The Cats are down to their final life, one that they have some control over as they head off to Toronto for their regular season finale.
The task is simple a win and then they no doubt will have a pizza party on Friday night to cheer on the Calgary Stampeders on Friday Night Football, a loss and well when does the next plane leave Hamilton?
The Cats who have been the most inconsistent team in the CFL all year shouldn't have been in this position, a few timely wins through the summer and into the fall would have removed the last week dramatics, but Hamilton let far too many games slip away, so they all need to bring their "A" game to the Rogers Centre tonight.
Toronto, which has secured a playoff date for the first time in a while now, will rest Ricky Ray, good news for the Tiger Cats, now if the Argos could rest their defence as well all might be good for the Hamiltonians.
Should they find success this weekend both in Toronto and with help from the Stamps then they'll be right back in Toronto next weekend for the Eastern semi final.
When the season started, a good number of CFL observers thought that Hamilton was going to be the team to beat this season, as it turns out they were the team that everyone could beat and yet they still have one more chance to make a less than solid regular season worthwhile.
The playoffs offer up the chance to run the table, three wins and the Grey Cup is yours, of course you have to get to the dance, the music starts for Hamilton at 7 tonight.
Game Time 7 PM ET, 4 PT Rogers Centre TSN
Hamilton 40 at Toronto 43 (27,283)
Pre Game
CFL-ca-- Game Preview
CFL.ca-- Video Preview
National Post-- Urgency fuels fire under Tiger Cats
Toronto Sun-- Ray gets the week off
Toronto Star-- Argos to rest Ray for final game of CFL regular season
Hamilton Spectator-- Ticats have certainly earned this torturous ending to their season
Canada.com-- Ticats face another must-win situation in regular-season finale against Argos
Team Backgrounders
Hamilton Tiger Cats
Toronto Argonauts
Post Game
CFL.ca-- Game Review
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights
National Post-- Roller coaster of a season comes to an agonizing end for the Tiger-Cats
Toronto Sun-- Argos eat Ticats raw; Chad Owens sets CFL record
Toronto Star-- Argonauts answer bell against Tiger-Cats
Hamilton Spectator-- Season over: Ticats lose 43-40 to Argos
Canada.com-- Win well, win ugly, just win, says Tate
Showing posts with label Hamilton Tiger Cats. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hamilton Tiger Cats. Show all posts
Thursday, November 01, 2012
Friday, October 26, 2012
CFL Game Day: Winnipeg at Hamilton (Week Eighteen) October 27, 2012
It's a late season game with as much meaning as the weekend can offer and for all the wrong reasons.
Both Winnipeg and Hamilton have provided the material to be the poster children for incompetence this season, neither it seems capable of seizing the moment, neither really deserving of the chance to have a post season, but here we are, two weeks to go in the season and the Bombers and the Cats could very well determine which team packs for an Eastern Semi final game and which one parks on the couch.
Neither the Bombers, nor the Cats have given their fans much in the way of hope for a Grey Cup parade this season, in fact, frustration among the fan base has marked much of the season for both Winnipeg and Hamilton.
The Cats fans perhaps the most flummoxed at the path of the Tiger this season, a season of occasional highs mixed with far too many lows, of games within grasp and lost, intermixed with games where they have been blown out of the park, only to be countered by the odd effort where the Tabbies have looked like the Grey Cup should have been engraved with their name at the July 1st kickoff.
The only team more confusing for their fans this year has been the Bombers, a team which last year went as far as the Grey Cup game deep into November, a team which this year looked like they had booked their tickets for winter vacations back by the August 1st holiday weekend.
The Bombers, who went without the services of starting QB Buck Pierce for most of the year, were at times the team most likely to be run out of town by their own fan club.
The Bombers were at times just plain awful and then just when all seemed dire, they would come up with an impressive win, enough of a bit of progress to perhaps save the job of the head coach (the GM however isn't feeling any love from Friendly Manitoba) once they get around to the post mortem of the season from hell.
You somehow get the feeling that Bon Jovi is going to be the preferred warm up music in the Bomber locker room for the next two weeks. Yet with a win on Saturday and another next week and the Blue could very well be in the playoffs, a three week dash where anything can happen.
The test of that theory begins Saturday afternoon in the Hammer, to paraphrase the theme of the old Tina Turner Movie Thunder Dome, two teams enter, one leaves.
Game Time 1 PM ET, Noon CT, 10 AM ET, Ivor Wynne Stadium TSN
Winnipeg 18 at Hamilton 28 (29,722)
Pre Game
CFL.ca-- Game Preview
CFL.ca-- Video Preview
National Post-- Desperate Blue Bombers living on a prayer
Winnipeg Sun-- Tiger-Cats easy marks for Blue Bombers
Winnipeg Free Press-- Bombers juggle defensive lineup to replace injured starters
Hamilton Spectator-- Math is not on the side of Ticats against Blue Bombers
Canada.com-- Blue Bombers defence knows they have to step up to keep playoff hopes alive
Team Backgrounders
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Hamilton Tiger Cats
Post Game
CFL.ca-- Game Review
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights
National Post-- Tiger-Cats keep slim playoff hopes alive in final game at Ivor Wynne Stadium
Winnipeg Sun-- Blue Bombers' Buck Pierce's last hurrah?
Winnipeg Free Press-- Fitting end to sorry season
Hamilton Spectator-- Believe it! Ticats in battle with Esks for playoff spot
Canada.com-- Burris, Ticats seize the day vs. Bombers in 28-18 win, final game at Ivor Wynne
Both Winnipeg and Hamilton have provided the material to be the poster children for incompetence this season, neither it seems capable of seizing the moment, neither really deserving of the chance to have a post season, but here we are, two weeks to go in the season and the Bombers and the Cats could very well determine which team packs for an Eastern Semi final game and which one parks on the couch.
Neither the Bombers, nor the Cats have given their fans much in the way of hope for a Grey Cup parade this season, in fact, frustration among the fan base has marked much of the season for both Winnipeg and Hamilton.
The Cats fans perhaps the most flummoxed at the path of the Tiger this season, a season of occasional highs mixed with far too many lows, of games within grasp and lost, intermixed with games where they have been blown out of the park, only to be countered by the odd effort where the Tabbies have looked like the Grey Cup should have been engraved with their name at the July 1st kickoff.
The only team more confusing for their fans this year has been the Bombers, a team which last year went as far as the Grey Cup game deep into November, a team which this year looked like they had booked their tickets for winter vacations back by the August 1st holiday weekend.
The Bombers, who went without the services of starting QB Buck Pierce for most of the year, were at times the team most likely to be run out of town by their own fan club.
The Bombers were at times just plain awful and then just when all seemed dire, they would come up with an impressive win, enough of a bit of progress to perhaps save the job of the head coach (the GM however isn't feeling any love from Friendly Manitoba) once they get around to the post mortem of the season from hell.
You somehow get the feeling that Bon Jovi is going to be the preferred warm up music in the Bomber locker room for the next two weeks. Yet with a win on Saturday and another next week and the Blue could very well be in the playoffs, a three week dash where anything can happen.
The test of that theory begins Saturday afternoon in the Hammer, to paraphrase the theme of the old Tina Turner Movie Thunder Dome, two teams enter, one leaves.
Game Time 1 PM ET, Noon CT, 10 AM ET, Ivor Wynne Stadium TSN
Winnipeg 18 at Hamilton 28 (29,722)
Pre Game
CFL.ca-- Game Preview
CFL.ca-- Video Preview
National Post-- Desperate Blue Bombers living on a prayer
Winnipeg Sun-- Tiger-Cats easy marks for Blue Bombers
Winnipeg Free Press-- Bombers juggle defensive lineup to replace injured starters
Hamilton Spectator-- Math is not on the side of Ticats against Blue Bombers
Canada.com-- Blue Bombers defence knows they have to step up to keep playoff hopes alive
Team Backgrounders
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Hamilton Tiger Cats
Post Game
CFL.ca-- Game Review
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights
National Post-- Tiger-Cats keep slim playoff hopes alive in final game at Ivor Wynne Stadium
Winnipeg Sun-- Blue Bombers' Buck Pierce's last hurrah?
Winnipeg Free Press-- Fitting end to sorry season
Hamilton Spectator-- Believe it! Ticats in battle with Esks for playoff spot
Canada.com-- Burris, Ticats seize the day vs. Bombers in 28-18 win, final game at Ivor Wynne
Saturday, October 20, 2012
CFL Game Day: Hamilton at Calgary (Week Seventeen) October 20, 2012
The door cracks open once again for the Hamilton Tiger Cats, as they prepared for their Saturday match up with the Stampeders, we imagine that the Cats were keeping an eye on the television, watching with interest as the cousins down the road in Toronto continued to stumble, plummeting down the standings and giving the Cats yet one more life for playoff football this season.
Hamilton who have struggled all season to seize these kind of moments, could edge themselves closer to second place in the East with a win at McMahon Stadium on Saturday afternoon. With the Argos now on a three game losing streak, the playoff ambitions of the Cats once again flicker to life.
Whether they can take advantage of the chance though still remains to be seen, if past history this season is any indication, Hamilton will squander the chance leaving the East to be a race of the also rans, a race Winnipeg suddenly finds itself thrown into after their victory over Toronto last night.
Tis a muddled mess the east is, three of the four teams would barely be alive in the Western playoff race, in fact, two of the four will no doubt lose out on a playoff spot owing to the record of the Eskimos or Riders, the latter still inclined to make a run for 2nd in the West.
Something today's host may have something to say about, Calgary which lost its last faint hope for a first place finish with last nights score out of BC, will now focus in on making sure that they host the Western Semi Final, with three games to go today's scoreboard could dictate how secure a goal that will be.
When they take to the field against the Cats, Calgary will already know how the Riders fared in the opening act of the two game drama for a Saturday, either way, a win is a must for Calgary if they wish to keep their momentum going towards the playoff run.
