10 key qustions for the CFL

David Naylor and Stephen Brunt are two Globe and Mail columnists who follow the CFL with a fair amount of interest during the year. They have observed the machinations of the owners, the thrills and spills of the players and the impact that the game has on the fans of the nation.

So for an independent view of the state of the league, there are perhaps not many better than they to comment on the direction of the league and examine its errors of the past year and provide a preview of where the league may wish to go in the near future.

The two columnists have offered up a post mortem of sorts on the 2006 season, providing ten key questions for the CFL's eight owners to chew over during Grey Cup week. It makes for an interesting look at the game, the key participants as they focus on the road ahead for the CFL.


Quandaries for three-down football
DAVID NAYLOR AND STEPHEN BRUNT
Globe and Mail Update
November 13, 2006

By the wild and woolly standards of the Canadian Football League, this year's Grey Cup week will surely seem dead calm.

At times in the past as the grand old game prepared to award its championship mug, league commissioners were being hired and fired, ambitious expansion plans were being hatched or were collapsing, wacky club owners were plotting coups, cash calls were being made to pay the bills and tickets were being hustled in desperate attempts to fill an embarrassingly empty stadium.

On the surface, none of that will be taking place in Winnipeg. Though commissioner Tom Wright will be making his farewell address on Friday after being handed his walking papers last spring, there's no hint yet of who might replace him.

Returning a team to Ottawa, which seemed like a front-burner issue immediately after the Renegades breathed their last, is no longer such a high priority. It appears that the eight-team league will remain so, at least for the time being. And the announcement of a new television deal, one that might reshape the economics of the sport, is imminent, but isn't expected before the kickoff on Sunday.

Beyond that, no bankruptcies loom. No one is suggesting it's time to put a team in Halifax or Honolulu. No Gliebermans are being welcomed back into the fold.

But the truth is, the CFL faces a series of fundamental questions now that, in their own way, are as crucial as those that were being asked during more obvious times of crisis. Beneath the placid surface, behind Wright's winning smile, Canadian football is at a crossroads on several fronts.

The answers to these 10 queries will go a long way toward deciding its future:

1. Who's the boss? With Tom Wright's term about to end, there's no indication the league knows whom or what it wants in its next commissioner. Or, some would ask, whether they need one at all? Some see it as a purely a ceremonial position, with no real decision-making power. Others believe there's no point hiring a commissioner without giving him the power to blow up the league's business model.

2. What's the vision for the future? Over the past 15 years, the CFL has been constantly striving to become something else. There was the U.S. expansion phase and the radically Canadian notion, followed by the goal of becoming a 10-team league stretching from coast to coast. That's now a pipe dream. Montreal Alouettes owner Robert Wetenhall, for one, wants the league to expand into cities such as Rochester, N.Y., and Fargo, N.D. So what exactly does the CFL want to be?

3. What's the television horizon? The CFL is in the midst of negotiating a new television deal that many throughout the league believe will bring significantly more revenue its way. The league has been a strong property during the regular season, with its playoffs and Grey Cup anchoring its value. But with ratings down this season, what's driving this notion that the league is about to hit the television jackpot? And could it mean selling all of its advertising properties to the networks in order to drive up the overall price?

4. Wither Ottawa? The CFL announced its intention to return to Ottawa even before the smoke had cleared from last spring's collapse of the Renegades' franchise. Not everyone in the league was on board, however, then or now. Many see no point riding back into a market where teams have twice collapsed within the past decade and few fans seem to miss the game. There's one group at the table still talking about 2008. But unless the league gets a sweetheart deal, it's not going back to Ottawa any time soon.

5. Does a $4.05-million salary cap make good business sense? The CFL will debut its new salary cap next season. But in a league where most clubs continue to lose money, some wonder how that's going to change with player payrolls of more than $4-million? Just four years ago, the CFL was trying to operate with a $2.5-million cap. How it managed to increase that figure by 60 per cent in an environment with no inflationary pressure has many shaking their heads.

6. What happened to all the fun? There's no overstating how drastically the CFL's entertainment value dipped this year. The number of touchdowns was down, the number of field goals and penalties was up and big kick returns became nearly extinct. Most regular-season games varied from dull to unwatchable. The league intends to revisit the changes it made to blocking rules on returns. But it's going to have serious issues if it can't find a way to make the restore the entertainment value of its product next season.

7. What are the prospects for the 2007 Grey Cup in Toronto? It's been 14 years since the CFL last dared to stage its big show in the Big Smoke. The 1992 Grey Cup week was a disaster, which is why the league cancelled plans to stage the '93 game in Toronto and moved it to Calgary. Now, it's back — with a lot riding on its success for both the league and the Toronto Argonauts' owners, who also own rights to the 2012 Grey Cup, the 100th anniversary game. A good show would be a boon to the league's biggest market, but a flop would be a killer to a club trying to keep its off-field momentum going.

8. What's the fan backlash going to be like in Hamilton? The Hamilton Tiger-Cats created a lot of new fans when owner Bob Young took over three years ago and their attendance soared. But they've put fans through two of the most dreadful CFL campaigns in memory, 4-14 in 2006 and 5-13 in 2005. Fans were fed up this season and some were becoming cynical. How cynical will determine whether they come back next year.

