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CFL News - East - Tuesday November 1, 2011 |
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Tuesday, 01 November 2011 15:20 |
CFL News - East - Tuesday November 1, 2011
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Experiment runs into problems
Hamilton Spectator
Tue Nov 1 2011
Page: S1
Section: Sports
Byline: Steve Milton The Hamilton Spectator
Oddly enough, when the Hamilton Tiger-Cats hammered the B.C. Lions 10 days ago, we didn't hear much complaining from the players about the way the quarterbacks were employed.
That in no way diminishes what has become a real Tiger-Cat dilemma - the players and coaching staff envision different, and separate, roads toward the Grey Cup - but it does reflect the truism that winning covers sores and losing exposes them.
To recap: Unnamed Ticats told The Spectator's hardworking beat writer Drew Edwards after Saturday's Mosaic mess there is serious confusion among the players about the new quarterback rotation and the system is negatively affecting the effectiveness of both Kevin Glenn and Quinton Porter.
Further, the players say, the team supports Glenn and thinks he gives them the best chance to win. And further to that there is a feeling, as verbalized or rather twitter-ized by Mo Mann after he was traded, the Cats are not veteran-friendly.
First things first. The inmates cannot run the asylum.
Players are never fully objective. They are worried about their own security, they have friends within the team, they want the team to win but they have personal concerns, as well.
That said, it's always prudent for management and coaches to listen to their players. And, on this one, with one throwaway game and one win-to-survive game remaining, the players' concerns somehow have to be addressed. Addressed, but not given in to.
Addressing means clearing the air, searching for a clearer explanation to the players of what it is that Marcel Bellefeuille and his staff are trying to accomplish with the quarterback substitution. Most of today's players have never known anything but a He's-The-Guy system and that has to be acknowledged and addressed. Bellefeuille may think he explained things well enough but, like parenting and teaching, coaching isn't as much about what's said as what's heard. And, even if they heard, some don't accept, so that needs addressing right away.
Addressing does not mean ordering the players not to talk to Edwards, or any other media type. That's repression, and repression always backfires. In fact, it says here the Cats, like so many pro teams today, sometimes ask their players to stay on message too much.
Players need outlets for the small things that bother them or they'll let things loose when the big things come along. And this one, a fortnight before the playoffs, is big.
We've always agreed with Bellefeuille's plan to use both quarterbacks liberally during the final three lame-duck games. This club is deeply mired at the average level - if they beat Toronto Thursday, they'll be at .500 for the 18th time in the past 54 regular-season games, almost all of it with a clearly designated No. 1 quarterback - and they need to be better than average to win a post-season game, or two, or three on the road.
Because they live in the now, as they should, players don't see the continuum here. The Cats are saying, without really saying it, there is enough evidence over three years they are unlikely to be good enough for what lies ahead, using the same structure as they had been using at quarterback.
Until three weeks ago, the only two units on the team that hadn't been altered in an effort to break the shackles of terminal mediocrity were the linebackers and the quarterbacks. The offensive tackles have been rotated, to the dismay of at least one; the secondary has been rebuilt, torn apart and rebuilt; the interior defensive line has been changed; the receiving corps has altered drastically; even the running back setup was tweaked.
Because players rarely encounter a two-quarterback system anymore, there was no clubhouse culture in place where anything but a defined starter would be understood and accepted. So the final three games were partly about establishing that milieu, as well as helping Bellefeuille and Khari Jones get a more precise feel for when to make the change, if a change is needed, in the win-or-go-home games. After the B.C. win, it appeared that cultural shift had occurred. Now, it appears it hasn't.
Bellefeuille defined the structure as Glenn as No. 1 and Porter as a backup who would get significantly more playing time.
And then Porter was given the opening snaps in Saskatchewan.
That was a huge mistake on Bellefeuille's part. Even Einstein would have been confused. If they're going to play at all, number one quarterbacks start. Period. Even if it's only for a series or two.
Bellefeuille has to continue using two quarterbacks. If not, what was this all about in the first place? It's not an ideal situation but it's clear the staff, and this would include the GM, believe neither Glenn nor Porter has proven unequivocably he can go it alone, no matter what some players think.
Absolutely, this is difficult on the quarterbacks, particularly Glenn, who certainly can feel the lack of organizational trust in his overall game and his CV. But that's the cruelty of professional sport and, in the interest of trying to get better, the Cats long ago abandoned any form of sentimentality. Scott Mitchell, Bob O'Billovich and Bellefeuille are all capable of making the cold, hard decision and living with it.
Bellefeuille, with input from above, has done that in this case. Saturday's portion of it was clumsy, and wrong. (Remember, Porter lost his job in that same stadium, in lousy weather conditions, 26 months ago, so this wasn't an optimum place to start him anyway.)
Glenn could have ended all this - prevented it from starting, actually - by grabbing the bull by the horns really forcefully the past few games, but it didn't happen and coaches and management got nervous. They need a fallback option in the playoffs.
And that's what everyone has to remember. In this stretch, it's an experiment. In the playoffs, someone, likely Glenn, has to be the starter and using two quarterbacks at will becomes a fallback position. But it's one they fall back upon quickly if they have to. Bellefeuille needs to get that through more clearly to his players, while at the same time convincing them he understands their concerns.
That's a lot of rocks, and a lot of hard places.