For the West its a battle for playoff hosting rights,
In the East, it's the race to the bottom, with Hamilton just hoping to still have a shot for the playoffs by the time the season ends, they can make a giant step towards that today with a strong effort and two points at the expense of the Stamps.
It makes this wrap up to the weekend's game the most intriguing of the bunch.
Game Time 5 MT, 7 ET, 4 PT McMahon Stadium TSN
Hamilton 32 at Calgary 34 (26,502)
Pre Game
CFL.ca-- Game Preview
CFL.ca-- Video Preview
National Post-- Ticats' Henry Burris needs big game against former team Stampeders
Hamilton Spectator-- Ticats get yet another shot at redemption and the latest from Calgary
Toronto Sun-- Stampeders' Cornish gives chase
Calgary Herald-- Forgotten in the Burris hype: Kevin Glenn will also face his old team
Calgary Sun-- Henry Burris returns to Calgary
Team Backgrounders
Hamilton Tiger Cats
Calgary Stampeders
Post Game
CFL.ca-- Game Review
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights
National Post-- Stampeders ruin Henry Burris's return to Calgary with win over Ticats
Hamilton Spectator-- Ticats left with barely a pulse after loss to Stamps
Toronto Sun-- Stamps living and dying by last second opposition field goals
Calgary Herald-- Stamps win after botched snap on game winning field goal
Calgary Sun-- Stamps lock up home playoff date with win
Hamilton who have struggled all season to seize these kind of moments, could edge themselves closer to second place in the East with a win at McMahon Stadium on Saturday afternoon. With the Argos now on a three game losing streak, the playoff ambitions of the Cats once again flicker to life.
Whether they can take advantage of the chance though still remains to be seen, if past history this season is any indication, Hamilton will squander the chance leaving the East to be a race of the also rans, a race Winnipeg suddenly finds itself thrown into after their victory over Toronto last night.
Tis a muddled mess the east is, three of the four teams would barely be alive in the Western playoff race, in fact, two of the four will no doubt lose out on a playoff spot owing to the record of the Eskimos or Riders, the latter still inclined to make a run for 2nd in the West.
Something today's host may have something to say about, Calgary which lost its last faint hope for a first place finish with last nights score out of BC, will now focus in on making sure that they host the Western Semi Final, with three games to go today's scoreboard could dictate how secure a goal that will be.
When they take to the field against the Cats, Calgary will already know how the Riders fared in the opening act of the two game drama for a Saturday, either way, a win is a must for Calgary if they wish to keep their momentum going towards the playoff run.
For the West its a battle for playoff hosting rights,
In the East, it's the race to the bottom, with Hamilton just hoping to still have a shot for the playoffs by the time the season ends, they can make a giant step towards that today with a strong effort and two points at the expense of the Stamps.
It makes this wrap up to the weekend's game the most intriguing of the bunch.
Game Time 5 MT, 7 ET, 4 PT McMahon Stadium TSN
Hamilton 32 at Calgary 34 (26,502)
Pre Game
CFL.ca-- Game Preview
CFL.ca-- Video Preview
National Post-- Ticats' Henry Burris needs big game against former team Stampeders
Hamilton Spectator-- Ticats get yet another shot at redemption and the latest from Calgary
Toronto Sun-- Stampeders' Cornish gives chase
Calgary Herald-- Forgotten in the Burris hype: Kevin Glenn will also face his old team
Calgary Sun-- Henry Burris returns to Calgary
Team Backgrounders
Hamilton Tiger Cats
Calgary Stampeders
Post Game
CFL.ca-- Game Review
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights
National Post-- Stampeders ruin Henry Burris's return to Calgary with win over Ticats
Hamilton Spectator-- Ticats left with barely a pulse after loss to Stamps
Toronto Sun-- Stamps living and dying by last second opposition field goals
Calgary Herald-- Stamps win after botched snap on game winning field goal
Calgary Sun-- Stamps lock up home playoff date with win
Friday, October 12, 2012
CFL Game Day: British Columbia at Hamilton (October 12)
The league leading British Columbia Lions, the team that best exemplifies consistency in the CFL this season heads into Hamilton tonight, set to take on a team in the Tiger Cats that are perhaps the poster children for baffling.
The Ti Cats have on alternate weeks looked like the team most likely to give the Lions a run for their money on Grey Cup Sunday or the team that can help make the Winnipeg Blue Bombers look like the team with a blue print for success.
On to many game days, the latter TiCat squad has taken to the field.
The most recent example of TiCat inconsistency came last week when the Cats offered up little in the way of resistance to the struggling Edmonton Eskimos, allowing the Eskies to break a winless streak that had stretched as far back as August.
With that loss, the Cats put their playoff hopes in peril, allowing the Eskimos to rekindle their own plans for playoff football, perhaps at the expense of the Cats through the CFL's crossover rule, where a team from the West with a better record can bump the third place Eastern team from the playoffs.
As it stands today, it would be the Cats looking from the outside at the CFL playoffs for 2012.
Clearly the need to get back on track and cobble together a string of wins is at hand, the problem is that this weekend Hamilton faces the CFL's most rounded football squad, equally strong on defence as well as offence, featuring a solid special teams game, there's not much for the Ti Cats to try and work on.
Best they can hope for perhaps, is that the Lions have a relapse as they did in Saskatchewan a few weeks back where they slept their way through the first half before getting into the game, a situation that didn't work out too well for the Leos, though they did make it close in the end.
We imagine there was a lesson learned in Regina two weeks ago, one that won't be forgotten as they Lions face the Cats tonight.
Game Time 7:30 PM ET, 4:30 PT, Ivor Wynne Stadium, TSN
British Columbia 37 at Hamilton 17 (26,842)
Pre Game
CFL.ca-- Game Preview
CFL.ca-- Video Preview
Globe and Mail-- B. C. Lions charging boldly ahead
National Post-- Avon Cobourne wants crisper Tiger-Cats heading to B. C.
Vancouver Province-- B. C. Lions tailback Andrew Harris is racking up plenty of yards...
Vancouver Sun-- Lions will give Andrew Harris lighter load
Hamilton Spectator-- It's Now or never for the Cats
Team Backgrounders
British Columbia Lions
Hamilton Tiger Cats
Post Game
CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights
Globe and Mail-- Travis Lulay leads B. C. Lions past Hamilton Tiger Cats
National Post-- Travis Lulay leads Lions' onslaught in win over Ticats
Vancouver Province-- Lulay and Lions make it look easy in 37-17 win over Ticats
Vancouver Sun-- Travis Lulay, Lions dismantle Ticats, 37-17
Hamilton Spectator-- Things have gone from bad to worse for this Ticat squad
The Ti Cats have on alternate weeks looked like the team most likely to give the Lions a run for their money on Grey Cup Sunday or the team that can help make the Winnipeg Blue Bombers look like the team with a blue print for success.
On to many game days, the latter TiCat squad has taken to the field.
The most recent example of TiCat inconsistency came last week when the Cats offered up little in the way of resistance to the struggling Edmonton Eskimos, allowing the Eskies to break a winless streak that had stretched as far back as August.
With that loss, the Cats put their playoff hopes in peril, allowing the Eskimos to rekindle their own plans for playoff football, perhaps at the expense of the Cats through the CFL's crossover rule, where a team from the West with a better record can bump the third place Eastern team from the playoffs.
As it stands today, it would be the Cats looking from the outside at the CFL playoffs for 2012.
Clearly the need to get back on track and cobble together a string of wins is at hand, the problem is that this weekend Hamilton faces the CFL's most rounded football squad, equally strong on defence as well as offence, featuring a solid special teams game, there's not much for the Ti Cats to try and work on.
Best they can hope for perhaps, is that the Lions have a relapse as they did in Saskatchewan a few weeks back where they slept their way through the first half before getting into the game, a situation that didn't work out too well for the Leos, though they did make it close in the end.
We imagine there was a lesson learned in Regina two weeks ago, one that won't be forgotten as they Lions face the Cats tonight.
Game Time 7:30 PM ET, 4:30 PT, Ivor Wynne Stadium, TSN
British Columbia 37 at Hamilton 17 (26,842)
Pre Game
CFL.ca-- Game Preview
CFL.ca-- Video Preview
Globe and Mail-- B. C. Lions charging boldly ahead
National Post-- Avon Cobourne wants crisper Tiger-Cats heading to B. C.
Vancouver Province-- B. C. Lions tailback Andrew Harris is racking up plenty of yards...
Vancouver Sun-- Lions will give Andrew Harris lighter load
Hamilton Spectator-- It's Now or never for the Cats
Team Backgrounders
British Columbia Lions
Hamilton Tiger Cats
Post Game
CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights
Globe and Mail-- Travis Lulay leads B. C. Lions past Hamilton Tiger Cats
National Post-- Travis Lulay leads Lions' onslaught in win over Ticats
Vancouver Province-- Lulay and Lions make it look easy in 37-17 win over Ticats
Vancouver Sun-- Travis Lulay, Lions dismantle Ticats, 37-17
Hamilton Spectator-- Things have gone from bad to worse for this Ticat squad
Friday, October 05, 2012
CFL Game Day: Hamilton at Edmonton (October 5)
In a Jekyll and Hyde year in Steel town, the favourite sons are back on the upswing, last weeks strong showing against the Montreal Alouettes, a 41-28 thrashing of Les Als, providing the Cats with a bit of a bump heading into the home stretch of the CFL season, with Thanksgiving Weekend providing the opportunity to show that this time, this time they are for real.
Henry Burris had one of those highlight reel nights last weekend as he directed the Cats to five airborne touchdowns, just part of an arsenal of weapons that the Cats took to using on the Als, who last week at any rate looked very old, very tired and very defeated.
When he wasn't airing the ball out much to the distress of the Alouette DB's, Burris was conducting a running game that left the Als off balance for much of the game, leaving Anthony Calvillo on the Montreal sidelines for extended periods of time as the Cats gobbled mileage and time.
And while Calvillo did put some points on the board, last week was one of those weeks that the Als will no doubt wish to put behind them, having let the Tiger Cats jump back into the race for first in the CFL East.
