CFL Gameday: Hamilton at Montreal (October 16)

The good news for the Tiger Cats heading into Sunday's eastern clash is that we don't believe that Anthony Calvillo can set accept any new awards from the CFL today, he can however add to some of his existing totals and somehow we imagine that those numbers will expand as Sunday moves forward.

Hamilton's inconsistent nature of late gets another opportunity for reversal on Sunday afternoon, as they struggle to remain within striking distance of their CFL east partners in Montreal and Winnipeg.

With the Bombers losing in Edmonton on Saturday however, the Alouettes we imagine will be itching to put their stamp on the game and take their share back of the CFL East Division lead, a victory which if it comes to pass would move the Als into an undisputed hold on first place with 20 points and set the table nicely for next weeks' match up with the Blue Bombers in Winnipeg.

For the Cats, who are once again starting to fade in the late going of a CFL season, considering their struggles at gaining momentum this year falling further behind in the standings is setting their table for a playoff post season that will require road trips at every step of the process.


Game Time 1 PM ET (10 AM) Percival Molson Stadium TSN

Pre Game

Globe and Mail-- Alouettes, Tiger-Cats will battle for playoff berth
Hamilton Spectator-- Glenn playing for that playoff start
Toronto Sun-- Ticats consistently inconsistent
Canada.com-- Als' Stewart was determined to make a better life for himself

Quick Snaps Montreal Alouettes
Quick Snaps Hamilton Tiger Cats


Post Game


Hamilton 25 at Montreal 27
Attendance-- 23,668


Globe and Mail-- Alouettes clinch home playoff date with victory over Ticats
National Post-- Alouettes clinch home playoff game with wing over Ticats
Canada.com-- Alouettes gamble nearly backfires
Hamilton Spectator-- Ticats make playoffs for third straight season
Toronto Sun-- Alouettes narrowly edge Tiger-Cats

CFL Gameday: Winnipeg at Edmonton (October 15)

In years gone by, a late season battle between the Eskimos and the Blue Bombers would probably have a major impact on the West Division and the West Division only, but since the days that the Bombers became considered an Eastern based squad things haven't been quite that dramatic.

Still, with both teams involved in a tight race for their respective division titles these days, Saturday's result could have dramatic impact on how the season may end for both.

The Bombers who have handled some late season injury adversity quite nicely come into Edmonton on the heels of a timely and quite convincing victory over the Hamilton Tiger Cats, the Eskimos on the other hand were less than sure footed in their victory over Saskatchewan last week.

The fact that they earned a victory over the offensively anemic Rider squad has done little to quell the fears that the Eskimos are still perhaps a bit away from making the leap from contender to champion in the West.

Saturday's match up with the top ranked Blue Bombers will provide coach Kavis Reed some insight into how his team is going to go heading into the final stretch of the regular season and highlight for him what is working and what needs to be worked on heading into the CFL playoffs.

For Winnipeg, Saturday's game is a must win, especially if they wish to keep the Alouettes at arms length heading into the CFL's final weeks, where a win or a loss could make all the difference for playoff seating at the Grey Cup banquet table in late November.

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

Pre Game

Edmonton Journal-- Eskimos' O-line faces biggest test of season against tough Bombers defence
Edmonton Sun-- Bowman enjoying Esks' role
Winnipeg Free Press-- Time for some cut throat football
Winnipeg Sun-- 'No excuse' culture paying off for Blue
National Post-- Life comes full circle for Edmonton's Reed
Globe and Mail-- Fred Stamps hopes to get Eskimos home for playoffs

Quick Snaps Edmonton Eskimos
Quick Snaps Winnipeg Blue Bombers


Post Game


Winnipeg 10 at Edmonton 24
Attendance-- 30,734


Edmonton Sun-- Bombers can't snap Commonwealth jinx
Edmonton Journal-- Eskimos defence comes up big
Globe and Mail-- Ricky Ray leads Eskimos past Bombers
Winnipeg Sun-- Good Bombers gone missing
Winnipeg Free Press-- Commonwealth stink bomb

CFL Gameday: Calgary at Toronto (October 14)

The Friday Night Football kickoff to week number 16 of the CFL season offers up two teams in very different places this CFL season, the Calgary Stampeders in the thick of the battle for first place in the West and the Toronto Argonauts currently playing for next years positions, far out of the race in the east and just counting down the days until they clear out their lockers.

With that narrative for our Friday night kickoff, the most entertaining part of the night's football buffet may come at half time when the Annual Wendy's kick to win competition takes place, somebody in Toronto could end up a big winner tonight, but chances are they won't be wearing Argo blue in the process.

Calgary has had their problems with consistency through the year, though nowhere near as many as their competitors tonight, but it's been a year where offensively the Stamps just haven't measured up to where most thought they would be at this season.

The one thing that the Argos have going in their favour tonight though is the fact that they really, have nothing to lose, there's little pressure on the collective, other than the audition call that the final weeks of the season will provide.

Providing they can spend a little less time focused on their twitter accounts and a little more on the actual playbook and events on the field, they could make Friday night a competitive evening.

Game Time 7:30 PM ET (5:30 MT, 4:30 PT) TSN

Pre Game

Toronto Sun-- Argos shy Mann, Durie for Stampeders
Toronto Star-- Copeland and the Argos end a frustrating season
Globe and Mail-- Stampeders plan to peak at better time
National Post-- Argos' Boyd vents on Twitter again
Calgary Sun-- Tale of two CFL running backs
Calgary Herald-- Stamps hit early playoff mode

Quick Snaps Toronto Argonauts
Quick Snaps Calgary Herald


Post Game


Calgary 29 at Toronto 31
Attendance-- 18, 720


Toronto Sun-- Boyd and Kackert lead Argos
Toronto Star-- Argos pull one out of the fire
Globe and Mail-- Argos put the boot to Stampeders
Calgary Sun-- Argos upset Stamps
Calgary Herald-- Burris only part of Stampeders' problems

CFL Regular Season Week 16

Logjams highlight the top of both CFL East and West standings heading into week number 16, the West offering a three way clog at the top, leaving just a few more weeks in the CFL schedule to unscramble the hopefuls for the West Final home date.