9. Where are all the quarterbacks? Ten years ago, the CFL's quarterback stable looked something like this: Doug Flutie, Jeff Garcia, Matt Dunigan, Damon Allen, Danny McManus, Kent Austin and David Archer. This season, just one quarterback — Ricky Ray of the Edmonton Eskimos — was nominated as his team's top player. The roster of up-and-comers doesn't get anyone excited. The CFL no longer can count on scooping up the athletic quarterbacks the National Football League used to shun. So who is going to make up the next generation of pivots?

10. Is the threat of the National Football League real? New NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has quickly proven he's not beholden to the views and ideas of his predecessor, Paul Tagliabue. Which is why the NFL might not be so opposed to one of its franchises relocating north of the border. There are those within the CFL who believe that day is coming and its best course is to make a deal with the NFL today that would protect the Canadian game's existence in the future.

Let's do the time warp again

Late Night CBC is where the passionate CFL fan will want to be all this week, as the CBC celebrates some of the great Grey Cup games of years gone by.

They started off their nightly look at those Grey Cup moments on Monday night, with the 1954 Classic between Montreal and Edmonton, which saw the Eskimos begin a trend that they would become very good at, winning a Grey Cup game. The 1954 game featured some of the legends of Canadian football, Sam Etcheverry, Chuck Hunsinger, Bernie Faloney and Normie Kwong, it would also introduce a young man from the Deep south who would go on to redefine the Canadian Game, the late Jackie Parker.

Tuesday Night they present the 1968 Grey Cup match up of the Stampeders and the Ottawa Rough Riders, a showdown between Peter Liske and Russ Jackson, two of the pre-eminent CFL quarterbacks of the era.

The games continue on through the week each night at midnight on your local CBC station. Saturday afternoon (morning on the west coast) the CBC replays last years Grey Cup game between Montreal and Edmonton (Edmonton fans may wish to tune in to remember the feeling)

The games are a homage to the great moments that the CFL has offered up to Canadians over its 94 years of Grey Cup showdowns, many of them nail biting finales that leave one side of the country in agony while the other celebrates into the wee hours of the morning.

They make for a great way to get into that Grey Cup spirit!

Thursday, November 16, BC and Winnipeg 1988
Wednesday, November 15, Saskatchewan and Hamilton at Hamilton 1972
Tuesday, November 14, Ottawa and Calgary at Toronto 1968
Monday, November 13, Montreal and Edmonton at Toronto 1954

From the Alouettes Camp

We track the developments of the East Division Champion Montreal Alouettes as they prepare for the 94th Grey Cup in Winnipeg this Sunday.



November 20 Montreal mayor dons Lions sweater
November 20 Calvillo takes the blame
November 20 Blown call nail in the coffin of Als
November 19 Calvillo passing record
November 19 Calvillo well prepared for cold weather
November 18 Als serve as examples to newcomers
November 17 Calvillo to start in fifth Grey Cup
November 16 Als find strength in D line
November 16 Belli takes centre stage at Als breakfast
November 16 A Family affair
November 16 Daydream believer
November 16 A matter of perspective
November 15 Combatants ride with real warriors
November 15 Brothers in arms
November 15 Philion planning dirty deed
November 15 Alouettes happy to be in big game
November 15 Als the Better team
November 14 Familiar Territory
November 14 Hostile Takeover
November 13 Als put past behind them
November 13 Als win over Argos

From The Lions Camp

We track the developments of the West Division Champion BC Lions as they prepare for the 94th Grey Cup in Winnipeg this Sunday.


November 20 No denying Lions
November 20 Sweet moment for McCallum
November 20 Surgical precision
November 20 Lions exorcise demons in forgettable game
November 20 Smart acquisition pays off for Lions
November 20 Lions split uprights and the Cup
November 20 Grey Cup synopsis
November 20 Grey Cup caps Johnson's week
November 20 Top of Grey Cup breaks off
November 20 Lions rule in the CFL
November 20 Lions break Grey Cup
November 19 Ritchie itching for Cup title with buddy Buono
November 19 Hockey is in his blood
November 19 Reid has no illwill towards old team
November 19 Maintaining focus
November 18 Dickenson looking for protection
November 18 Surprise! shoes fit fine
November 18 Buono pumps up his players
November 18 Decorated Lions a reminder of 01 Bombers
November 18 Giving up baseball difficult
November 18 Twelve sack game against Als a benchmark
November 18 Braley rebuilds Lions into league power
November 18 Clermont relishing his role as part time scribe
November 18 Kidd raring to face Als
November 18 Braley spearheading Wright's removal
November 18 A major flashback
November 17 Lions enter as heavy favourites
November 17 It's all about Dave
November 17 Pundits bet heavy on Lions over Als
November 17 Banks says Bomber Blew it
November 16 Lions enjoy Western sweep at Awards show
November 16 Johnson named CFL's top Canadian
November 16 Murphy named CFL's top lineman
November 16 Hunt named CFL's top rookie
November 16 Simon takes top honours
November 16 Lions Circle of trust
November 16 McCallum hasn't looked back
November 16 About that game
November 16 Joe Who?
November 16 Simon a shoo in
November 16 Video Kidd keeps loose with Madden, others choose food
November 16 Slotback hopes for continued success in River City
November 15 Dickenson has fond memories of 98
November 15 Colon back in town for Grey Cup
November 15 Lions not biting
November 15 Lions players cut loose
November 14 What's a Peg Grey Cup without Wally
November 14 Lions growl for fifth Grey Cup
November 14 Lions boast perfect record against Montreal
November 14 Look who's back
November 14 Lions' quiet contributor
November 13 Lions Roar to Victory
November 13 Lions shake Quarterback controversy