As Hamilton seeks to build on their success of last week, they take on an Eskimo team that hasn't been this low in a long, long time. From their remarkable start of July, the Eskimos have been in a downward spiral since about mid August, the low light thus far having gone 0 for September for the first time in their CFL history.
The last time the Eskimos were mentioned in the win column was back on August 27th when they defeated the Argos, since then, it's been five consecutive losses, some of them granted by only one or two points, others however total blow outs that have left gaping holes in the Eskimo approach for the rest of the season.
Towards turning around the season, Kavis Reed has taken over the offensive duties for the team, shifting Marcus Crandell to quarterbacking duties, all in the hopes that the Eskies might better follow the offensive game plan we imagine.
We'll find out two things this Friday night, one if the Esks indeed can bounce back and figure it all out before the season gets away from them and on the other side of the field, if the Tiger Cats can finally build on a successful weekend, consistency has been their downfall all year long, Friday offers up a chance to turn that dynamic around just in time for a playoff drive.
Game Time 7 PM MT, 9 ET, 6 PM Commonwealth Stadium TSN
Hamilton 20 at Edmonton 35 (30,557)
Pre Game
CFL.ca Game Preview
CFL.ca Video Preview
Globe and Mail-- Struggling Eskimos hope to find a way to stop Tiger Cats
National Post-- Kavis Reed takes charge of Eskimos offence
Hamilton Spectator-- It isn't a must-win game, but it's darn close
Toronto Sun-- Are they big-game Cats?
Edmonton Journal-- Eskimos offence needs to ignite Friday night
Edmonton Sun-- Edmonton Eskimos season bears resemblance to 1993
Team Backgrounders
Hamilton Tiger Cats
Edmonton Eskimos
Post Game
CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights
Globe and Mail-- Eskimos snap five-game losing streak with win over the Tiger-Cats
National Post-- Eskimos pull away from Ticats in see-saw affair
Hamilton Spectator-- Playoffs in jeopardy as Ticats fall to Eskimos 35-20
Toronto Sun-- Edmonton Eskimos Kerry Joseph, Fred Stamps finally connect...
Edmonton Journal-- Eskimos offence wakes up, five game slide snapped
Edmonton Sun-- Finally, a positive for Edmonton Eskimos
Henry Burris had one of those highlight reel nights last weekend as he directed the Cats to five airborne touchdowns, just part of an arsenal of weapons that the Cats took to using on the Als, who last week at any rate looked very old, very tired and very defeated.
When he wasn't airing the ball out much to the distress of the Alouette DB's, Burris was conducting a running game that left the Als off balance for much of the game, leaving Anthony Calvillo on the Montreal sidelines for extended periods of time as the Cats gobbled mileage and time.
And while Calvillo did put some points on the board, last week was one of those weeks that the Als will no doubt wish to put behind them, having let the Tiger Cats jump back into the race for first in the CFL East.
As Hamilton seeks to build on their success of last week, they take on an Eskimo team that hasn't been this low in a long, long time. From their remarkable start of July, the Eskimos have been in a downward spiral since about mid August, the low light thus far having gone 0 for September for the first time in their CFL history.
The last time the Eskimos were mentioned in the win column was back on August 27th when they defeated the Argos, since then, it's been five consecutive losses, some of them granted by only one or two points, others however total blow outs that have left gaping holes in the Eskimo approach for the rest of the season.
Towards turning around the season, Kavis Reed has taken over the offensive duties for the team, shifting Marcus Crandell to quarterbacking duties, all in the hopes that the Eskies might better follow the offensive game plan we imagine.
We'll find out two things this Friday night, one if the Esks indeed can bounce back and figure it all out before the season gets away from them and on the other side of the field, if the Tiger Cats can finally build on a successful weekend, consistency has been their downfall all year long, Friday offers up a chance to turn that dynamic around just in time for a playoff drive.
Game Time 7 PM MT, 9 ET, 6 PM Commonwealth Stadium TSN
Hamilton 20 at Edmonton 35 (30,557)
Pre Game
CFL.ca Game Preview
CFL.ca Video Preview
Globe and Mail-- Struggling Eskimos hope to find a way to stop Tiger Cats
National Post-- Kavis Reed takes charge of Eskimos offence
Hamilton Spectator-- It isn't a must-win game, but it's darn close
Toronto Sun-- Are they big-game Cats?
Edmonton Journal-- Eskimos offence needs to ignite Friday night
Edmonton Sun-- Edmonton Eskimos season bears resemblance to 1993
Team Backgrounders
Hamilton Tiger Cats
Edmonton Eskimos
Post Game
CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights
Globe and Mail-- Eskimos snap five-game losing streak with win over the Tiger-Cats
National Post-- Eskimos pull away from Ticats in see-saw affair
Hamilton Spectator-- Playoffs in jeopardy as Ticats fall to Eskimos 35-20
Toronto Sun-- Edmonton Eskimos Kerry Joseph, Fred Stamps finally connect...
Edmonton Journal-- Eskimos offence wakes up, five game slide snapped
Edmonton Sun-- Finally, a positive for Edmonton Eskimos
Friday, September 28, 2012
CFL Game Day: Montreal at Hamilton (September 2*)
As the CFL season moves through fall and on to the playoffs, time as they say will be of the essence for the Hamilton Tiger Cats to show that they're going to be a consistent participant in what remains of the season.
Things have not gone according to plan in the Steel City these days, very much a case of making one step forward, followed by three or four steps back, from the highs of a dominating performance over the Edmonton Eskimos a few weeks back, the Cats suffered perhaps their most damaging setback last week when they lost to the Bombers and offered up hope to that squad that the playoffs are still within their grasp.
George Cortez must be shaking his head in wonderment as to how each week offers up yet something new to try and sort out, whether it's once sure handed receivers who can't catch balls, a quarterback who still shows glimpses of what he once was, but now shows cracks in his confidence to a defence that allows points at any alarming pace.
And then he looks at the schedule and sees that Anthony Calvillo and the Cats are in town, riding Calvillo's hot hand, firmly holding their place on first in the East and getting ready for the stretch drive that could once again deliver them to a Grey Cup berth once again.
The Als very much go as their QB goes, when AC is on his game (which of late has been most nights) the Als are unbeatable, the only factor on that idea is should a team be able to rush Calvillo, shake up his game plan a bit, then there's hope.
The Cats will need their defence to rise to the occasion of playing one of the leagues legends tonight, looking to shut down his offence, allowing for Henry Burris and the Cats offence to try and recapture that rhythm that left the Eskimos in the dust two weeks ago, if they don't it may be a long, long night at Ivor Wynne.
Game Time 7 PM ET, 4 PT Ivor Wynne Stadium TSN
Montreal 28 at Hamilton 41 (23,784)
Pre Game
CFL Video Preview
Globe and Mail-- Inconsistent Tiger Cats target strong finish
National Post-- Ticats kicker lets his right leg do the talking
Toronto Sun-- Ticats - Alouettes Game Day
Hamilton Spectator-- Ticats have another shot at playoff spot
Montreal Gazette-- Als can't afford to take Ticats lightly
Team Backgrounders
Montreal Alouettes
Hamilton Tiger Cats
Post Game
CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights
Globe and Mail-- Henry Burris throws five TDs to lead Tiger-Cats over Alouettes
National Post-- Henry Burris pulls Ticats out of funk with win over Alouettes
Hamilton Spectator-- Burris leads stellar cast of Tiger-Cats
Montreal Gazette-- Alouettes fall 41-28 to Tiger Cats
Things have not gone according to plan in the Steel City these days, very much a case of making one step forward, followed by three or four steps back, from the highs of a dominating performance over the Edmonton Eskimos a few weeks back, the Cats suffered perhaps their most damaging setback last week when they lost to the Bombers and offered up hope to that squad that the playoffs are still within their grasp.
George Cortez must be shaking his head in wonderment as to how each week offers up yet something new to try and sort out, whether it's once sure handed receivers who can't catch balls, a quarterback who still shows glimpses of what he once was, but now shows cracks in his confidence to a defence that allows points at any alarming pace.
And then he looks at the schedule and sees that Anthony Calvillo and the Cats are in town, riding Calvillo's hot hand, firmly holding their place on first in the East and getting ready for the stretch drive that could once again deliver them to a Grey Cup berth once again.
The Als very much go as their QB goes, when AC is on his game (which of late has been most nights) the Als are unbeatable, the only factor on that idea is should a team be able to rush Calvillo, shake up his game plan a bit, then there's hope.
The Cats will need their defence to rise to the occasion of playing one of the leagues legends tonight, looking to shut down his offence, allowing for Henry Burris and the Cats offence to try and recapture that rhythm that left the Eskimos in the dust two weeks ago, if they don't it may be a long, long night at Ivor Wynne.
Game Time 7 PM ET, 4 PT Ivor Wynne Stadium TSN
Montreal 28 at Hamilton 41 (23,784)
Pre Game
CFL Video Preview
Globe and Mail-- Inconsistent Tiger Cats target strong finish
National Post-- Ticats kicker lets his right leg do the talking
Toronto Sun-- Ticats - Alouettes Game Day
Hamilton Spectator-- Ticats have another shot at playoff spot
Montreal Gazette-- Als can't afford to take Ticats lightly
Team Backgrounders
Montreal Alouettes
Hamilton Tiger Cats
Post Game
CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights
Globe and Mail-- Henry Burris throws five TDs to lead Tiger-Cats over Alouettes
National Post-- Henry Burris pulls Ticats out of funk with win over Alouettes
Hamilton Spectator-- Burris leads stellar cast of Tiger-Cats
Montreal Gazette-- Alouettes fall 41-28 to Tiger Cats
Friday, September 21, 2012
CFL Game Day: Hamilton at Winnipeg (September 21)
Well, things it seems only get worse for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
A few weeks ago the Bombers perhaps looked at the September 21st date as a potential turning point for their season of woe, the visiting Tiger Cats were struggling as well, incapable of securing wins, finding new ways to lose games with each outing.