In the east, it's starting to shape up to be a two team race for first, the Als and Bombers continue to jockey for the top seed, while the Ticats find inopportune times to fall off the pace of the race for first place.

The week kicks off with the Stamps arrival in Toronto, a game which is of major importance to the Stamps when it comes to keeping pace in the West, for the Argos it's audition time once again for those players that may have thoughts of continuing their careers in Argo Blue next year. The highlight for Friday probably won't come from the sixty minutes of playing time, but rather from the half time Wendy's Kick to win competition where participants will seek to win some cash and prizes for doing their best Paul McCallum imitation.

Saturday's offering gives us the Winnipeg Blue Bombers looking to add to their totals in the east by taking two points from the hometown Eskimos, Edmonton provided a rather uninspiring effort on Thanksgiving Monday but still took home the win from the Riders, one gets the feeling that if they put in the same effort on Saturday Winnipeg won't be as co-operative as Saskatchewan was.

A CFL doubleheader on Sunday will bring week sixteen to an end, the Hamilton Tiger Cats, as inconsistent a bunch as we've seen all year, will attempt to claw their way back into the CFL East race as they take on the Alouettes. Should the Als prevail, it could signal to the Ti Cats that any CFL playoff success this year will have to come through consecutive road games.

British Columbia will seek to move their winning streak to eight on Sunday and while it is never wise to count the points before the game is played, it would seem that they have a pretty good chance of doing just that. The Lions, currently the hottest team in the CFL take on the Riders, who definitely are the coldest of the leagues eight participants. The only thing in favour of Saskatchewan this week is that it's a home game, normally a giant advantage for Saskatchewan, though truth be told that hasn't provided much of an advantage through 2011.

Friday, October 14-- Calgary 29 at Toronto 31 ( A-- 18,720 ) 
Saturday, October 15-- Winnipeg 10 at Edmonton 24 (A-- 30,734 ) 
Sunday, October 16-- Hamilton 25 at Montreal 27 (A--23,668)
Sunday, October 16-- British Columbia 29 at Saskatchewan 18  (A-- 30,048) 

Twelve Men Prognostications: Predicted Winners

Calgary
Winnipeg
Montreal
British Columbia

Weekly Record-- 2 - 2
Overall Record-- 33 - 60 

CFL Players of the Week - Week 15

Not surprisingly, considering the record breaking day and attached attention that he received from it, Anthony Calvillo is the lead attraction on this weeks Players of the Week.

Calvillo was given the nod for offensive player of the week, thanks to his work against the Argos on Monday, a game where Calvillo became the all time leader in yards passing in professional football. The selection marks the fourth time this year that AC has been named to the Gibson's honour rolls.

Team mate Anwar Stewart takes home the defensive honours for the week, acknowledgement of the key role he has with the Alouettes defensive squad.

Paul McCallum had a lock on the special teams player of the week award, having set a new CFL record for consecutive field goals, then having it come to an end, McCallum added to the drama of week fifteen and won another key game for the Lions with his last second field goal on Saturday night, a dramatic kick that sealed his selection as special teams player of the week, the third time this year that McCallum has been named to the honour rolls.

And Jerome Messam continues to add to his personal awards roster, once again claiming the top Canadian Player of the week from his running game on Sunday against the Riders. With his selection Messam joins Anthony Calvillo at the top of the Gibsons Awards this year, this marks the fourth time that he has been named to the awards this year.

The full review of the awards for week Fifteen can be found below.

Official website for the Gibson's Player Awards

See video replay here

Offensive Player of the Week
Anthony Calvillo
Montreal Alouettes - Quarteback

Defensive Player of the Week
Anwar Stewart
Montreal Alouettes -- Safety

Special Teams Player of the Week
Paul McCallum
BC Lions -Kicker

Canadian Player of the Week
Jerome Messam
Edmonton Eskimos - Running Back

Items of Note

Historic game earns Calvillo Player of the Week
Top Ten Plays of the Week
End Zone Replay Week 15
Purolator Sack Attack Week 15

Gibsons Award Archives for 2011

Week Fifteen Review (ending October 10)

The top of the standings is getting a little congested after fifteen weeks of football above the 49th, both the East and West Divisions feature close races, the West a three way tie at the moment which seems to be tilted towards the BC Lions. All three teams have sixteen points atop the West, the Lions have the top seeding at the moment owing to their success against the Stamps and the surge of seven wins in the last seven weeks.

In the East the Montreal Alouettes have been battling the Blue Bombers through the late summer and into the fall, finally scaling the walls of Swaggerville to claim their hunk of the CFL East's top spot, setting the scene for  a showdown in Winnipeg in two weeks time.

The Als and Bombers at the moment each have eighteen points, with the TiCats keeping close but running out of time with their fourteen points on the year thus far.

The results of week fifteen provided much of the accounting for the standings this week, the games played out as follows.

Saskatchewan at Edmonton

Week fifteen came along as part of Canada's celebration of Thanksgiving, a weekend where families and friends gather and give thanks, perhaps watch a little football on the tube and of course, carve into a giant bird.

And if Saturday gave us perhaps the best game of the year in the form of the Stamps and Lions and early Monday afternoon gave us the historic game of the year, thanks to the arm of Anthony Calvillo, the wrap up game to the weekend on late Monday afternoon  brought the turkey.