Grey Cup Countdown

We'll catalogue all the stories related to this Sunday's Grey Cup right here in this very spot. From the wacky traditions of Grey Cup week to the last minute details of the big event, all the links we can dig up will be listed on a daily basis. It's one stop shopping for all your Grey Cup news..


November 20 94th Grey Cup notes
November 20 Grey Cup helps Bombers
November 20 Furtado performs at half time show
November 20 Fan-tastic experience
November 20 Fans laud Peg Cup
November 20 Great job Winnipeg!
November 20 Grey Cup televised in Kandahar
November 20 Greatest passing combo
November 19 Turf could pose problems for kickers
November 18 Players and fans will seek warmth
November 18 Jones to Stegall made the connection
November 18 Stampeder Coe wins Gibson's CFL fan choice award
November 18 Always the high road
November 18 Turtle man thankful
November 18 About that CFL list
November 18 Let the Debate start
November 17 Grey Cup officially Sold Out
November 17 Doug Flutie at the top of TSN Top 50
November 17 Doing the Wright thing
November 17 Players to watch on Sunday
November 17 Maritimes partiers dreaming of expansion
November 17 Who will be Grey Cups Lord of the Ring
November 17 Keys to the game
November 16 Ireland named head official for Grey Cup
November 16 DeAngelis named best special teams player
November 16 Trophy honours Cup MVP
November 16 Let the parties begin
November 15 Police warn Grey Cup revellers
November 15 Latecomer's chances of booking a room slim
November 15 Celebrations kick off at the Forks
November 15 Fans reuinte in the Peg
November 15 Coaches pay tribute to The Don
November 15 Simon overwhelming favourite
November 15 No regrest for Wright
November 14 Loose atmosphere as Grey Cup week gets underway
November 14 Peg' introducing new Cup tradition
November 14 Who do we hate less?
November 14 Plenty of seats left
November 14 Grey Cup thriller on taap?
November 13 A Unique Experience
November 13 Top Ten Greatest Grey Cups
November 13 Rolling into the Peg
November 13 Cup Organizers till hope for sellout

Alouettes hold off a late Argo charge

Loyalty will be the word around Toronto for the off season, loyalty to a long time veteran, which while honourable in the best of intentions, may have been the one intangible that separated the Argonauts from the Alouettes on Sunday afternoon.

The Montreal Alouettes crafted a good game plan, shutting down a CFL icon and in the end held on for an 33-24 Eastern Division win and a trip to the Grey Cup this Sunday.

Montreal put together a winning combination of plays handled well by Anthony Calvillo who, seemed to regain the form he has been know for in seasons past. He offered up a good mix of the pass and the run, allowing his key players to take the Als back to the game they’ve been to five times since 2000. From timely receptions by Ben Cahoon and Thyron Anderson, to rambles by Robert Edwards the Montreal offense seemed to take the game to the Toronto defence with little difficulty through the first two quarters of play.

Toronto’s offense while engaged, never seemed to break the big play needed to regain momentum in the first half and break the cycle of Montreal appearances on Grey Cup Sunday. Damon Allen while not struggling seemed limited in his approach on the day, his passes would go for short yardage, the utilization of the twin backs of Ricky Williams and John Avery ineffective for the most part.

With his mobility not what it once was, Allen couldn’t scramble as he once could, which would have served to have spread out the Alouette defence more. As it was, they could key on a triangle of turf on each play and control most of the flow of the action.

An untimely interception return (for Argonaut fans any wars) for a touchdown didn’t help the cause as Mark Estelle picked off an Allen pass early in the second half and ran it back 78 yards for a touchdown and a 23-3 lead. Allen would be given one more set of downs to try and move his team before Michael Clemons turned to Michael Bishop for the second time in two weeks.

Bishop entered the game six minutes into the second half and provided another spark similar to last weeks Eastern semi final against the Bombers. His appearance would change the dynamic of the on field situation, his arm would launch missiles to Arland Bruce III and Michael Palmer deep into the Alouette end of the field, he set up the field position to allow Ricky Williams to score his final CFL touchdown in his brief but interesting career in double blue and before an Alouette fan knew it the Argos were but a touchdown away from yet another story book finish.

But, in the end, the team that had controlled the bulk of the game would win out, a Damon Duval field goal late in the game capping the victory and bringing to an end the Argos season and perhaps an era or two as well.