Almost a mirror image of the Big Blue, though with a lot less drama as it turns out.
Of course they may not be thinking that way any more, the Bombers as we all have seen continue to implode, breaking ten points a game seemingly a little to high a bar for them in the last few weeks.
And now, after last weekend it would seem that the Tiger Cats are ready to roar after all, in what surely was a lining up of their planets the Cats had their best game of the year, taking out a season of frustration on the Edmonton Eskimos, a 51-8 thrashing of the Eskies that found everyone on the same page at the same time, a first for the Cats this year.
They will be anxious to keep up with that winning vibe as they head into Winnipeg, no doubt realizing that the Bombers struggles are weighing heavy on the squad, the home fans venting frequently as the season continues to find new ways to provide for misery.
Hamilton can still stoke their playoff ambitions with a victory, making the East race a little more interesting and beating back a challenge from the West for a potential crossover berth in the Eastern semi.
If they just reviewed the film of last weekend they should be good to go, as that was about as good as they have been this season.
Word out of Winnipeg is that Buck Pierce will return to the Bombers line up tonight, having missed most of the season through injury though we somehow don't think that he'll be the same Pierce that the Bombers were counting on as the season started.
It may be more of a case of offering up some hope for the home fans, though considering how awful the Bombers have been this year, one wonders just how wise it may be to put Pierce into a line up that offers little protection and less in the way of scoring.
Game Time 7 PM CT, 8 ET 5 PT CanadInn Stadium TSN
Hamilton 12 at Winnipeg 34 26,577
Pre Game
CFL Video Preview
Globe and Mail-- A healthy quarterback Buck Pierce tries to reverse the Bombers' slide
National Post-- Ticats try to bottle winning formula
Winnipeg Sun-- Buck Pierce gives Blue Bombers best chance to win
Winnipeg Free Press-- Bombers looking to Pierce as they battle Tiger-Cats
Hamilton Spectator-- Digging must continue if Ticats want a playoff spot
Team Backgrounders
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Hamilton Tiger Cats
A few weeks ago the Bombers perhaps looked at the September 21st date as a potential turning point for their season of woe, the visiting Tiger Cats were struggling as well, incapable of securing wins, finding new ways to lose games with each outing.
Almost a mirror image of the Big Blue, though with a lot less drama as it turns out.
Of course they may not be thinking that way any more, the Bombers as we all have seen continue to implode, breaking ten points a game seemingly a little to high a bar for them in the last few weeks.
And now, after last weekend it would seem that the Tiger Cats are ready to roar after all, in what surely was a lining up of their planets the Cats had their best game of the year, taking out a season of frustration on the Edmonton Eskimos, a 51-8 thrashing of the Eskies that found everyone on the same page at the same time, a first for the Cats this year.
They will be anxious to keep up with that winning vibe as they head into Winnipeg, no doubt realizing that the Bombers struggles are weighing heavy on the squad, the home fans venting frequently as the season continues to find new ways to provide for misery.
Hamilton can still stoke their playoff ambitions with a victory, making the East race a little more interesting and beating back a challenge from the West for a potential crossover berth in the Eastern semi.
If they just reviewed the film of last weekend they should be good to go, as that was about as good as they have been this season.
Word out of Winnipeg is that Buck Pierce will return to the Bombers line up tonight, having missed most of the season through injury though we somehow don't think that he'll be the same Pierce that the Bombers were counting on as the season started.
It may be more of a case of offering up some hope for the home fans, though considering how awful the Bombers have been this year, one wonders just how wise it may be to put Pierce into a line up that offers little protection and less in the way of scoring.
Game Time 7 PM CT, 8 ET 5 PT CanadInn Stadium TSN
Hamilton 12 at Winnipeg 34 26,577
Pre Game
CFL Video Preview
Globe and Mail-- A healthy quarterback Buck Pierce tries to reverse the Bombers' slide
National Post-- Ticats try to bottle winning formula
Winnipeg Sun-- Buck Pierce gives Blue Bombers best chance to win
Winnipeg Free Press-- Bombers looking to Pierce as they battle Tiger-Cats
Hamilton Spectator-- Digging must continue if Ticats want a playoff spot
Team Backgrounders
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Hamilton Tiger Cats
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Can the Cats claw their way back into contention?
The Cats new head coach, steeped in CFL experience with more than a few years of NFL work under his belt has been a fixture in professional football for a number of years, considered one of the great coaching catches in recent CFL history, he arrived in Hamilton to a team that had gone on a signing spree that had brought some high profile CFL and NFL talent onto the Tabbies roster.
From the arrival of Henry Burris and Andy Fantuz from the west and the repatriation of Sam Giguere from the NFL, the offence that the Cats were expected to bring to the CFL East this year was the king of thinking that re-writes record books.
However, as is the case in these things, just because the names on the paper are impressive doesn't mean that the product on the field will shine and such has been the situation thus far in a frustrating 2012 campaign.
The Ti Cats on offence have been a perpetual work in motion, Henry Burris struggling at the helm, his high profile receiving corps the envy of the league at the start of the season having their troubles adjusting it would seem.
The defence, always a fierce thing to face when you travel to Ivor Wynne has had their troubles as well, surrendering points, collapsing in fourth quarters, not the menacing force of CFL legend.
It has been a horrid season so far in the farewell tour of Ivor Wynne, made worse by the fact that the hated Argonauts not only captured both ends of the Labour Day Classics, but now are competing and competing hard for first in the East, the chance to be the home side in this years Toronto hosted Grey Cup a very real possibility.
Dire times indeed for any Hamiltonian, though, perhaps a corner has been turned, last weeks total annihilation of the Edmonton Eskimos just the tonic for what ailed the Cats thus far in 2012.
If ever a game came along that showcased everything that the CFL thought would be the Ti Cats this year it was last weeks 51-8 smoking of the Esks, everything was clicking on the weekend.
Burris was hot, as hot as he's been all year, his receiving corps sure handed and spectacular, a running game that punished the Eskimo defence with every carry, special teams which have been the one real bright spot in Hamilton this year once again had a strong game.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Cats were in full smash mouth mode, the Esks could not gain any traction, each set of downs ending in frustration and surrender, it was as though everyone found the magic potion at the same time.
The Cats who still have an uphill battle ahead of them, they've fallen behind the front runners in the East by four and six points, the prospect of a Western Crossover team is also there, though Hamilton did themselves a major favour by knocking Edmonton off on the weekend.
Some more ground could be made up with the trip this weekend to Winnipeg, the Bombers as woeful as they've been in decades seem very confused and have lost all of that much talked about swagger of last year, they are once again ripe for a shellacking, the Cats having found their game last weekend can get back into the CFL East race with a convincing win on Friday night.
It will tell much about whether their win over Edmonton was the beginning of the climb back into respectability, or just a mirage that quickly passed by.
Hamilton Spectator-- Ticats dig deep to stay alive
Hamilton Spectator- Reports of the Ticats' demise greatly exaggerated
Hamilton Spectator-- Ticats special teams play has certainly been, well, special this season
Toronto Sun-- No rest for Tiger-Cats in their quest for CFL playoffs
National Post-- Ticats show brute strength in rout of Eskimos
Saturday, September 15, 2012
CFL Game Day: Edmonton at Hamilton (September 15)
Two teams that have been struggling over the last few weeks meet up in Hamilton on Saturday, of the two the Tiger Cats perhaps in need of a win and some positive movement more so than their guests from Alberta.
Hamilton has had a season to forget thus far in their farewell to Ivor Wynne, far too many games given away by miscues, high profile off season acquisitions still struggling to find their niche in the Tiger Cat game plan as we head towards Thanksgiving.
It wasn't supposed to be this way when George Cortez crossed over the bridge from Buffalo, the Cats were a team on the rise in the CFL, those new names on the back a sign that ownership was dedicated to making the final year in the old yard a memorable one, so fart it's been memorable but for all the wrong reasons with a record of 3-7.
Key to the Tiger Cats success this weekend will be Henry Burris finding a strong game and his high profile stable of receivers rising up to the challenge ahead, of course all of that will be for nought should the defence continue to struggle, only Winnipeg has worse defensive numbers so far in 2012, an indication as to why the Bombers and Cats dwell near the bottom of the CFL standings.
Over in Edmonton, the season has probably been a pleasant surprise, yet with accomplishment in August has come disappointment through September, a pair of losses to the arch rival Stampeders no doubt sticking the most in the craw of any true Eskimo fan.
Still at 5 and 5 heading into week 12, Eskimo fans are probably hopeful that the early success of the Esks can be recaptured heading into the playoff drive, something that no doubt few thought would be on their minds when the season started.
Kerry Joseph has been tapped to get the start once again, Joseph the aging CFL veteran had two strong games against the Stamps in the Labour Day back to backs, he kept his team in the running for victories in both, it was mental and on field errors from other departments that made the folks in Calgary happy, addressing those struggles is no doubt what Kavis Reed has been working on leading up to week 12.
The Saturday match up with Hamilton could be pivotal to the Eskimo playoff plans, with the strength of the West over Eastern teams so far in 2012, a crossover playoff berth seems destined for whichever Western team finishes fourth.
A victory over Hamilton Saturday most likely would add to the Eskimos side of the ledger should that be their required path to the post season.
Game Time 3 PM ET, 1 MT, Noon PT, Ivor Wynne Stadium TSN
Edmonton 8 at Hamilton 51 (24,162)
Pre Game
CFL Video Preview
Globe and Mail-- Tiger-Cats look to break out of tailspin against Eskimos
National Post-- Eskimos weary of Ivor Wynne stadium ahead of date with Ticats
Hamilton Spectator-- Ticats not out of it yet, but ...