The Riders and Eskimos provided perhaps one of the most boring and less than rewarding of football experiences that we've seen all year, the only saving grace for the 38,000 plus in attendance in Edmonton the fact that at least the home side collected the two points for the win as a result of the 17 to 1 Eskimo victory.

The nature of the West Division game, most likely provided more than enough incentive for even the most devoted of CFL fans to abandon the pigskin to other pursuits, most importantly we imagine the opportunity to chow down on the family bird.

The Eskimo victory moved the Esks into a tie for first in the West, but realistically if Sunday's performance is any indication as to their plans for holding onto that spot, their grasp one imagines will be short lived.

For Saskatchewan, once again an inability to score points highlighted the problems that have afflicted the RiderNation since the season began, Sunday's loss all but assuring that playoff tickets won't be a hot commodity in Regina this fall..

Edmonton Sun-- Loss puts Riders outside looking in
Edmonton Journal-- Victory leaves sour taste in fans' mouths
National Post-- Eskimos top Riders in a snoozer
Canada.com-- A turkey of a game

Toronto at Montreal

The Argonauts were part of some history on Thanksgiving Monday, well to be more exact they watched a bit of history on Monday, as Anthony Calvillo rose to the top of the quarterback ranks and was feted near and far for his accomplishment.

The Alouettes victory, vital as it was to the race for the top in the CFL East was overshadowed for the most part by the remarkable achievement of Calvillo, who crossed the 72,429 yard mark for professional football passing as part of Monday's game.

The CFL stopped play at that point, ran the video tributes and let Calvillo basked in his much deserved glory, as the video played some classy observations from Dan Marino, Warren Moon, Damon Allen and ESPN's Chris Berman, the fans in Montreal offered up their own tributes to Calvillo who has become the face of football in Quebec over his many seasons in rouge, blanc et bleu.

Calvillo's third quarter toss to Jamel Richardson (who tossed the historic ball into the stands upon crossing the goal line, a ball which was quickly recovered by Alouette officials) beyond setting records, pretty well ended the Argonauts season, the seven points pushed the Als ahead of Toronto on the scoreboard for the day and they never looked back again.

If Argo coach Jim Barker was to look for something good out of Monday's game, other than the recognition of one of the CFL's long running stars, it was the fact that for most of three quarters his team finally showed a bit of resolve.

In the end however, the same problems that have haunted the Argos all season reoccurred, as telling a tale for them as there is and the main reason as to why their season had pretty well come to an end just as Canadians were settling down to their Thanksgiving turkeys.

The Montreal win by a margin of 29 to 19, brought the Als back into a tie for first with the Blue Bombers, two teams that are destined for a showdown on October 22nd when the hew record holder of yards gained through passing will bring his team into Canad Inn Stadium, making for a late season game that should feature much in the way of drama and more than a bit of importance as to how the final standings may shape up in 2011.

Globe and Mail-- 72,429 yards and counting for Anthony Calvillo
National Post-- Alouettes' Calvillo breaks pro football's passing record
Canada.com-- Confirmed: Anthony Calvillo is the best   
Toronto Star-- Calvillo surpasses Allen as CFL passing leader

Calgary at British Columbia

Saturday night's showdown between the Stamps and Lions offered up some of the best football of the season, wild offensive swings, dramatic field goals, record setting performances and streak ending misses.

In amongst the hard hitting action on the floor of BC Place, the hometown fans would eventually leave for home happy, but exhausted, after the Lions battled to reclaim their early lead of the game, requiring a last second field goal to secure the 33-31 victory and lay claim to the top spot in the CFL West.

The game started out well for the Lions, who appeared to be in control of events right from the opening play of the game as they rocked Henry Burris, forcing a fumble and setting up the opening score for the Lions, seven points on the board before the faithful had even cleared the concession stands.

Another touchdown before the first quarter came to an end put the Lions into a fourteen point advantage, but any thoughts of a runaway victory would be dashed before the final whistle would sound.

The Stamps charged back at the Lions however and made the Saturday night game some fine counter programming to the week two fare of Hockey Night in Canada, a game which featured both Travis Lulay and Henry Burris in a pass happy mood, picking their spots against defenders for yardage and points along the way.

Paul McCallum had one of those amazing games that come around for kickers from time to time, he tied and then set a new CFL record for field goals, both kicks that would never be considered gimmes. Once he marked his name into the CFL record books, he then went out and muffed one that would have added to the totals, making the mark for future CFL kickers to be 28 in a row.

But any disappointment for him at the end of the streak would be quickly diminished, called up on by Wally Buono to make a 53 yard attempt as the last play of the game, McCallum stood focused on the field put in motion his stride and knocked the ball through the uprights, sending the Lions on to victory and adding to their amazing surge of seven straight victories.

The night provided for as exciting a night of football as we've seen this year, a dramatic last second victory that adds to the build up to the final weeks of the season as the CFL West teams juggle for playoff positions.

Vancouver Province-- Lions kicker McCallum scores when it counts
Vancouver Sun-- McCallum's monster boot saves Lions' win streak
Calgary Herald-- Lions overtake Stamps atop CFL West
Calgary Sun-- Stamps booted in B. C.

Winnipeg at Hamilton

The Tiger Cats keep finding ways to lose out on opportunity when it's knocking at the door.  The knock this time around came from Winnipeg, which while injury depleted still has managed to keep afloat in the CFL East.  The Cats should have had the momentum going into Friday night's weekend opener, but alas some of the old problems for Hamilton came for a revisit at a most inopportune time.

Penalties, turnovers, missed tackles, dropped passes, incomplete passes and a problem converting to first downs kept the Cats off balance for most of the game, the Bombers on the other hand picked up their pace and found little trouble on a Friday night,  dismissing the Cats by a score of 33-17 and securing a hunk of first place as their own as well as ensuring that there will be playoff football in their 2011 season.