The debate in Toronto in the off season will be all about the Quarterback position, Allen realizing that time is marching on now, would like to return but even he is aware that the Argos will be looking hard at all positions heading into a year in which they host the Grey Cup. Michael Bishop laid a stake to the claim of Allen’s heir apparent in the last two weeks, It will be up to the Argonaut management team to decide where they want the ship to go before training camp arrives next May.

Michael Clemons was loyal to his man, Allen of course had led the Argos on to many victories over his years in Double Blue, who is to say that he didn’t have one or two more miracles left in his bag of tricks.

In the end Clemons made some hard decisions, taking his veteran out as his offense stalled, Sunday perhaps he waited a few plays too long to see if magic was going to arrive one more time. It will be the topic of debate for the next six months for all that follow the Double Blue .

Domination at the Dome

Sunday’s Western Final was an event that was for all intents and purposes, over by the half time mark, a fragile looking and stumbling Saskatchewan squad never seemed to recover from its nervous start and before you could say Eagle Keys, the proud sons of the land of Gainer were done for the year.

All that would remain would be a second quarter of face saving, no real danger to claiming a Spot in the Grey Cup this week, but enough of an effort to at least send the notice that they were there for the day.

Sunday was Dave Dickenson’s day, the Lions quarterback who has seen more than his fair share of chances for a title slip through his (and a few receivers) fingers, played with the zeal of someone with a mission, his passes were laser beams, his play execution flawless. The Lions looking every bit as good as the fans of the league expected.

With Dickenson distributing the ball among his receiving corps, the Riders would be forced to not only worry about CFL All Star Geroy Simon but Paris Jackson and Jason Clermont as well, as the Lions receivers executed their routes to perfection, racking up yardage and points seemingly at will.

When Dickenson needed a change of pace Joe Smith would take the ball and collect some more yardage, blasting through a Rider line and schooling the once invincible Rider front four a bit..

When the drives would stall, Paul McCallum would deliver the message that the kicking game was fine in his hands, accounting for 19 points on the day for the Lions.

The 45-18 was the largest Lion victory in its Playoff history and the vast majority of the credit goes to Dickenson, who pretty well put the stamp on the season with his performance, confirming that when healthy and when protected by his offensive line, he is the best Quarterback in the CFL these days.

For Saskatchewan an inability to get their plays off in the first quarter sealed their fate, unaccustomed to the noise of a throng number over 50,000, Kerry Joseph repeatedly had problems getting his plays under way, let alone moving the team down the field. By the time the Riders could get on the same page the Lions would already have had three touchdowns on the board and were set to plan their trip to Winnipeg.

The Lions dominated the league for most of the season; the only troublesome team all year were these same Riders, who looked anything but troublesome on Sunday. The Lions were controlled every phase of the game, from offense to defense, special teams to coaching; there is not one spot on the checklist that would have been given to the Riders on Sunday.

Montreal will examine the film and develop their plan of attack for Sunday’s finale to the CFL season; the key will be how they approach Dickenson’s style of play and his patient ability to make the key play at the key time.

Their chances of denying the Lions what many believe is deservedly theirs this year hinges on an ability to shut down the pass, control the run and score some points of their own against a very tough defence, perhaps the best in the league.

Now that doesn’t sound like too much of a challenge, does it?

Results Divsional Finals

November 12 Montreal 33, Toronto 24
November 12 BC 45, Saskatchewan 18

Montreal and British Columbia advance to the Grey Cup, this Sunday November 19 at Canad Inn Stadium in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Game time is 6pm East, 5 PM Central 3 PM Pacific Time.

The Best of the league saluted

The Canadian Football League's all stars were named this week, 27 players who excelled at their positions this season, key players for their teams and some of the most respected names in the Canadian game.

Only one however was a unanimous choice, the B C Lions Geroy Simon was selected for his remarkable year on the Lions offence. 105 receptions, 1.856 yards and 15 touch downs. By far the most dangerous man in the Lions offence, but also a part of a pretty remarkable team put together by the Lions Coach and GM, Wally Buono.

Simon will be joined by six other team mates in the All star lineup, accounting for one quarter of all selections to this years All Star roster. Calgary and Winnipeg were next in line with five selections each, followed by Saskatchewan with four, Toronto with three, Edmonton two and Montreal with one.

From the offence to the defence and on to the special teams, below is the full list of the super 27, who individually make a huge difference to their respective clubs, but if put together on a single roster would make one awesome looking football team.


Lions dominate CFL all-stars
Last Updated: Tuesday, November 7, 2006 7:33 PM ET
CBC Sports

The CFL all-star team was unveiled Tuesday and wide receiver Geroy Simon of the British Columbia Lions was the lone unanimous selection.

"It means a lot," said Simon, who topped the CFL with 105 receptions for 1,856 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Geroy Simon was the lone unanimous selection to the CFL all-star squad
"To be the only unanimous pick, it shows a lot of respect."

Simon, the West Division finalist for most outstanding player this season, was one of seven all-stars from the Lions.