Toronto Sun-- Tiger-Cats in quite some 'rut'
Edmonton Journal-- Edmonton Eskimos trade for Tiger-Cats fullback
Edmonton Sun-- Ivor Wynne a homey atmosphere for Eskimos' Jerome Messam
Team Backgrounders
Edmonton Eskimos
Hamilton Tiger Cats
Post Game
CFL.ca- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights
Globe and Mail-- Burris keys Ticats' rout of Eskimos
National Post-- Ticats show brute strength in rout of Eskimos
Hamilton Spectator-- Ticats destroy Eskimos 51-8 (no, that's not a misprint)
Toronto Sun-- Tiger-Cats crush Eskimos 51-8
Edmonton Journal-- Blocked field goal proves to be turning point in Tiger-Cats rout of Eskimos
Edmonton Sun-- Tiger-Cats crush Eskimos 51-8
Hamilton has had a season to forget thus far in their farewell to Ivor Wynne, far too many games given away by miscues, high profile off season acquisitions still struggling to find their niche in the Tiger Cat game plan as we head towards Thanksgiving.
It wasn't supposed to be this way when George Cortez crossed over the bridge from Buffalo, the Cats were a team on the rise in the CFL, those new names on the back a sign that ownership was dedicated to making the final year in the old yard a memorable one, so fart it's been memorable but for all the wrong reasons with a record of 3-7.
Key to the Tiger Cats success this weekend will be Henry Burris finding a strong game and his high profile stable of receivers rising up to the challenge ahead, of course all of that will be for nought should the defence continue to struggle, only Winnipeg has worse defensive numbers so far in 2012, an indication as to why the Bombers and Cats dwell near the bottom of the CFL standings.
Over in Edmonton, the season has probably been a pleasant surprise, yet with accomplishment in August has come disappointment through September, a pair of losses to the arch rival Stampeders no doubt sticking the most in the craw of any true Eskimo fan.
Still at 5 and 5 heading into week 12, Eskimo fans are probably hopeful that the early success of the Esks can be recaptured heading into the playoff drive, something that no doubt few thought would be on their minds when the season started.
Kerry Joseph has been tapped to get the start once again, Joseph the aging CFL veteran had two strong games against the Stamps in the Labour Day back to backs, he kept his team in the running for victories in both, it was mental and on field errors from other departments that made the folks in Calgary happy, addressing those struggles is no doubt what Kavis Reed has been working on leading up to week 12.
The Saturday match up with Hamilton could be pivotal to the Eskimo playoff plans, with the strength of the West over Eastern teams so far in 2012, a crossover playoff berth seems destined for whichever Western team finishes fourth.
A victory over Hamilton Saturday most likely would add to the Eskimos side of the ledger should that be their required path to the post season.
Game Time 3 PM ET, 1 MT, Noon PT, Ivor Wynne Stadium TSN
Edmonton 8 at Hamilton 51 (24,162)
Pre Game
CFL Video Preview
Globe and Mail-- Tiger-Cats look to break out of tailspin against Eskimos
National Post-- Eskimos weary of Ivor Wynne stadium ahead of date with Ticats
Hamilton Spectator-- Ticats not out of it yet, but ...
Toronto Sun-- Tiger-Cats in quite some 'rut'
Edmonton Journal-- Edmonton Eskimos trade for Tiger-Cats fullback
Edmonton Sun-- Ivor Wynne a homey atmosphere for Eskimos' Jerome Messam
Team Backgrounders
Edmonton Eskimos
Hamilton Tiger Cats
Post Game
CFL.ca- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights
Globe and Mail-- Burris keys Ticats' rout of Eskimos
National Post-- Ticats show brute strength in rout of Eskimos
Hamilton Spectator-- Ticats destroy Eskimos 51-8 (no, that's not a misprint)
Toronto Sun-- Tiger-Cats crush Eskimos 51-8
Edmonton Journal-- Blocked field goal proves to be turning point in Tiger-Cats rout of Eskimos
Edmonton Sun-- Tiger-Cats crush Eskimos 51-8
Saturday, September 08, 2012
CFL Game Day: Hamilton at Toronto (September 8)
Will the Hamilton Tiger Cats exact a little payback for their loss to Toronto at Ivor Wynne last weekend? Can Henry Burris get untracked and begin to take charge of a TiCat offence that has sputtered at inopportune times? And will Hamilton's defensive unit finally find the correct mix to reverse what has been a rather unusual state of affairs in Hamilton a team that gives up points in rather alarming fashion.
Those are some of the talking points the Cats bring up the highway with them on Saturday for the back end of the Labour Day classic wars...
Saturday's game also provides the CFL with a dandy visual experience, with both Chad Owens and Chris Williams lighting up the scoreboards and wreaking havoc on the record books another chapter of which could be written in Toronto this weekend.
For the Argos, it's a chance to build some separation between themselves and the folks from SouthWestern Ontario, follow up on the good vibe of the Hamilton victory last week where the Double Blue ruined the Labour Day plans of the Hamilton faithful, sending off Ivor Wynne's final Labour Day Classic with a win in the Double Blue side of the ledger.
More importantly, the Argos can continue to build on some momentum that has slowly started to move their way, with an eye on the Grey Cup game hosting duties of late November, the Argos are now making some noise that they may have plans to be playing in that game as well.
Before that though, with is still down the road a bit, there's a lot of football to be played, the latest step comes up in Toronto Saturday afternoon.
Game Time 1 PM ET, 10 AM ET Rogers Centre (TSN)
Hamilton 31 at Toronto 45 (23,061)
Pre Game
CFL Video Preview
Globe and Mail-- Argos' Ahmad Carroll finally finds a home in Toronto
National Post-- One on One: Argos' Chad Owens vs. Ticats' Chris Williams
Toronto Sun-- Argos making life without Boyd look easy
Toronto Star-- Toronto Argos might tinker with lineup but won't look to NFL castoffs for help
Hamilton Spectator-- Ticats rushing to get the defensive line in order
Team Backgrounders
Toronto Argonauts
Hamilton Tiger Cats
CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Review
Globe and Mail-- Argos go airborne for win over Ticats
National Post-- Chad Kackert runs over Ticats in Argos' win
Toronto Sun-- Argos, Ticats heading in opposite directions
Toronto Star-- Toronto Argonauts beat Hamilton Tiger-Cats 45-31
Hamilton Spectator-- At the moment, Ticats are a total mess
Those are some of the talking points the Cats bring up the highway with them on Saturday for the back end of the Labour Day classic wars...
Saturday's game also provides the CFL with a dandy visual experience, with both Chad Owens and Chris Williams lighting up the scoreboards and wreaking havoc on the record books another chapter of which could be written in Toronto this weekend.
For the Argos, it's a chance to build some separation between themselves and the folks from SouthWestern Ontario, follow up on the good vibe of the Hamilton victory last week where the Double Blue ruined the Labour Day plans of the Hamilton faithful, sending off Ivor Wynne's final Labour Day Classic with a win in the Double Blue side of the ledger.
More importantly, the Argos can continue to build on some momentum that has slowly started to move their way, with an eye on the Grey Cup game hosting duties of late November, the Argos are now making some noise that they may have plans to be playing in that game as well.
Before that though, with is still down the road a bit, there's a lot of football to be played, the latest step comes up in Toronto Saturday afternoon.
Game Time 1 PM ET, 10 AM ET Rogers Centre (TSN)
Hamilton 31 at Toronto 45 (23,061)
Pre Game
CFL Video Preview
Globe and Mail-- Argos' Ahmad Carroll finally finds a home in Toronto
National Post-- One on One: Argos' Chad Owens vs. Ticats' Chris Williams
Toronto Sun-- Argos making life without Boyd look easy
Toronto Star-- Toronto Argos might tinker with lineup but won't look to NFL castoffs for help
Hamilton Spectator-- Ticats rushing to get the defensive line in order
Team Backgrounders
Toronto Argonauts
Hamilton Tiger Cats
CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Review
Globe and Mail-- Argos go airborne for win over Ticats
National Post-- Chad Kackert runs over Ticats in Argos' win
Toronto Sun-- Argos, Ticats heading in opposite directions
Toronto Star-- Toronto Argonauts beat Hamilton Tiger-Cats 45-31
Hamilton Spectator-- At the moment, Ticats are a total mess
Monday, September 03, 2012
CFL Game Day: Toronto at Hamilton (September 3)
Today brings us the last Labour Day Classic at Ivor Wynne, well the old, version of, steeped in history and just a dash of venom for the Argonauts, the ancient yard of Canadian football is destined for the wrecker's ball at the end of the season, a new polished and modern structure to take its place in 2014.
We imagine the Argos won't miss the old one, it has no shortage of ghosts past from the Labour Day wars, a trip down the QEW that brings its own version of football hell.
The game inexplicably was shelved last season, a rare mis step for the CFL which likes to stoke these regional rivalries as part of its legendary lore, back in time for the final dance, today's game brings the Argos in to play a Hamilton team that may be snarling more than usual.
A losing skid to rattle the confidence of Hamiltonian's has been the theme of August, the Cats just not clicking as many though they would, surrendering losses in a variety of ways, some close, some not quite.
Toronto too has had a few hiccups along the way this season, Ricky Ray's arrival in Argoland an interesting learning curve, one which might have been better assisted by surrounding him with some receivers that can hold onto a football and a front line that offers him more than a millisecond to throw the ball.
The Argos defensively have been holding their own, something that will come in handy as they make the trip into Ivor Wynne for this one last Classic before they start playing the new Springsteen standard for stadium renovations.
Considering the atmosphere and the past month lead in, it could be a very entertaining and physical Labour Day Classic for Ivor's last show, just the way the hometown folk would like it.
Game Time 1 PM ET, 10 AM PT, Ivor Wynne Stadium, TSN
Toronto 33 at Hamilton 30 (31,032)
Pre Game
CFL Video Preview
Globe and Mail-- CFL Labour Day Classic: Insults, beer, spit, trash talking...
National Post-- Argos have no fear against Ticats' Chris Williams
Toronto Sun-- It's go time for Argos, Ticats
Toronto Star-- Last dance at Ivor Wynne chance for Argos QB Ricky Ray to shine
Hamilton Spectator-- Ticats need big win
Team Backgrounders
Toronto Argonauts
Hamilton Tiger Cats
Post Game
CFL.ca-- Game Review
CFL.ca-- Video Review
Globe and Mail-- Timely redemption for Argos in Labour Day Classic victory...