It was a win that the Bombers needed at a most crucial time, having lost two in a row and with a MASH unit taking residence outside Canad Inn stadium these days, the opportunity to begin to obsess on the season that could have been was beginning to gain a bit of traction, as dangerous a problem as growing injury lists could ever be.

Instead, with their convincing victory the Bombers once again have declared to the CFL that they have the depth and the dedication to their cause that the folks of Swaggerville had been celebrating earlier this year.

The Alouettes may yet have something to add to the discussion in Winnipeg about any Grey Cup travel arrangements, but with their win on Friday, the Bombers have served notice that the road to Vancouver may require a pit stop in Winnipeg, the first of those pit stops comes up in a few weeks when the Als and Bombers have a showdown at CanadInn Stadium, a game which is shaping up to be one of the Big Ones of the end of the CFL season.

Winnipeg Free Press-- Bombers come up big 
Winnipeg Sun-- Bombers clinch playoff spot
Hamilton Spectator-- Ticats fall to Bombers, hear boo birds
National Post-- Blue Bombers thump the Tiger Cats

CFL Gameday: Saskatchewan at Edmonton (October 10)

Week fifteen of the CFL season offers the Edmonton Eskimos a chance to clinch a playoff spot, a welcome return for the Eskies fans who perhaps had thought they might have been in store for a few years of football wilderness walking at the end of last season.

Thanks to the Eskimos remarkable start to the 2011 season and the implosion of today's opponents the Roughriders, this year has been a quicker paced turnaround year for Edmonton than most would have thought.

And while the Eskimos probably have benefited from the decline of the Riders this year, their success is truly on their own dime, they have bought into Kavis Reed's game plan,  rewarded the trust of GM Eric Tilman and performed on most days in a remarkable fashion.

There have been a few hiccups along the way, from their fast jump out of the gate in July, August turned into a bit of a nightmare, but past Labour Day and now into October the Eskimos have begun to resemble the team that had everyone talking at the start of the season.

A win today would clinch the elusive playoff spot and keep Edmonton in the hunt with Calgary and BC for first place in the CFL West, a win would also slay a bit of a dragon for the Esks this year, a tendency to lose home games in front of huge crowds.

Edmonton has lost three consecutive home games heading into today's game, sending the volume of Eskimo fans in attendance home to ponder just what it is with this team that results in a less than stellar effort at home.

With Saskatchewan on the brink of playoff elimination and with back up Ryan Dinwiddie starting for the injured Darian Durant, one has the feeling that the Eskimo fan base won't have to ponder too much today, other than whether they will host a CFL semi or final playoff game.

Game Time 2 PM MT (4 ET, 1 PT)

Pre Game

Edmonton Sun-- Win and the Esks are in
Edmonton Journal-- Joseph thankful for every day on the gridiron
Regina Leader Post-- Ryan Dinwiddie gets start for an injured Darian Durant
Globe and Mail-- Riders, Eskimos look to snap streaks
National Post-- Eskimos prepare to end Roughriders' playoff hopes
Canada.com -- Eskimos victory on Monday would put team in playoffs ...

Quick Snaps Edmonton Eskimos
Quick Snaps Saskatchewan Roughriders


Saskatchewan 1 at Edmonton 17
Attendance-- 38,054


Edmonton Sun-- Loss puts Riders outside looking in
Edmonton Journal-- Victory leaves sour taste in fans' mouths
Regina Leader Post-- Riders' playoff hopes dimmer after 17-1 loss to Eskimos
National Post-- Eskimos top Riders in a snoozer
Globe and Mail-- Eskimos dump Riders to clinch playoff berth
Canada.com-- A turkey of a game

CFL Gameday: Toronto at Montreal (October 10)

Anthony Calvillo can lay claim to more pages of the CFL's record book today, a rather likely prospect considering the Alouettes are making their Thanksgiving Day weekend work at home in Montreal this season, providing Calvillo to carve up the Argo secondary as though he will be at the head of the family table with a big bird in front of him.

If all goes as expected, Calvillo will put the final touches on the long weekend of food, fun and football, with a side dish of record book reconciliation.

AC will require but 258 yards in passing to break Damon Allen's record of 72.381 yards, considering the powerful nature of the Alouettes offence and the less than solid record of the entire Argo squad, the CFL print shop could be revising issues by half time.

And while we imagine he looks forward to enshrinement in the ancient books of the CFL, of more importance to the group today will be the two points up for grabs and a chance to clinch a playoff spot, which would mark year number 16 in a row that the Als will have had post season play. There's also the chance to hold first place for another week, a win moves the Als back into a tie with the Bombers for the top spot in the East, a cat and mouse game of late that may no finally see some closure until the Als and Bombers meet again on October 22nd.

As for the Argos, it's been a season that went off the rails early on in the year and never seemed to get back on track, for the most part now, the Argos are in an extended audition phase for 2012, seeking to discover which players may best fit into their plans for next years season, on which Toronto hosts the Grey Cup for it's 100th Anniversary.

We imagine that Mr. Calvillo will be more than happy to help with the vetting prospects for next years would be Argos, making for Monday's game to be a real time exam for Professor Barker to grade.

Game Time 1 PM ET (10 AM ET) TSN

Pre Game


Toronto Sun-- Calvillo's focus on Argos
Toronto Star-- Argos need to reintroduce themselves to end zone
Globe and Mail-- Als' Calvillo has Allen in crosshairs once again
National Post-- Las Vegas expansion key to start of Calvillo's career
Canada.com-- Reaching 1,000 yards a big deal for Alouettes Whitaker

Quick Snaps Toronto Argonauts
Quick Snaps Montreal Alouettes


Toronto 19 at Montreal 29
Attendance-- 23,960


Post Game

Globe and Mail-- 72,429 yards and counting for Anthony Calvillo
National Post-- Alouettes' Calvillo breaks pro football's passing record
Canada.com-- Confirmed: Anthony Calvillo is the best
Toronto Sun-- Jyles could learn from Calvillo
Toronto Star-- Calvillo surpasses Allen as CFL passing leader

CFL Gameday: Calgary at British Columbia (October 8 2011)

Eight weeks or so ago, it probably seemed unlikely that at Thanksgiving the BC Lions and the Calgary Stampeders would be facing each other in a showdown for first place in the CFL West.