The others were defensive back Korey Banks, linebacker Otis Floyd, defensive lineman Brent Johnson, safety Barron Miles, left tackle Rob Murphy and defensive lineman Tyrone Williams.

"It is just recognition for a good season," Johnson said. "Collectively, we played very well together.

"The guys that did get recognized were the players that stood out most on the team we had."

The Calgary Stampeders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers placed five players apiece on the team.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders merited four all-star selections followed by the Toronto Argonauts (3), Edmonton Eskimos (2) and Montreal Alouettes (1).

Overall, 18 players were chosen from the West and nine from the East:

OFFENCE

Ricky Ray, EDM, quarterback.
Joffrey Reynolds, CGY, running back.
Charles Roberts, WPG, running back.
Arland Bruce III, TOR, receiver.
Geroy Simon, BC, receiver.
Jason Tucker, EDM, receiver.
Milt Stegall, WPG, receiver.
Scott Flory, MTL, offensive guard.
Gene Makowsky, SSK, offensive tackle.
Jay McNeil, CGY, offensive guard.
Rob Murphy, BC, offensive tackle.
Jeremy O'Day, SSK, centre.

DEFENCE

Korey Banks, BC, defensive back.
Doug Brown, WPG, defensive tackle.
Brian Clark, CGY, linebacker.
Eddie Davis, SSK, defensive back.
Otis Floyd, BC, linebacker.
Brent Johnson, BC, defensive lineman.
Barron Miles, BC, safety.
Byron Parker, TOR, cornerback.
Fred Perry, SSK, defensive end.
Coby Rhinehart, CGY, cornerback.
Barrin Simpson, BC, linebacker.
Tyrone Williams, BC, defensive lineman.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Albert Johnson III, WPG, returner.
Sandro DeAngelis, CGY, placekicker.
Noel Prefontaine, TOR, punter.

Williams ponders return to Argos

Ricky Williams did a little thinking out loud on Tuesday and his comments will no doubt bounce around the football intense airwaves of South Florida for the next little while.

Williams who has spent his NFL suspension season as a running back for the Toronto Argonauts, seems to have taken a shine to his temporary home. Offering up the suggestion that he might not necessarilly be Florida bound when his CFL season comes to an end.

TSN has posted a story on its website qouting the Argo back that a return to the CFL is not out of the question in 2007. Stating that his season in Toronto has been the most fun that he's had in professional football, Williams says that he likes the idea of not being slotted into one hole in the CFL a situation that he knows will take place should he rejoin the NFL next year.

Expressing a desire to be more involved in the game, Williams says the CFL offers him that freedom to be a special teams player, a blocker or even play on the line if he wanted to. Something that the strictly regimented NFL systems would never accept.

His comments of course have been relayed to the Dolphins in Miami, leaving Dolphin head coach to say he'll deal with the Williams situation when the time comes. Williams agent Leigh Steinberg stepped up to calm the nerves of Dolphin fans by suggesting it was just Ricky being Ricky and that he would most certainly be back with the Fish in 2007.

And while an 8.6 million dollar balance of accounts and a two year Dolphin contact hanging over Williams head, conventional wisdom suggests that he'll be playing his football in Miami next year, though one must remember that Williams is a very unconventional person, so who knows, the Argos may want to keep number 27 clean and pressed for service next year, Ricky Williams is full of surprises, so you just never know.

One of the CFL’s greatest legends passes away

One of the icons of Canadian football passed away on Tuesday, after a battle with throat cancer, his passing brings to an end an era of football very different from the game today.

Jackie Parker, Ole Spaghetti legs or the fast freight from Mississippi State, as he was known as, was one of the defining players of the Canadian game, from his debut in an Eskimo uniform in 1954; Parker was one of the dominant players on both sides of the ball through the fifties and sixties.

He played for three CFL teams in his amazing career in the Canadian game stretching from 1954- 1968, donning the colours of the Eskimos, the Argonauts and the Lions before he called it a career. Named as a multiple all star and inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame, Parker seemed to define the game when he took to the field.

Parker brought crowds to their feet in every stadium he played, equally skilled as a quarterback, halfback and a defensive back. He came to Canada from Mississippi State, a Tennessean who moved to the land to the north and became a fixture for decades to follow.

It was an era when the CFL regularly would outbid the NFL for players, offering a better salary than the norm from the American league of the day. Hard as it seems is to believe now with an NFL that is an industry all to itself, but back in the fifties the CFL represented stability and pretty good living. And some pretty damn fine football.

When Parker’s playing days would come to an end he made the move into the coaching ranks, becoming an assistant coach with the Lions in 1968 and taking on the head coaching job in 69. He served as General Manager of the Leos from 1971-75, a major figure in the Vancouver sports scene.

He left the football wars for a bit, returning in 1983 as head coach of the Eskimos until two games into the 1987 season. From there he would become the living legend of Canadian Football, a testimony to the skill and desire needed to excel in the game.

His passing leaves a bit of a void in the bridge between eras of the Canadian game, many of today’s CFL players probably have little knowledge of his achievements or the joy he brought to CFL fans from coast to coast during his hey days.