National Post-- Labour Day loss especially tough for Hamilton fans
Toronto Sun-- Ticats find another yet another way to lose
Toronto Star-- Toronto Argos beat Hamilton Tiger Cats 33-30 in Labour Day Classic...
Hamilton Spectator-- Ticats lay rare Labour Day egg
We imagine the Argos won't miss the old one, it has no shortage of ghosts past from the Labour Day wars, a trip down the QEW that brings its own version of football hell.
The game inexplicably was shelved last season, a rare mis step for the CFL which likes to stoke these regional rivalries as part of its legendary lore, back in time for the final dance, today's game brings the Argos in to play a Hamilton team that may be snarling more than usual.
A losing skid to rattle the confidence of Hamiltonian's has been the theme of August, the Cats just not clicking as many though they would, surrendering losses in a variety of ways, some close, some not quite.
Toronto too has had a few hiccups along the way this season, Ricky Ray's arrival in Argoland an interesting learning curve, one which might have been better assisted by surrounding him with some receivers that can hold onto a football and a front line that offers him more than a millisecond to throw the ball.
The Argos defensively have been holding their own, something that will come in handy as they make the trip into Ivor Wynne for this one last Classic before they start playing the new Springsteen standard for stadium renovations.
Considering the atmosphere and the past month lead in, it could be a very entertaining and physical Labour Day Classic for Ivor's last show, just the way the hometown folk would like it.
Game Time 1 PM ET, 10 AM PT, Ivor Wynne Stadium, TSN
Toronto 33 at Hamilton 30 (31,032)
Pre Game
CFL Video Preview
Globe and Mail-- CFL Labour Day Classic: Insults, beer, spit, trash talking...
National Post-- Argos have no fear against Ticats' Chris Williams
Toronto Sun-- It's go time for Argos, Ticats
Toronto Star-- Last dance at Ivor Wynne chance for Argos QB Ricky Ray to shine
Hamilton Spectator-- Ticats need big win
Team Backgrounders
Toronto Argonauts
Hamilton Tiger Cats
Post Game
CFL.ca-- Game Review
CFL.ca-- Video Review
Globe and Mail-- Timely redemption for Argos in Labour Day Classic victory...
National Post-- Labour Day loss especially tough for Hamilton fans
Toronto Sun-- Ticats find another yet another way to lose
Toronto Star-- Toronto Argos beat Hamilton Tiger Cats 33-30 in Labour Day Classic...
Hamilton Spectator-- Ticats lay rare Labour Day egg
Thursday, August 16, 2012
CFL Game Day: Hamilton at Winnipeg (August 16)
Are the Bombers on the cusp of meltdown? If the tea leaves of the gypsies of the Winnipeg media are any indication Paul LaPolice could very well find his employment in peril after tonight's Hamilton game and if so, the consensus seems to be that he can take GM Joe Mack with him.
Such is the tone of the debate in Bomber land these days with the 1-5 Bombers turning to third string and untested Joey Elliot to lead the Bomber offence into what many suggest is a must win situation.
The Bombers have struggled visibly through the season and while perhaps a few breaks one way or another might have offered up a bit of comfort and a better record, for the most part they have been outperformed on a nightly basis heading into week 8.
About the only discussion that has any balance in Winnipeg these days is whether all the blame is to rest with head coach Paul LaPolice or if perhaps the GM hasn't really done much to help his coach by providing players that could turn things around.
The Bombers are pointing towards the injury of Buck Pierce as a key moment for what appears to be the disaster in making, however, considering the lengthy injury listings that one can review whenever the name of Buck Pierce is brought up, surely that couldn't have been a surprise.
The media sharks can smell a bit of blood in the water and the evolving theme seems to be that this Hamilton game could be the last stand for the coach.
A bad thing for LaPolice considering the snarling mood the Cats will be in when they take to the field at CanadInn Stadium, Hamilton was overwhelmed by the Stamps last week, unable to stop the Jon Cornish show and incapable of matching the Stamps on the scoreboard.
It no doubt was a disappointment for the home fans, who had been watching the steady rise of the Cats over the last few weeks, Henry Burris looking to be at mid career form, last week provided a step back for all in yellow and black.
A game that provided a Tiger Cat team that more resembled the team that struggled out of the gate this year and not the one that looked as though they could runaway with the East a few weeks ago.
Hamilton will be looking to recapture the team with the latter characteristics on Thursday, bad news for the Bombers, bad news for coach LaPolice...
Game Time 8 PM CT, 9 ET, 6 PT Canad Inn Stadium TSN
Hamilton 25 at Winnipeg 32 (27,039)
Pre Game
CFL Video Preview
Globe and Mail-- Bombers seek second win of the season vs. Tiger-Cats
Winnipeg Free Press-- Makings of a meltdown for Bombers
Winnipeg Sun-- Bombers aim to put changes into action
Hamilton Spectator-- It's that time of year again for Tiger-Cats
Team Backgrounders
Hamilton Tiger Cats
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Post Game
CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Review
Globe and Mail-- Joey Elliot leads Bombers past Tiger Cats for second win of the season
National Post-- Quarterback Joey Elliot leads Bombers over the Tiger-Cats
Winnipeg Free Press-- Bombers defeat Ticats 32-25 for critical victory
Winnipeg Sun-- Bombers back in race with win over Tiger-Cats
Hamilton Spectator-- Turnovers torment TiCats
Toronto Sun-- Winnipeg's defence gets its swagger back
Such is the tone of the debate in Bomber land these days with the 1-5 Bombers turning to third string and untested Joey Elliot to lead the Bomber offence into what many suggest is a must win situation.
The Bombers have struggled visibly through the season and while perhaps a few breaks one way or another might have offered up a bit of comfort and a better record, for the most part they have been outperformed on a nightly basis heading into week 8.
About the only discussion that has any balance in Winnipeg these days is whether all the blame is to rest with head coach Paul LaPolice or if perhaps the GM hasn't really done much to help his coach by providing players that could turn things around.
The Bombers are pointing towards the injury of Buck Pierce as a key moment for what appears to be the disaster in making, however, considering the lengthy injury listings that one can review whenever the name of Buck Pierce is brought up, surely that couldn't have been a surprise.
The media sharks can smell a bit of blood in the water and the evolving theme seems to be that this Hamilton game could be the last stand for the coach.
A bad thing for LaPolice considering the snarling mood the Cats will be in when they take to the field at CanadInn Stadium, Hamilton was overwhelmed by the Stamps last week, unable to stop the Jon Cornish show and incapable of matching the Stamps on the scoreboard.
It no doubt was a disappointment for the home fans, who had been watching the steady rise of the Cats over the last few weeks, Henry Burris looking to be at mid career form, last week provided a step back for all in yellow and black.
A game that provided a Tiger Cat team that more resembled the team that struggled out of the gate this year and not the one that looked as though they could runaway with the East a few weeks ago.
Hamilton will be looking to recapture the team with the latter characteristics on Thursday, bad news for the Bombers, bad news for coach LaPolice...
Game Time 8 PM CT, 9 ET, 6 PT Canad Inn Stadium TSN
Hamilton 25 at Winnipeg 32 (27,039)
Pre Game
CFL Video Preview
Globe and Mail-- Bombers seek second win of the season vs. Tiger-Cats
Winnipeg Free Press-- Makings of a meltdown for Bombers
Winnipeg Sun-- Bombers aim to put changes into action
Hamilton Spectator-- It's that time of year again for Tiger-Cats
Team Backgrounders
Hamilton Tiger Cats
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Post Game
CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Review
Globe and Mail-- Joey Elliot leads Bombers past Tiger Cats for second win of the season
National Post-- Quarterback Joey Elliot leads Bombers over the Tiger-Cats
Winnipeg Free Press-- Bombers defeat Ticats 32-25 for critical victory
Winnipeg Sun-- Bombers back in race with win over Tiger-Cats
Hamilton Spectator-- Turnovers torment TiCats
Toronto Sun-- Winnipeg's defence gets its swagger back
Thursday, August 09, 2012
CFL Game Day: Calgary at Hamilton (August 8)
One of the CFL's hottest teams the Tiger Cats are host to the struggling Calgary Stampeders as week seven gets under way, both teams coming off their bye week mini vacations well rested and eager to get back to the pat towards the Grey Cup.
The break perhaps came at an inopportune time for the Cats who were clearly a team on the rise over the first six weeks, having shaken off their debut week troubles, Hamilton clearly has sorted out any of the lingering troubles they had in the early going of the season.
Henry Burris is in some of the finest form he's had in years, leading the Ti Cat offence with patience and skill, processing what is going on during the game and making the best of the opportunities that arrive game by game.
The visit by his old squad from Calgary, the first match up between the two teams this year, offers up another chance to showcase how well he is doing in Hamilton this season and considering the Stamps struggles of late it could be a night of memories, many of them perhaps bad ones for Calgary as they take on the Cats.
Calgary's season got off to a rough start with the departure of starting quarterback Drew Tate for what seems like the rest of the season as he recovers from surgery, Kevin Glenn who arrived from Hamilton has been handed the ball for the majority of this season and has had his struggles in his time at the helm.
While his experience puts the Stamps in a better spot than Winnipeg lets say who lost their starter early this year as well, there have been games where Glenn has let the play get away from him. Though he's not really to be singled out for the Stamps troubles.
Overall there has been far too many times where the Stamps have handed the game away, either on offence or defence, add on the undercurrent of dis-harmony that seems to be percolating on the Stampeder sidelines these days and this is a very unhappy team that is apparently letting the pressure get to it.
They can expect no favours this weekend in Hamilton, where the Ti Cats can make life very difficult for a struggling squad.