The Stamps perhaps would have been given consideration for that status, though the inconsistent nature of their play through the first three months of the season probably provided the seed of doubt for more than a few of the faithful, but if they had doubts, imagine what Lionsbackers might have been feeling in August!

By that time, the Leos were in a horrendous skid, wins were of the rare variety, the losses piling up at a rapid clip, leaving Lions season ticket holders to wonder if they might be able to make some cash when it came time to sell off the Grey Cup tickets.

But in late August and through September and October the winds shifted in the west, the Lions surged through the late summer and now into fall undefeated in six straight games, clawing their way back into the CFL playoff hunt and tonight they could very well scale to the top of the Western standings.

From the early doubts and occasional catcalls that Wally Buono's best days perhaps were behind them, the Lions knuckled down to the job at hand and turned around their season, one which now finds them in the thick of the race for first place and finding fans flocking back to the stands just in time to enjoy their new digs at B. C. Place.

While the Lions have been hot the Stamps have been lukewarm, far too many good efforts have been followed up by games that have left head coach John Hufnagel to wonder about the passion of his players.

One thing is certain, with much on the line tonight, in front of what should be another huge Lions crowd at the renovated home of B. C .Place, if the Stamps aren't up for this one, then Hufnagel will have his answer as  to their level of passion.

Of the four games of the weekend, tonight's offers up the most potential drama and provides a game that has something for both teams to win or lose.

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

Pre Game

Vancouver Sun-- Lulay's progression a byproduct of Lion's improved play
Vancouver Province-- Lulay: From starry-eyed backup to star Lions QB
Calgary Herald-- Lewis on cusp of 1,000 yards for eighth straight year
Calgary Sun-- Time for Stamps to serve and protect
National Post-- Lions eye first place in the West
Globe and Mail-- Harris relishes rare role as star Canadian running back

Quick Snaps British Columbia Lions
Quick Snaps Calgary Stampeders


Post Game


Calgary 31 at British Columbia 33
Attendance-- 30,622


Vancouver Province-- Lions kicker McCallum scores when it counts
Vancouver Sun-- McCallum's monster boot saves Lions' win streak
Calgary Herald-- Lions overtake Stamps atop CFL West
Calgary Sun-- Stamps booted in B. C.
Globe and Mail-- B. C. Lions defeat Stamps on last play of game
National Post-- McCallum's field goal seals win for Lions

Gibson's Players of the Month for September 2011

The Labour Day Classics and such have come and gone, Thanksgiving just around the corner and following it the CFL playoffs.

Time is dwindling for CFL stars to shine and make their mark on the Player of the Week and month awards for 2011.

Septembers selections were spread across the CFL from east to west as the cream rose to the top this month. From Montreal where Brandon Whitaker ran and caught his way to acknowledgement through Saskatchewan where Jerell Freeman stood out, a stop in Calgary finds Jon Cornish making the highlight reel regularly while the surging BC Lions propelled Paul McCallum on to higher recognition for September.

Official website for the Gibson's Players of the Month Awards

Video Review of the Players of the Month

Offensive Player of the Month
Brandon Whitaker
Montreal Alouettes - Running Back

Defensive Player of the Month
Jerrell Freeman
Saskatchewan Roughriders -- Linebacker

Special Teams Player of the Month
Paul McCallum
British Columbia Lions -- Punter/Kicker

Canadian Player of the Month
Jon Cornish
Calgary Stampeders -- Running Back


Player of the Month Archives for 2011
Player of the Week Archives for 2011

CFL Gameday: Winnipeg at Hamilton (October 7)

The opening night of the Thanksgiving Weekend features a CFL East showdown, which will see the current division leading Blue Bombers (tied all be it with Montreal) trying to stave off another attack on their perch, this time by the hometown Tiger Cats.

Winnipeg has been close in both of their defeats in their two game slump, but close doesn't hold home field advantage for the playoffs and both Montreal and Hamilton have made gains during the Bombers skid.

Head coach Paul LaPolice is to be commended for his ability to hold his injury depleted line up together through the last few weeks, with a few breaks (and perhaps more consistent officiating) both results could have gone the Bombers way making Friday night's game of less significance than it is now.

With a win the Cats can officially make the CFL East's top position a three way race, though for the most part it already is one, Montreal having the edge this weekend with their match up with the woeful Argonauts.

While Winnipeg's losses of September can be attributed to an the injury list, the Cats struggles at consistency have basically been self inflicted. Hamilton has seemingly provided for a routine  of one strong game, followed by one or two stinkers, with the Cats having put together back to back wins and impressive wins at that, the Bombers must be hoping that the pendulum swings back to stink for Friday night.

Game Time 7 PM ( 6 CT, 4 PT) TSN

Pre Game

Hamilton Spectator-- Cats need to cut Bombers' swagger
Toronto Sun-- Ticats: Pretenders or serious contenders?
Winnipeg Free Press-- Players' play should do the talking
Winnipeg Sun-- Canada Day, again for Bombers
Globe and Mail-- Steve Baggs, Ticats confident ahead of game against Blue Bombers
National Post-- Baggs ready to feast on Bombers

Quick Snaps Hamilton Tiger Cats
Quick Snaps Winnipeg Blue Bombers


Post Game


Winnipeg  33 at Hamilton 17
Attendance: 23,268


Winnipeg Free Press-- Bombers come up big
Winnipeg Sun-- Bombers clinch playoff berth
Hamilton Spectator-- Ticat fans deserve more
Toronto Sun-- Ticats fall to Bombers
Globe and Mail-- Buck Pierce leads Bombers past TiCats
National Post-- Blue Bombers thump the Tiger-Cats

CFL Regular Season Week 15

The races in the CFL East and West could become even tighter once the weekend's play of week fifteen has come to an end.

