos practice Sunday.
Rison’s route to Toronto began with a conversation with Argo player personnel director Greg Mohns in Florida. He took part in some drills there and then flew to Toronto for a full audition with the Argonaut leadership on Friday. They apparently were satisfied with what they saw and what they heard as they offered him a contract which he signed on Saturday.
The thirteen year NFL veteran comes to Canada with a wee bit of baggage attached. He's had run ins with the NFL's substance abuse program in the past and was featured in a media feeding frenzy over his relationship with deceased rap star Lisa Loeb. In addition to all that attention he has had well documented legal troubles regarding child support stemming from a relationship with his now ex wife Tonja. Rison’s handlers are presently trying to sort our his family maintenance requirements, considering his lack of income stream of late. No doubt his CFL paycheque stubs will help make his case about a reduction in income. As a practice roster Argo he makes 500 dollars a week, his lawyers probably drink that much in coffee every week. But once he’s off the practice roster he’ll be making a bit more cash, though terms of his contract were not disclosed on Friday.
How that situation might impact on his availability was left unsaid by Argo brass, but the fact he signed a contract must mean that any Canadian legal troubles would have been cleared up. He’s also not exactly planning on a lengthy stay in Canadian football, Rison stated clearly that his plan is to get back to the NFL and he feels that the CFL is his best possible route back into an NFL uniform. So the rise of Andre may be a short burst rather than a long lengthy flare.
What remains to be seen is whether he still has the wheels and the hands to be productive member of the Argonaut team. With Damon Allen on the injury list many thought the Argos would have been scouring high and low for an insurance QB, the Rison signing certainly comes out of nowhere.
Pinball Clemons the Argos head coach is apparently quite excited at the prospect of Rison running patterns for the double blue. Hoping that the rust will be easy to shake off and some leadership skills will develop to aid the young corps of Argonauts in the line up. Considering the sideshow that envelopes Rison, Pinball will have to summon all his positive vibes to keep his team on an even keel. A fairly close knit group in double blue listen to Clemons every word, if he didn’t feel the mix would work one suspects he would have been able to make his point to management.
It’s a risky gambit the Argos have launched, but a gutsy one. If Rison can concentrate on football and provide some solid help on the field, this could be a move that helps propel the Argos past their Eastern rivals the Alouettes and into this years Grey Cup. If he’s in game shape and ready to go, Rison will make his CFL debut against the western division leading BC Lions on August 27th. The buzz for that game was already building in Vancouver, the Rison signing will only increase the interest in the game at BC Place.
Argo fans who have been returning back to the fold in ever increasing numbers this season will get their first look at him as part of the Labour Day classic against the Ti Cats. That game which already promised to be a high profile game just got a bit more excitement to add to the mix.
Already the media are finding the Rison signing to be a lightning rod for debate and conversation. The TSN panel weighed in on the signing between quarters of the Lions/Stamps game and sports talks shows across the country have found no shortage of callers with an opinion.
Football the game and Football the show, they’re alive and well in Toronto and across Canada. And once again the Argos are providing Canadians with a high profile target. Say what you will, about the Argos they’re at least trying to keep football on the front burner in TO.
Rison’s route to Toronto began with a conversation with Argo player personnel director Greg Mohns in Florida. He took part in some drills there and then flew to Toronto for a full audition with the Argonaut leadership on Friday. They apparently were satisfied with what they saw and what they heard as they offered him a contract which he signed on Saturday.
The thirteen year NFL veteran comes to Canada with a wee bit of baggage attached. He's had run ins with the NFL's substance abuse program in the past and was featured in a media feeding frenzy over his relationship with deceased rap star Lisa Loeb. In addition to all that attention he has had well documented legal troubles regarding child support stemming from a relationship with his now ex wife Tonja. Rison’s handlers are presently trying to sort our his family maintenance requirements, considering his lack of income stream of late. No doubt his CFL paycheque stubs will help make his case about a reduction in income. As a practice roster Argo he makes 500 dollars a week, his lawyers probably drink that much in coffee every week. But once he’s off the practice roster he’ll be making a bit more cash, though terms of his contract were not disclosed on Friday.
How that situation might impact on his availability was left unsaid by Argo brass, but the fact he signed a contract must mean that any Canadian legal troubles would have been cleared up. He’s also not exactly planning on a lengthy stay in Canadian football, Rison stated clearly that his plan is to get back to the NFL and he feels that the CFL is his best possible route back into an NFL uniform. So the rise of Andre may be a short burst rather than a long lengthy flare.
What remains to be seen is whether he still has the wheels and the hands to be productive member of the Argonaut team. With Damon Allen on the injury list many thought the Argos would have been scouring high and low for an insurance QB, the Rison signing certainly comes out of nowhere.
Pinball Clemons the Argos head coach is apparently quite excited at the prospect of Rison running patterns for the double blue. Hoping that the rust will be easy to shake off and some leadership skills will develop to aid the young corps of Argonauts in the line up. Considering the sideshow that envelopes Rison, Pinball will have to summon all his positive vibes to keep his team on an even keel. A fairly close knit group in double blue listen to Clemons every word, if he didn’t feel the mix would work one suspects he would have been able to make his point to management.
It’s a risky gambit the Argos have launched, but a gutsy one. If Rison can concentrate on football and provide some solid help on the field, this could be a move that helps propel the Argos past their Eastern rivals the Alouettes and into this years Grey Cup. If he’s in game shape and ready to go, Rison will make his CFL debut against the western division leading BC Lions on August 27th. The buzz for that game was already building in Vancouver, the Rison signing will only increase the interest in the game at BC Place.
Argo fans who have been returning back to the fold in ever increasing numbers this season will get their first look at him as part of the Labour Day classic against the Ti Cats. That game which already promised to be a high profile game just got a bit more excitement to add to the mix.
Already the media are finding the Rison signing to be a lightning rod for debate and conversation. The TSN panel weighed in on the signing between quarters of the Lions/Stamps game and sports talks shows across the country have found no shortage of callers with an opinion.
Football the game and Football the show, they’re alive and well in Toronto and across Canada. And once again the Argos are providing Canadians with a high profile target. Say what you will, about the Argos they’re at least trying to keep football on the front burner in TO.
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