Game Time 7 PM ET, 5 MT, 4 PT Ivor Wynne Stadium TSN
Calgary 31 at Hamilton 20 22,635
Pre Game
CFL Video Preview
Globe and Mail-- Quarterbacks Glenn, Burris to meet for first time since switching teams
National Post-- Ticats' defence braces for high-ocatane Stampeders
Hamilton Spectator-- Glenn back in the saddle again as Stampeders' No. 1 QB
Calgary Herald-- Huff has plenty on his mind as Stamps face Ticats
Calgary Sun-- No friends on Stampeder game day
Team Backgrounders
Calgary Stampeders
Hamilton Tiger Cats
Post Game
CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights
Globe and Mail-- Cornish runs wild as Stamps top Tiger Cats
National Post-- Stampeders' Cornish grinds Tiger-Cats down
Hamilton Spectator-- Former Ticats QB leads Stamps to 31-20 win
Toronto Sun-- Henry Burris, Kevin Glenn duel a bust
Calgary Herald-- Stamps grind out gritty 31-20 CFL win over Ticats
Calgary Sun-- Stamps pivot plays it safe
The break perhaps came at an inopportune time for the Cats who were clearly a team on the rise over the first six weeks, having shaken off their debut week troubles, Hamilton clearly has sorted out any of the lingering troubles they had in the early going of the season.
Henry Burris is in some of the finest form he's had in years, leading the Ti Cat offence with patience and skill, processing what is going on during the game and making the best of the opportunities that arrive game by game.
The visit by his old squad from Calgary, the first match up between the two teams this year, offers up another chance to showcase how well he is doing in Hamilton this season and considering the Stamps struggles of late it could be a night of memories, many of them perhaps bad ones for Calgary as they take on the Cats.
Calgary's season got off to a rough start with the departure of starting quarterback Drew Tate for what seems like the rest of the season as he recovers from surgery, Kevin Glenn who arrived from Hamilton has been handed the ball for the majority of this season and has had his struggles in his time at the helm.
While his experience puts the Stamps in a better spot than Winnipeg lets say who lost their starter early this year as well, there have been games where Glenn has let the play get away from him. Though he's not really to be singled out for the Stamps troubles.
Overall there has been far too many times where the Stamps have handed the game away, either on offence or defence, add on the undercurrent of dis-harmony that seems to be percolating on the Stampeder sidelines these days and this is a very unhappy team that is apparently letting the pressure get to it.
They can expect no favours this weekend in Hamilton, where the Ti Cats can make life very difficult for a struggling squad.
Game Time 7 PM ET, 5 MT, 4 PT Ivor Wynne Stadium TSN
Calgary 31 at Hamilton 20 22,635
Pre Game
CFL Video Preview
Globe and Mail-- Quarterbacks Glenn, Burris to meet for first time since switching teams
National Post-- Ticats' defence braces for high-ocatane Stampeders
Hamilton Spectator-- Glenn back in the saddle again as Stampeders' No. 1 QB
Calgary Herald-- Huff has plenty on his mind as Stamps face Ticats
Calgary Sun-- No friends on Stampeder game day
Team Backgrounders
Calgary Stampeders
Hamilton Tiger Cats
Post Game
CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights
Globe and Mail-- Cornish runs wild as Stamps top Tiger Cats
National Post-- Stampeders' Cornish grinds Tiger-Cats down
Hamilton Spectator-- Former Ticats QB leads Stamps to 31-20 win
Toronto Sun-- Henry Burris, Kevin Glenn duel a bust
Calgary Herald-- Stamps grind out gritty 31-20 CFL win over Ticats
Calgary Sun-- Stamps pivot plays it safe
Saturday, July 28, 2012
CFL Game Day: Hamilton at Saskatchewan (July 28, 2012)
Saskatchewan is hoping for a bounce back game on Saturday, as they take to the field at Mosaic Field having surrendered their undefeated status last week in Calgary. The Riders who allowed the Stamps back into a game that they thought they had under control, learned a valuable lesson last Thursdays night, never let up, never take a win for granted.
The miscues that led to that collapse in Calgary no doubt were reviewed and re-emphasized by head coach Corey Chamblin and while losing their undefeated title for 2012 probably smarts, perhaps the greater goal of a long run into the Grey Cup in November will have been served by the loss.
Regardless, they had best shake off the last week's disappointment for they take on a Tiger Cat that it appears is starting to hit its stride. Henry Burris had one of the best performances of the last few years against Montreal, connecting with a wide cross section of his receivers for massive yardage.
Burris returns to Mosaic, a place he once was the marquee attraction at. A lot of time has passed since he wore the Green and White and he's no longer playing for the Riders rivals in Calgary, still a return to Regina for any player is always an interesting experience, never more so for the Cats who in addition to Burris bring former Rider Andy Fantuz back to familiar terrain.
It should be a very interesting experience for both on Saturday, as the large crowds of Mosaic provide a welcome to the one time Riders.
The Cats also bring some excitement with them on Special teams, a segment of the Ti Cat playbook that looks to be on track the Cats Chris Williams rattling off yardage at a record clip. Williams as well learned a lesson last week, showboating is a costly thing to take on, especially when you are run down and hauled down before your showboating is completed, detracting from what would have been another remarkable run.
A lesson learned no doubt, after Williams felt the wrath of the Tiger Cat faithful for his miscue and we suspect he won't be doing that any more, having apologized not only to his own team and their fans, but to the Montreal Alouettes and their coach for his arrogance.
No doubt the Ti Cats will wish to return the favour of the Riders from week one, where Saskatchewan totally dominated the Cats in their home opener over the Canada Day weekend, that's a performance that we imagine is still fresh in their minds some four weeks later.
The one advantage of football is that each week offers up an opportunity to show if you have learned from your past, the result of Saturday's game will give us an idea which team has the better students.
Game Time-- 6 PM ET (2 ST, 3 PT) Mosaic Field TSN
Hamilton 35 at Saskatchewan 34 (32,898)
Pre Game
CFL Video Preview
Globe and Mail-- Andy Fantuz returns to Regina to face Roughrider fans
National Post-- Ticats' Andy Fantuz ready for anything in return to Saskatchewan
Hamilton Spectator-- Tiger-Cats, 'Riders take stock tonight
Toronto Sun-- Fantuz coming 'home'
Regina Leader Post-- Playing at home draws Brendon LaBatte, Andy Fantuz
Team Backgrounders
Hamilton Tiger Cats
Saskatchewan Roughriders
Post Game
CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights
Globe and Mail-- Fantuz, Burris rally Tiger-Cats past Roughriders
Hamilton Spectator-- Ticats enjoy great comeback win - that ain't no lie
Toronto Sun-- Ticats storm back to sack Riders
Regina Leader-Post-- Murray's mutterings and mumblings over Saturday's defeat
The miscues that led to that collapse in Calgary no doubt were reviewed and re-emphasized by head coach Corey Chamblin and while losing their undefeated title for 2012 probably smarts, perhaps the greater goal of a long run into the Grey Cup in November will have been served by the loss.
Regardless, they had best shake off the last week's disappointment for they take on a Tiger Cat that it appears is starting to hit its stride. Henry Burris had one of the best performances of the last few years against Montreal, connecting with a wide cross section of his receivers for massive yardage.
Burris returns to Mosaic, a place he once was the marquee attraction at. A lot of time has passed since he wore the Green and White and he's no longer playing for the Riders rivals in Calgary, still a return to Regina for any player is always an interesting experience, never more so for the Cats who in addition to Burris bring former Rider Andy Fantuz back to familiar terrain.
It should be a very interesting experience for both on Saturday, as the large crowds of Mosaic provide a welcome to the one time Riders.
The Cats also bring some excitement with them on Special teams, a segment of the Ti Cat playbook that looks to be on track the Cats Chris Williams rattling off yardage at a record clip. Williams as well learned a lesson last week, showboating is a costly thing to take on, especially when you are run down and hauled down before your showboating is completed, detracting from what would have been another remarkable run.
A lesson learned no doubt, after Williams felt the wrath of the Tiger Cat faithful for his miscue and we suspect he won't be doing that any more, having apologized not only to his own team and their fans, but to the Montreal Alouettes and their coach for his arrogance.
No doubt the Ti Cats will wish to return the favour of the Riders from week one, where Saskatchewan totally dominated the Cats in their home opener over the Canada Day weekend, that's a performance that we imagine is still fresh in their minds some four weeks later.
The one advantage of football is that each week offers up an opportunity to show if you have learned from your past, the result of Saturday's game will give us an idea which team has the better students.
Game Time-- 6 PM ET (2 ST, 3 PT) Mosaic Field TSN
Hamilton 35 at Saskatchewan 34 (32,898)
Pre Game
CFL Video Preview
Globe and Mail-- Andy Fantuz returns to Regina to face Roughrider fans
National Post-- Ticats' Andy Fantuz ready for anything in return to Saskatchewan
Hamilton Spectator-- Tiger-Cats, 'Riders take stock tonight
Toronto Sun-- Fantuz coming 'home'
Regina Leader Post-- Playing at home draws Brendon LaBatte, Andy Fantuz
Team Backgrounders
Hamilton Tiger Cats
Saskatchewan Roughriders
Post Game
CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights
Globe and Mail-- Fantuz, Burris rally Tiger-Cats past Roughriders
Hamilton Spectator-- Ticats enjoy great comeback win - that ain't no lie
Toronto Sun-- Ticats storm back to sack Riders
Regina Leader-Post-- Murray's mutterings and mumblings over Saturday's defeat
Saturday, July 21, 2012
CFL Game Day: Montreal at Hamilton (July 21, 2012)
The wrap up to week four provides for perhaps the closest of the match ups this week, as the Montreal Alouettes travel to Hamilton to take on the Tiger Cats.
The home side coming off the always character building experience of a game against the Argonauts (and for good measure a winning one) finally seems to be showing some of the promise that was anticipated in the off and pre season.
The offence was clicking with more regularity last week, the defence as it normally is when playing at home (week one not with standing) was on mission, the Cats no doubt hoping that all carries forward to this weeks visit of the Als.