As the CFL heads towards its annual Grey Cup festival and the chance to celebrate all things great about the game, there will no doubt be more than a few moments dedicated to the memory and memories of Ole Spaghetti legs, one of the true greats of the Canadian game.

The press file on Parker's passing

Hall of Famer Parker dies
Jackie Parker,74: CFL Legend
Former MSU football great Parker dead at 74
CFL Legend Jackie Parker passes away at 74
Legend dies
Legendary Eskimo Parker passes away
Parker, Legend dies of cancer
CFL mourns the passing of a Legend

Beer Baron Brush off

The CFL is apparently not in any hurry to hand over the keys to a franchise to the Beer Baron of Ontario Frank D’Angelo. The owner and face of Steelback Beer and Cheetah power drinks to name a few, has been told by the CFL, thanks but no thanks to his quest to buy the dormant Ottawa Renegades franchise.

Which when you consider the lack of many monied applicants for the franchise is a bit of a surprise. D’Angelo who is a rather brash self promoter, was the first one into the franchise pool earlier this year when the Rens folded, going so far as to having designed his own uniforms and proffered up the name Steelbacks as a prospective franchise name.

He appeared this afternoon on Bob McCown’s Prime Time Sports program on TheFan and Sportsnet, and sounded a bit bewildered at why his application had been tossed aside without what even seems was a serious look.

His entry into the mix, certainly raised a few eyebrows (not to mention alarm bells) as many looked at the bid as just another loopy promotion for his beer brand, similar to his legends of hockey television commercials and those strange little televised sessions with Ben Johnson.

However, D’Angelo held to his course, talking the talk of wanting to bring back football to the nation’s capital, suggesting that he was just what the capital needed to make football work again in Ottawa.

When he first outlined his bid, the franchise derby consisted of three participants, one fronted by Ottawa 67 owner Jeff Hunt which was considered the favourite and subsequently ended up withdrawn when the money man behind the bid at Golden Gate Capital, developed a serious illness, leaving Hunt with a bid but no money behind it.

The other option for the CFL was a bid prepared by Jesse Palmer’s Dad, Bill Palmer who is fronting an application on behalf of a group of American investors. Now with D’Angelo’s bid being dismissed out of hand, that Palmer bid may be the only one left on the table for the CFL, leaving them to dictate terms and not the league. In effect the CFL has gone from feast to famine in only a few short months.

While you could possibly understand the fear that the self promoting D’Angelo might have struck among the fellow lodge members of the CFL (a group with more than a few large egos, each one thinking they are bigger than the next) but the last time we checked Canadians still drank beer, so if anyone was going to be flush in cash, it would be this guy.

If nothing else, if they didn’t want him for Ottawa, they should have at least given him the opportunity to work out a business plan for any other city that might wish to join the CFL brand. While Halifax and Quebec City probably would be out, since he would want to be in the business of selling beer, perhaps the perennial entry of London or Windsor to the CFL could get a boost with a booster like D’Angelo.

It would have been a risk letting his brand of marketing run its course in building up a football team, (check out his video page dedicated to his travelling rock band) but considering the way things have gone in Ottawa with the last number of hucksters of the game, the league has done worse than a Frank D’Angelo.

Maybe he would have been the worst thing the CFL ever saw, or perhaps, he would have been the kick in the backside the league occasionally needs. Lord knows their going backwards in the franchise department these days, not many seem to want to step forward to sign up and bring some cash.

D’Angelo said he would. The CFL will have a lot of explaining to do if Ottawa somehow falls through the cracks again, especially if there is someone looking for an excuse to throw his hard earned money in with the rest of the gang of eight. From three solid possibilities to one, and one we know the least about, only in the CFL it seems.

As usual the CFL once again leaves itself open to criticism over its inner workings, just as it prepares to head into the best two weeks of its schedule and the always popular Grey Cup Week.

Just once we’d like to see this group find a way to bring some positive news to Grey Cup week and not the strange and worrisome missives that seem to spring up each year.

Bishop makes the Bombers Blue!

A late game change of direction by Pinball Clemons, proved to be a master decision, as the Toronto Argonauts responded to the insertion of Michael Bishop into the game, replacing Damon Allen.

The Argo offence had appeared to hit the wall in the points department, until Bishop took his first snap. Bishop provided mobility with pass accuracy to turn around what seemed like a lost cause, spurring the Argos onto a 31-27 victory over the Bombers.

The Bishop to Bruce connection proved to be a bad omen for the Bomber secondary, as Bishop tossed a magical looking 77 yard pass, aided by a collision in the bomber secondary, to bring the Argos back into the Eastern Semi-Final, giving the crowd a chance to get back into the game and securing a berth to the Eastern Final. Within the next eight minutes, the Argo back up's heroics would erase the deficit and put the Double blue ahead and on their way to Montreal.

For the Bombers it was a one two punch, the creativity of the plays selected for Bishops style of play, combined with untimely fumbles and errors on the part of the Bombers, proved to be the tipping point in a game that was there for the Blue to take.