A pair of the weekend's four offerings could provide change of momentum that alters the CFL landscape heading into the final weeks of the 2011 season.

The weekend kicks off in Hamilton where the Blue Bombers hanging onto first place by a thread travel to Hamilton, where the Tiger Cats hope to continue on with their winning ways of late to make the CFL East a three way race for home field advantage and a bye into the CFL East final.

Friday night's opening act will see the injury challenged Bombers, who have lost their last two games hoping to stem that losing streak at the expense of the Cats.  With perhaps a twist of fate in both those losses and the Bombers would still be building a large lead in the East, but, fate seemingly intervened twice sending the Bombers to the loss column, twice, look for them to battle hard to not make it a third.

Saturday brings us a CFL West showdown, where the surging BC Lions host the CFL West leading Stampeders at the remodelled  BC Place Stadium.  The Lions are at 6 straight wins and appear to be on message with Wally Buono, the Stamps have been inconsistent through the summer and into the fall, yet somehow have managed to hang onto the CFL West's top spot through their troubles.

A win from the home side will pull them up even with Calgary, giving the Lions the edge in the quest for first heading down the final weeks of the season.

The remaining two games of the week feature the league's weakest squads facing the unenviable task of playing out the season with an eye towards 2012 player development.

The Argos open up Thanksgiving Monday when they face the Alouettes at Moslon Stadium in Montreal, these remaining weeks are more or less Steven Jyles exhibition season, his chance to develop a rhythm with his offence, though one wonders how many of his fellow Argos will be on the boat in 2012.

Out west, the Saskatchewan Roughriders will try to break their current anemic offensive standard, the last two games have seen the Riders amass a grand total of 8 points in two consecutive losses, with Edmonton still in the hunt for first place in the CFL West, one imagines that Monday's Thanksgiving Day finale won't provide much improvement for the Riders fortunes.


Friday, October 7-- Winnipeg 33 at Hamilton 17 (A--23,268)
Saturday, October 8-- Calgary 31 at British Columbia 33 (A--30,622) 
Monday, October 10-- Toronto 19 at Montreal 29  (A--23,960)
Monday, October 10-- Saskatchewan 1 at Edmonton 17 (38,054)

Twelve Men Prognostications: Predicted Winners

Hamilton
British Columbia
Montreal
Edmonton


Weekly Record-- 3 - 4
Overall Record-- 31 - 56

CFL Players of the Week - Week 14

The West controlled the awards for week fourteen with the Calgary Stampeders laying claim to three of four, Jon Cornish of the Stamps taking half the week's hardware as his own with a successful week in two categories.

Cornish was awarded the Offensive player of the week accolades as well as the Canadian Player of the week, based on the strength of his work in last Saturday's victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

The Stamps Charleston Hughes also gained recognition for his defensive work in that match up with the Riders, claiming the Defensive Player of the week awards for week 14.

Adam Bighill stepped in to stop the Stampeder sweep of the week's awards, picking up the Special Teams Player of the Week award.

The full review of the awards for week Thirteen can be found below.

Official website for the Gibson's Player Awards

See video replay here

Offensive Player of the Week

Jon Cornish

Calgary Stampeders- Running Back

Defensive Player of the Week

Charleston Hughes

Calgary Stampeders -- Defensive End

Special Teams Player of the Week

Adam Bighill

BC Lions - Linebacker

Canadian Player of the Week

Jon Cornish

Calgary Stampeders - Running Back

Items of Note

Cornish doubles up in Players of the Week

Top Ten Plays of the Week

End Zone Replay Week 14

Purolator Sack Attack Week 14

Gibsons Award Archives for 2011

Week Fourteen Review (ending October 1)

The CFL's cellar dwellers fell further to the bottom, their playoff aspirations growing weaker with each passing week of the schedule. On the other side of the playoff hunt, week fourteen provided a sample of some of the excitement to come in the final stretch, as the surging Lions continue on their winning ways and the Tiger Cats and Alouettes served notice that the CFL East is still up for grabs.

For CFL fans outside of Toronto and Saskatchewan, the next month should provide for much anticipation, for those that support the Riders and Argos, it is indeed wait til next year time.

A review of the week that was is below.

Hamilton at Toronto

It was the Labour Day Classic delayed, an October meeting between the two Ontario rivals that provided a slight attendance boost for the Argo book keepers, thanks to the light traffic we imagine on the QEW, a small legion of Ti Cat fans in among the 21,000 ready to celebrate their teams destruction of any thoughts that the Argos may have had for a playoff spot run.

Hamilton helped their own cause for a possible first place finish with their win, that combined with Montreal's last stand against the Bombers, tightens up the CFL East significantly making the final weeks of the season ones that could feature lead changes and high drama through to the last game.

Their efforts in Toronto were best summed up by the Hamilton Spectator's Drew Edwards, who quite succinctly put the game into perspective with his blog headline of "Argos guarantee win, Ticats deliver one".

That in a nutshell defines Saturdays wrap on the week fourteen schedule, the Argos had been full of bluster for the week leading up to the game, but once on the field it was the TiCats that did all the talking, defensively they shut down the Argos quite nicely, holding Steven Jyles to just 142 yards in the air, the few opportunities provided to the double blue squandered for the most part on the way to the 27-12 decision in favour of Hamilton, all of Toronto's points coming from the foot of Noel Prefontaine.