Montreal has apparently removed any concept of a lame duck coach this week with word that a lengthy extension of Marc Trestman's contract as head coach is in place (though he perhaps has an escape clause should a greener pasture beckon). In the mean time the Als continue to just keep trucking along, Anthony Calvillo getting into a groove that as the Stampeders found out last week sometimes is best viewed in the last two minutes of a game.
There were troubling signs for Trestman in last weeks game, the Stampeders were clearly the better squad for the majority of 55 of the 60 minutes, but with the benefit of a few gifts from the Stamps, Anthony Calvillo once again had opportunity to show why he's perhaps one of the best at the two minute drill in the league.
Coming off a last minute victory as the Als have also builds confidence, so today's game should make for an entertaining affair, with two teams that may believe they have put some of their early season struggle behind them finally.
With two of the league's most storied QB's of the current era at the helm, offence should be a key feature of the evening's offerings, if there is to be an edge the Cats may have it from home field advantage and the usually reliable Ti Cat defence when playing at home.
In a week of surprising events, you never know what may happen but in preview at least, the Cats and Als are fairly equal and it should offer up a back and forth match that could very well take us to another two minute drill experience, the winner depending on who has the last touch of the ball.
Game Time 7 PM ET (4 PT) Ivor Wynne Stadium (TSN)
Pre Game
CFL Video Preview
Globe and Mail-- Ticat's Williams off to blazing start in second season
National Post-- Ticats' Chris Williams full of extra gears
Montreal Gazette-- Nine finger Anderson returns
Hamilton Spectator-- Hands on approach by Cortez can leave a mark sometime
Toronto Sun-- Chemistry lesson for Ticats
Team Backgrounders
Montreal Alouettes
Hamilton Tiger Cats
Post Game
CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights
Globe and Mail-- Henry Burris leads Tiger-Cats past Alouettes
National Post-- Henry Burris, Ticats' offence teach Alouettes tough lesson
Montreal Gazette-- Alouettes are worse than you think
Hamilton Spectator-- Williams electrifies again, even with a silly gaffe
Toronto Sun-- Ticats' Williams hot-dogs in Hamilton win
The home side coming off the always character building experience of a game against the Argonauts (and for good measure a winning one) finally seems to be showing some of the promise that was anticipated in the off and pre season.
The offence was clicking with more regularity last week, the defence as it normally is when playing at home (week one not with standing) was on mission, the Cats no doubt hoping that all carries forward to this weeks visit of the Als.
Montreal has apparently removed any concept of a lame duck coach this week with word that a lengthy extension of Marc Trestman's contract as head coach is in place (though he perhaps has an escape clause should a greener pasture beckon). In the mean time the Als continue to just keep trucking along, Anthony Calvillo getting into a groove that as the Stampeders found out last week sometimes is best viewed in the last two minutes of a game.
There were troubling signs for Trestman in last weeks game, the Stampeders were clearly the better squad for the majority of 55 of the 60 minutes, but with the benefit of a few gifts from the Stamps, Anthony Calvillo once again had opportunity to show why he's perhaps one of the best at the two minute drill in the league.
Coming off a last minute victory as the Als have also builds confidence, so today's game should make for an entertaining affair, with two teams that may believe they have put some of their early season struggle behind them finally.
With two of the league's most storied QB's of the current era at the helm, offence should be a key feature of the evening's offerings, if there is to be an edge the Cats may have it from home field advantage and the usually reliable Ti Cat defence when playing at home.
In a week of surprising events, you never know what may happen but in preview at least, the Cats and Als are fairly equal and it should offer up a back and forth match that could very well take us to another two minute drill experience, the winner depending on who has the last touch of the ball.
Game Time 7 PM ET (4 PT) Ivor Wynne Stadium (TSN)
Pre Game
CFL Video Preview
Globe and Mail-- Ticat's Williams off to blazing start in second season
National Post-- Ticats' Chris Williams full of extra gears
Montreal Gazette-- Nine finger Anderson returns
Hamilton Spectator-- Hands on approach by Cortez can leave a mark sometime
Toronto Sun-- Chemistry lesson for Ticats
Team Backgrounders
Montreal Alouettes
Hamilton Tiger Cats
Post Game
CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights
Globe and Mail-- Henry Burris leads Tiger-Cats past Alouettes
National Post-- Henry Burris, Ticats' offence teach Alouettes tough lesson
Montreal Gazette-- Alouettes are worse than you think
Hamilton Spectator-- Williams electrifies again, even with a silly gaffe
Toronto Sun-- Ticats' Williams hot-dogs in Hamilton win
Saturday, July 14, 2012
CFL Game Day: Toronto at Hamilton (July 14, 2012)
The Battle of Ontario brings a cap to week number three of the 2012 CFL season.
The Toronto Argonauts making the trek down the Queen Elizabeth Way destined for that famed Argo graveyard of Ivor Wynne, the first of perhaps two, maybe three (playoff positioning depending) visits that they will make in this farewell year to the venerable old field.
The Argos come down the road with a 1-1 record thus far, last weeks victory over Calgary a last minute barn burner which provided no shortage of excitement and a bit of hope for the future for the Double Blue, which seems to finally be finding its pace with Ricky Ray at the helm.
The Cats on the other hand are in a bit of disarray, something that wasn't anticipated heading into the 2012 season, rumblings of discontent between players and new head coach George Cortez are beginning to surface, understandable we imagine when a team which entered the season with much promise is struggling as the Cats are.
Still, it's not a good thing when the fingers start to fly and the players give the impression that revolt is in the air, especially when the troubles don't seem quite as bad as they are being made out to be.
Other than the week one blow out against the Riders, the Cats seem to be getting a handle on their troubles, last weeks narrow loss to the Lions showed much promise that the pieces are starting to come together, which makes it curious that the complaints became public this week.
As always in Hamilton, the perfect tonic for a troublesome week is a match up with the arch rivals from Toronto, Ricky Ray may have thought that the days of the Calgary/Edmonton rivalry brought the fans to full voice, but we're not sure anything has prepared him for wearing Double Blue in Tiger town.
Likewise, Henry Buris who knows a thing about inter provincial rivalry from his days with the Stamps, will want to compare notes with Ray on the atmosphere at Ivor Wynne, though we recommend he not do that in any public forum in Hamilton...
Saturday night's week three wrap up may provide yet another lesson in Argology 101 for the new QB.
Game Time 7 PM ET, 4 PT Ivor Wynne Stadium (TSN)
Toronto 27 at Hamilton 36 (24,264)
Pre Game
CFL Video Preview
Globe and Mail-- Tiger-Cats hope to get season on track against Argos
National Post-- Hamilton Tiger-Cats deny they are 'a team in trouble'
Hamilton Spectator-- New Ticats learn fast to hate Argos
Toronto Sun-- Welcome to the Argos-Ticats rivalry
Toronto Star-- Toronto Argonauts wet to renew heated rivalry with Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Team Backgrounders
Toronto Argonauts
Hamilton Tiger Cats
Post Game
CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights
Globe and Mail-- Chris Williams' three touchdowns lead Ticats past Argos
National Post-- Ticats hold off Argos to earn first win of the season
Hamilton Spectator-- Ticats roll over arch rival Argos 36-27
Toronto Sun- Ticats look special against Argos
Toronto Star-- Toronto Argonauts fall to arch rival Hamilton Tiger Cats 36-27
The Toronto Argonauts making the trek down the Queen Elizabeth Way destined for that famed Argo graveyard of Ivor Wynne, the first of perhaps two, maybe three (playoff positioning depending) visits that they will make in this farewell year to the venerable old field.
The Argos come down the road with a 1-1 record thus far, last weeks victory over Calgary a last minute barn burner which provided no shortage of excitement and a bit of hope for the future for the Double Blue, which seems to finally be finding its pace with Ricky Ray at the helm.
The Cats on the other hand are in a bit of disarray, something that wasn't anticipated heading into the 2012 season, rumblings of discontent between players and new head coach George Cortez are beginning to surface, understandable we imagine when a team which entered the season with much promise is struggling as the Cats are.
Still, it's not a good thing when the fingers start to fly and the players give the impression that revolt is in the air, especially when the troubles don't seem quite as bad as they are being made out to be.
Other than the week one blow out against the Riders, the Cats seem to be getting a handle on their troubles, last weeks narrow loss to the Lions showed much promise that the pieces are starting to come together, which makes it curious that the complaints became public this week.
As always in Hamilton, the perfect tonic for a troublesome week is a match up with the arch rivals from Toronto, Ricky Ray may have thought that the days of the Calgary/Edmonton rivalry brought the fans to full voice, but we're not sure anything has prepared him for wearing Double Blue in Tiger town.
Likewise, Henry Buris who knows a thing about inter provincial rivalry from his days with the Stamps, will want to compare notes with Ray on the atmosphere at Ivor Wynne, though we recommend he not do that in any public forum in Hamilton...
Saturday night's week three wrap up may provide yet another lesson in Argology 101 for the new QB.
Game Time 7 PM ET, 4 PT Ivor Wynne Stadium (TSN)
Toronto 27 at Hamilton 36 (24,264)
Pre Game
CFL Video Preview
Globe and Mail-- Tiger-Cats hope to get season on track against Argos
National Post-- Hamilton Tiger-Cats deny they are 'a team in trouble'
Hamilton Spectator-- New Ticats learn fast to hate Argos
Toronto Sun-- Welcome to the Argos-Ticats rivalry
Toronto Star-- Toronto Argonauts wet to renew heated rivalry with Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Team Backgrounders
Toronto Argonauts
Hamilton Tiger Cats
Post Game
CFL.ca-- Game Recap
CFL.ca-- Video Highlights
Globe and Mail-- Chris Williams' three touchdowns lead Ticats past Argos
National Post-- Ticats hold off Argos to earn first win of the season
Hamilton Spectator-- Ticats roll over arch rival Argos 36-27
Toronto Sun- Ticats look special against Argos
Toronto Star-- Toronto Argonauts fall to arch rival Hamilton Tiger Cats 36-27
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Twelve Men Features: Hamilton Tiger Cats
Links to those items we have worked on regarding the Hamilton Tiger Cats
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)