Winnipeg can look back at the game as a learning experience, a game effort by a beat up squad that came up short. It’s a hard lesson to take, especially when you know that the victory was within your grasp. And the head swill be hanging for a while yet, but if they can keep the nucleus of the team together and tweak a few spots then the future is pretty bright for the Blue and Gold.

The Argos who seem to want to take the hardest road possible to a Grey Cup berth, were lackluster in the third quarter, as Winnipeg seemed on the verge of moving on to the Final and the chance to play for the Cup in their own hometown at their own field.

The late game heroics of Bishop however, won’t land him a spot as starter for the final. The Argos are adamant that they will hand the ball to Damon Allen on Sunday in Montreal. A move that will be good for team solidarity and is also deserved considering all that Allen has done for this team in his career.

But, Montreal should be on notice that if things aren’t happening for the Argos, they’ll simply change direction. Calling on a Bishop to lead the congregation, as they seek out their goal of the Holy Grail of Canadian football.

Don’t annoy the Gopher!

The Headlines and front page of the Regina Leader-Post and Saskatoon Star-Phoenix tells you all you need to know about Sunday’s semi final victory by the pride of Saskatchewan.

Danny Barrett’s Roughriders once again overcame the odds and will be heading for a CFL Western Final match up with the BC Lions.

Taking charge of a second half of football built on the legs of Kenton Keith and the arm of Kerry Joseph, the Riders knocked the Stampeders off their game completely. Silencing two thirds of the thirty five thousand six hundred and fifty fans and letting the remaining 10,000 shower their neighours with giddy glee as the Riders dominated play for the final two halves of football.

Calgary once again stumbled and fumbled, on the way to where they were supposed to go. Henry Burris frustrated beyond his belief as passes were gobbled up by Rider defenders and Joffrey Reynolds left to bemoan a plan of attack that seemed to forget he was in the line up.

Last year it was a loss to their bitter rivals to the north that sent the Stamps packing early on in the playoff season, this year it’s those stubble jumping, gopher loving rubes of the flatland that have sent the Cowtown slickers to their winter homes early.

Saskatchewan which had more than its fair share of turmoil at mid season, looked as though they were a team possessed in the second half, as they charged out of the dressing room and just took the game away from a Calgary team that by games end appeared shell shocked on the side lines.

In Calgary this morning, they now have something in common with their northern relations in Edmonton, a case of wonderment as to how things went so wrong, so fast. The post mortem in Southern Alberta will ask a number of questions about preparation for the game, a game plan that seemed to deviate from that which put them in the semi final in the first place and the inevitable question about whether Henry Burris will ever be the one to lead this team past a semi final match.

For Saskatchewan, the delicious irony of smiting the QB who spurned them a few years ago could only have been topped by the way this team pulled together to overcome the odds of success. For Barrett, a coach who is on the hot seat in the football mad province, the victory was particularly sweet. His team, which has always been a closed knit group, seemed even more unified than ever as they stood on the sidelines and saluted their traveling band on fanatics who made McMahon stadium sound like a suburb of Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field.

For Barrett and the Riders there’s little time to savour the victory, it’s back to work and plans for a trip to Vancouver for a much anticipated game with the Lions. The Riders have been the victors twice in three regular season games the past year, and won’t be traveling to Vancouver in any awe of the Lions. Factor in the devotion of their fans, many of home have re-settled in BC and Sunday should be a wild day at the False Creek football emporium.

A victory in Vancouver on Sunday will set up a Saskatchewan travel agents dream weekend and a horror show for Winnipeg. Those crazy Rider fans may just invade their long time rivals hometown and make Winnipeg Rider friendly.

Only the Lions stand in the way the plans to avoid a similar surprise already underway and with the Riders coming off such an emotional win, a betting fan wouldn’t necessarily make the Lions the favourite as the weekend final approaches!

Results Semi Final Sunday

November 5 Toronto 31, Winnipeg 27
November 5 Saskatchewan 30, Calgary 21

Toronto advances to Eastern Final next Sunday in Montreal
Saskatchewan advances to Western Final next Sunday in Vancouver

Final Snaps of November 2006

November 28 "I don't think I've made any secret about the fact I want to be a head coach"
November 27 "The decision that was made, it's one I've come to accept"
November 25 “I got a ring! I got a ring!”
November 24 "You just won the Hec Crighton trophy"
November 23 "I never said we were not going to (work out a contract extension) with him"
November 22 "Because if you can't share something that means something to you then what value does it really have"
November 21 "I did not break the Cup"
November 20 "I wanted to win this for David Braley and for Bobby Ackles"
November 19"We're ferocious, cocky and we're the king of the east, the west and the whole CFL, baby"
November 18 "I don't need no more motivation,"
November 17 "I said right after that game we'd be in the Grey Cup"
November 16 "I talk with Don on a weekly basis,"
November 15 "You can't get sloppy with Jim in charge"
November 14 "You never know. You always look at every thing,"
November 13 "I certainly gave him an open invitation to come back here when he is finished in the NFL"
November 12 "How much did [Montreal's] coach pay the refs, that's what I want to know"
November 11"Stay focused and stay hungry"
November 10 "You don't get rings for Western semifinals, you get rings for Grey Cups"
November 9 "There's going to be some pretty good scalping going on"
November 8 "When you talk about great players, he was the greatest"
November 7 "Maybe we have to bring in someone to split time with him"
November 6 "There will be changes"
November 5 "How can I not be upset"
November 4 "I've been on some bad teams, man"
November 3 "We wouldn't be going to play the game if I thought we didn't have a chance"
November 2 "This is a start of a new year"
November 1 "We're not going to surprise anyone or give anything away by saying that"