The Cats made good use of the run, one spectacular trot by Terry Grant rambled for 89 yards and a touchdown, the Argos defence seemingly incapable of plugging the holes and slowing down the Tiger Cat attack.

For good measure Hamilton provides some entertainment for their travelling band of fans, with a fake punt toss from Justin Medlock who connected with Darcy Brown, who took the ball down field setting up Medlock for a field goal.

Kevin Glenn's numbers provide a sample of the course of the Cats domination on the day, 21 for 30 in passing for 301 yards, including one touchdown pass.  However, it was the work of the TiCat defence that told the tale of the game, as head coach Marcel Bellefeuille pointed out post game, "you're not going to get beat keeping teams out of the end zone", something the Cats accomplished quite nicely on Saturday night.


Toronto Sun-- Argos down one... before kickoff
Hamilton Spectator-- Cats win 27-12 over arch-rival Argos
Globe and Mail-- Ticats shut down Argonauts
Toronto Star-- Punchless Argonauts sinking out of sight

Saskatchewan at Calgary

While Greg Marshall continues on to the bank every two weeks to cash a cheque from the Saskatchewan Roughriders, he can probably take some solace that the last few weeks have provided a sense of vindication that perhaps all was not his fault in Riderland.

The Riders have reverted to their early season form, in fact in the last two weeks they have surrendered points by the century mark, never a good sign if you're hoping to collect wins in the CFL.

After the boost of the return of Ken Miller, the actual cracks in the Riders foundation have once again begun to appear, offensively they have become anemic, defensively porous, a combination that leaves them  all but eliminated from the playoffs for 2011, the prospect that the remaining six teams in the playoff hunt are going to have a meltdown rather remote, making the final weeks of this season evaluation time for the Riders upper brass.

The only good news for RiderNation as the 2011 schedule winds down is the report that the 2013 Grey Cup is destined for the home of the melon heads.

The Stampeders hammered home the message that the season is lost for the Riders with ferocity through Saturday's match up at McMahon Stadium, the  40-3 victory a much needed boost for the Red and White who have had struggles of consistency of their own over the last few weeks, but on Saturday the Stamps looked more like the Grey Cup favourite that many had them pencilled in as, rather than the slumping, staggering squad that has shown up on occasion this season.

A week ago coach Hufnagel outlined that he had some doubts about the commitment that some of his players were showing to the game, a message that seems to have finally resonated across the Stamps lineup, Saturday's dominating performance against the Riders provided a number of signs that the Stamps were back on message, securing their hold on first in the West for another week, holding off the surging Lions and setting the stage for a showdown with BC over the weekend to come.

Calgary Sun-- Stamps hear coach's message loud and clear
Calgary Herald-- Stampeders strike gold versus hapless Roughriders
Regina Leader Post-- Riders flat out of hope
Globe and Mail-- Stampeders dismantle Riders

Edmonton at British Columbia

It was the grand re-opening of BC Place, a 500 million plus investment by British Columbia in a state of the art showpiece stadium, one described as the jewel of Canadian stadiums, leaving the arriving fans in awe at the many changes to the ole Mushroom at False Creek of the past.

Among those seemingly in awe for a short period of time anyways, were the BC Lions who took a little bit of time getting back to the focus of football.

The Eskimos the guests on re-opening night had early thoughts of being the party crashers, taking control of the first six minutes of play, gobbling up yards, eating up time and keeping the Lions offence off the field.

It was a rather low scoring first half, Kerry Joseph proving to be the only fellow on the field inclined to score a touchdown, running one in just before the half expired, sending the Eskimos into the dressing room with 13-12 lead, signalling for the crowd of 50,213 to head off in search of a line up at the concession stands (seemingly a few kinks to work out at the new and improved BC Place, corporate licensing name pending).

Whatever half time discussion Wally Buono engaged in proved effective however, as the second half belonged to the Lions as they launched a stellar second half on the way to a 33-22 victory, with Travis Lulay finally getting on track, scoring a touchdown of his own on the run and then making fine use of his offensive weapons such as Arland Bruce III and Geroy Simon.

The game deteriorated a bit at the end, as the Eskimos frustrations with the Lions boiled over,  Jerome Messam, a former Lion seemingly not  popular with his ex team mates snapped, resulting in a mini brawl late in the game, resulting in a number of ejections from the game following all the scraps.

The bottom line for the Lions however was two points on the score board and a boat load of people in the stands, the 50,000 plus proving to be their largest home crowd in years, the win perhaps providing enough entertainment to bring just as many back through the final weeks of the CFL season and into the playoffs.

Vancouver Sun-- Lions provide interior finish at palace
Vancouver Province-- No. 250 no milestone for Buono
Edmonton Sun-- Lions roll over Eskimos
Edmonton Journal-- Joseph continues doing solid work in backup role

Montreal at Winnipeg

The space at the top of the CFL East became a little more crowded by the time Friday  night came to an end, as the Montreal Alouettes made the trek into Winnipeg and grabbed two points from the injury depleted Bombers on the strength of a 32 to 26 victory.

It was a game that featured a number of strange happenings, from a blow call by a now former CFL official to a goal line stand by the Alouettes that secured the victory and most likely kept Marc Trestman from losing money from his wallet for any potential  post game ruminations on the state of CFL officiating.

Trestman remained remarkably composed on the Als sidelines as the Bombers made a stunning late game march down the field, aided by a pair of pass interference calls, one of which was so bad that in the end it resulted in the firing of a CFL official.

In a post game review by Tom Higgins, the CFL's Director of Officiating found that of the seven interference calls during the course of the game, three were incorrect, a ratio that proved to be unacceptable.

As it is, Trestman probably has company on the eye roll of officiating, Bombers head coach Paul LaPolice had a few questions of his own post game, including a desire to have the CFL review the counting skills of those at the time keepers bench, at the heart of LaPolice's concerns a rather quick expiration of the final five seconds of the game.

Yet the Bombers who clawed their way back into the game after surrendering an early lead to the Als, in the end can perhaps turn their attention to their inability to score on two chances from the one yard line, the lack of a significant surge into the end zone more than anything else was responsible for their position on the scoreboard at the end of the game.

That and a tendency to turn over the ball handed the Alouettes the two points, making the CFL East race a most interesting thing to watch through October.

Winnipeg Sun-- Bombers can't score from one
Winnipeg Free Press-- LaPo wants CFL review of Friday's final play
Canada.com-- CFL's Higgins admits ref made bad call
Globe and Mail-- Als hang on to beat Bombers

Quick Snaps British Columbia Lions - October 2011

Items of note that don't get the full blog treatment, but offer up news and background on the British Columbia Lions.

October 29-- Undermanned B. C. Lions roll to home victory over Edmonton Eskimos
October 29-- B. C. Lions make believers out of critics
October 28-- Lions turfed a misunderstood Messam
October 28-- Lions must find something special to keep hopes alive
October 28-- The value of experience
October 28-- At this stage, the name of the game is survival
October 27-- This is Lions' Jackson time to shine
October 27-- Mutual respect helps injured trio through rough spots on the road
October 26-- B. C. Lions look to the ex-factor for a boost
October 26-- Experience keeps veteran RB Robertson ready for weekend Eskimo clash
October 14-- Pride on line as new recruit joins special teams
October 14-- 400,000 people expected for Grey Cup festival
October 13-- Grey Cup an opportunity to make amends for Cup riot, premier says
October 13-- Amara Kamara hopes to make big impression in Lions' debut
October 13-- Lions' Andrew Harris 'too good to be true'
October 13-- Legend of McCallum's foot continues to grow with record, game winning-boot
October 13-- Grey Cup festival details announced
October 13-- How the B. C. Lions came back from the dead 
October 13-- Family fun planned for Grey Cup festivities
October 13-- Grey Cup organizers hope to avoid Stanley Cup violence
October 13-- Prayers have yet to be answered for Lions
October 13-- Abbotsford Heat president takes cue from BC Lions' playbook
October 12-- Yurichuk is ready for game time with Leos
October 12-- Paul McCallum earns weekly CFL award
October 12-- New Lion Taylor just happy to get another shot at pro football
October 12-- Smooth-kicking McCallum compared to pro golfers
October 11-- Lions hero McCallum spared crushing weight of victory
October 11-- B. C. has Eskimos to thank at Thanksgiving
October 11-- Paul McCallum a hero to most, zero to few
October 10-- Buono ponders linebacker options after Elimimian injury
October 10-- Paul McCallum has kicked his way into Dave Ridgway's class
October 9-- Lions kicker McCallum scores when it counts
October 9-- B. C. Lions defeat Stamps on last play of game
October 9-- Stamps booted in B. C.
October 9-- McCallum's field goal seals win for Lions
October 9-- Loss puts Stamps in undesirable spot
October 9-- B C Place Stadium still struggling with leaky roof
October 9-- Lions kicker cements spot as top special-teamer
October 8-- Lulay: From starry eyed backup to star Lions QB
October 8-- Lions' McCallum breaks CFL kicking record
October 8-- Lions' Harris pays emotional tribute to friend
October 8-- Pivot probe keeps Buono in the pocket
October 8-- Beware of the "Cornish" factor
October 8-- Former Leos to be honoured tonight
October 7-- Lulay's progression a byproduct of Lions' improved play
October 7-- Buono hits the open roof
October 7-- Lions' hits just keep on comin'
October 7-- Cornish sets sights on being the CFL's best back, not just Canada's
October 7-- Lulay or the Lions: Who's improved?
October 7-- Thinking beyond Buono's reign
October 7-- Nismo 370Z has speed and sound to spare
October 7-- Harris relishes rare role as star Canadian running back
October 7-- Ex Lion helped shatter CFL myth that running backs should come from U. S.
October 7-- Memories of a steak mountain
October 6-- Lions receiver Williams: When life becomes a long audition
October 6-- Benevides' coaching candidacy elevated during Lions' six-game rebound
October 6-- There's lies, damned lies and Lulay's statistics
October 6-- Lions, partners boost bid to end violence against women
October 6-- Bighill's a mountain of an obstacle for punters
October 6-- Healthy Lions pouncing on rivals with attitude
October 5-- Offensive line in the zone for Lions Grey Cup push
October 5-- Stamps anxious for rematch with Lions
October 5-- Would-be Lion King checks in
October 4-- Opening-night glitches get attention
October 4-- Ratings mean little to Lulay
October 3-- Buono reaches another milestone, yet fixated on another championship
October 3-- Grand opening hampered by staff shortage
October 3-- 'Blessed' Buono reaches milestone 250 wins as CFL coach
October 3-- Lions' Hunt accuses Eskimos of dirty play
October 3-- Lions defensive lineman accuses Eskimos O-line of dirty play
October 3-- Grand opening hampered by staff shortage
October 3-- No. 250 no milestone for Buono
October 2-- B. C. Place workers vote for strike action
October 2-- What's new since your last visit to BC Place
October 2-- Harris has made Lions forget about Messam
October 2-- Our improvements behind the scenes
October 1-- Lions provide interior finish at palace
October 1-- B. C. Lions dominate Eskimos for sixth straight win to open new stadium
October 1-- Welcome to the new bc place
October 1-- In with the new
October 1-- Telecom sponsors prompt intriguing stadium monikers
October 1-- Opportunity knocking for red-hot Lions
October 1-- Lions tear into Eskimos (with video)
October 1-- Worth the wait?
October 1-- Spoiled west-coast sports fans get a revamped B. C. Place
October 1-- Fans roar over B. C. Lions' new den