Opening kickoffs November 2006

November 28 Coaching carousel begins
November 28 Show them the study
November 28 In Ottawa, no team but many memories
November 27 Riders, Barret go seperate ways
November 27 Race experiment in Regina is over
November 27 Eskimos sign Braidwood and Brown
November 25 Gridiron Gods
November 25 Down and Dirty guys always win
November 25 Vanier MVP's trump adversity
November 24 It's a cold day in Saskatoon
November 24 Al's need changes
November 24 Double the tradition
November 23 Blue not talking trade
November 23 Eskimos simply an inspiration
November 23 GM's conspicuous by their absence
November 22 Leos an artisitic success
November 22 Alouettes closer to Molson expansion
November 22 Where to Anthony?
November 21 Lions return to heros' welcome
November 21 Als hold their heads high
November 21 Keep open minds
November 20 Who broke the Cup?
November 20 Calvillo takes the heat
November 20 Grey days for the CFL
November 19 Lions dominate Grey Cup final
November 19 Alouettes come up empty
November 19 Lions break the Cup!
November 18 It's Lions Cup to lose
November 18 Kick it, already!
November 18 Party on in Winnipeg
November 17 More than names on a list
November 17 One more year
november 17 The Ricky Rule
November 16 Lions sweep Awards
November 16 Ireland in stripes
November 16 The Wally Buono lecture series
November 15 Simon favoured for CFL MVP award
November 15 The Don is not forgotten
November 15 The not so ordinary Joe
November 14 CFL slaps Bruce with fine
November 14 It's time for Barrett to go
November 14 Wright still seems right for CFL
November 13 Barrett unsure of his future
November 13 Argos fine Bruce for his comments
November 13 League looks at a one week break next year
November 12 Allen wants to return, but will Argos have a space
November 12 BC Place Noise causes Riders all sorts of problems
November 12 Calvillo and the Als control the East
November 11 Buono prepares for a showdown
November 11 Allen speaks out
November 11 Stamps fans vent in poll
November 10 Tillman's tightrope
November 10 Buratto pays for Stamps exit
November 10 Hundreds pay respects to Jackie Parker
November 9 Ottawa bid moves forward
November 9 The eastern final reunion
November 9 If a players vote counts...
November 8 Als players won't face charges
November 8 Wright looks back a stormy tenure
November 8 They ain't afraid of no ghosts
November 7 CFL loses a legend
November 7 Dickenson ready for Riders
November 7 Garbage bag day in the Peg
November 6 Bring the Gopher
November 6 Bishop back to back up
November 6 No hurry to fill job at head office
November 5 Bishop off the Bench
November 5 Gainers gang have their day
November 5 Beer barons proposal goes flat
November 4 Stegall stands his ground
November 4 Stamps hope to erase last years misery
November 4 Glenn has no worries on ankle
November 3 There's no place like home
November 3 CBC preps playoff TV
November 3 Knowing where the bucks stop
November 2 Danny M adds to his resume
November 2 Steagall sets a tone
November 2 Alouettes head back to work
November 1 Termination day in Ti Cat town
November 1 Glenn tests out his ankle
November 1 Gainer can Go

Gopher Ban in Cowtown

Gainer can't Go!

Is that the story from Calgary, the famed mascot of the Saskatchewan Roughriders cannot cross the provincial boundary this Sunday?

The Prairie Dog will have to sit by the television Sunday afternoon as the Riders take on the Stamps in the Western Semi-Final, a casualty of the Riders finishing third in the West and missing out on the home playoff date they've been looking for all these years.

While Gainer is left out, the Riders will still find a fair amount of support at McMahon stadium on Sunday, on any given game day the Rider faithful come out of the woodwork to support their team, sometimes splitting the stadium in half between red and green supporters.

With a playoff spot in hand and a chance to advance to the Final, the invasion will be on as the legions of Green Rider fans load up the cars and buses for the trek to Calgary. The ticket will be a hot one this weekend, with those looking to profit from their ducats thankful that the Riders are coming to town, brining with them their exciteable fans.

A crew that will make some noise on Sunday with or without their cheerleading gopher, Ralph the Dog had best watch out. Parts of his own dog house are going to be no go areas on Sunday!

Update Nov 1: Gainer the Gopher can pack his bags, the Stamps have relented and allowed him to travel to Calgary, for this weekends playoff game. But the Gopher is still under strict orders, he can't stand on a sideline, (we wonder if he can burrow underneath one though?). The game hasn't even started and already the Riders have the Stamps on the run!