© 2011 Torstar Corporation
Edition: First
Length: 1038 words
Idnumber: 201111010001
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Jamel Richardson’s incredible one-handed catch
Yahoo Sports
Tue Nov 1 2011
Byline: Andrew Bucholtz
The result of Sunday's CFL clash may have gone in favour of the Calgary Stampeders, but the highlight of the day belonged to the Montreal Alouettes' Jamel Richardson. Late in the contest, with Montreal driving for a potential game-winning touchdown, Richardson came up with an incredible play, racing down the sideline, going up and over Calgary defensive back Brandon Smith, making an impressive one-hand catch and somehow managing to get his feet down inbounds. Here's video of his stunning moment.
It was just one of many great plays Richardson made on the day, as he finished with a game-high 111 receiving yards on just five catches. That's a stunning average of 22.2 yards gained every time he caught the ball. However, that's not all that surprising considering Richardson's dominance this season; he leads the CFL with 1,772 receiving yards, 529 ahead of second-place Geroy Simon, and also has 11 touchdowns on the year. His yearly average of 16.1 yards per catch is also impressive, and that puts him eighth among CFL receivers with more than 10 receptions. That highlight-reel catch also propelled him over 100 receiving yards for the 12th time this year, setting a new CFL record in the process. Richardson's having one of the most memorable receiving seasons in CFL history, so this will be just another highlight for his scrapbook.
Sometimes you have to take the lows with the highs, though, and that certainly was the case for Richardson Sunday. He was great for most of the game and made this incredible play to keep the Alouettes alive, but dropped a bullet pass over the middle shortly thereafter that would have given Montreal the go-ahead touchdown.
View original item at ca.sports.yahoo.com...»
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Anderson told to stay away from Alouettes
Montreal Gazette
Tue Nov 1 2011
Page: B12
Section: Sports
Byline: HERB ZURKOWSKY
Column: Herb Zurkowsky
Source: The Gazette
Need trumps trouble. Always has, always will. That's why there always will be a place in professional football for players like Dwight Anderson and Terrell Owens.
The Alouettes had a need last winter in their secondary, and cornerback Anderson was the marquee player available in free agency. And so, on the opening day of the bidding process, the Als wasted little time signing him, outbidding Calgary, where Anderson had spent three seasons. Both offers were competitive and similar, but Montreal offered more money upfront, signing Anderson for an annual salary of about $120,000.
The Als knew what they were getting, a free-spirited, often controversial player. And there were concerns about how Anderson would co-exist with Marc Trestman, Montreal's conservative head coach who always has preached a team-first concept.
Predictably, there were incidents. Anderson poked Weston Dressler in the eye during a game against Saskatchewan, and was accused of spitting at fans - the investigation eventually was dropped - at Hamilton's Ivor Wynne Stadium. Anderson took too many pass-interference penalties and, during a home game against Toronto on Oct. 10, reportedly got into a sideline shouting match with injured defensive-back Jerald Brown, forcing general manager Jim Popp to intervene.
Coincidentally, five days later, Anderson was placed on the nine-game injured list with a torn quad, ending his season. The injury's legitimate. Anderson has been sidelined since a game against the Tiger-Cats on Sept. 11. But there appears to be more to this story, and it will be very surprising if he returns to the Als next season.
Numerous sources have told The Gazette this goes beyond Anderson's injury and that issues developed between him and Trestman. It's also known inside various teams' dressing rooms throughout the Canadian Football League, social media being so prevalent, that Anderson has been ordered to stay away from the Als' dressing room and practice facility. It appears he's not even allowed to attend the team's games. While Anderson's wife was at Molson Stadium on Sunday, when the Als hosted Calgary, Anderson, who remains in the city, was at home, babysitting.
While it's common club policy to keep players with long-term injuries away from the team - Étienne Boulay and Mark Estelle are among those conspicuous by their absence - Anderson apparently crossed a line with his head coach.
"The coach doesn't want him around," a source told The Gazette. "Put it this way, Marc Trestman doesn't want him in the building, at games or at practices. The players have to tell Trestman if he comes in. There's a lot more to this than just an injury."
According to another source, Anderson refused to pay a team fine. That led to a confrontation with Trestman in the dressing room, with the team present.
All parties concerned have denied any chasm exists.
"He has a quad injury, and we're standing by that," Trestman said. "It was a football decision, based on an injury. From my standpoint, everything we've done has been in the best interest of the player."
While there were issues and incidents that are common knowledge, Trestman denied anything disrupted the team's focus. He also denied Anderson was tough to deal with. But when asked whether Anderson has been kicked off the team, Trestman's response was cryptic. "This is where we're at."
Similarly, Anderson said there's nothing more involved than an injury. "If there was a problem," he said, "I'd let you know."
Popp said he has never regretted signing Anderson, but stopped short of confirming the player would remain with the team next season.
"The only thing I'll say is, if someone's trying to make something out of this, when players are injured, frustration builds up. They all want to play. After sitting with him and discussing the measures we were taking, everything is fine."
Trestman is hardly the first coach to have problems with Anderson. Calgary general manager and head coach John Hufnagel had repeated closed-door discussions with him during his three years there, constantly forced to rein him in.
"It's not easy to coach D.A.," Stamps defensive co-ordinator Chris Jones admitted. "But we won a bunch with him at wide-field corner," Jones quickly added.
It's quite apparent the Als could use Anderson in their secondary, depleted following injuries. Sunday alone, inexperienced quarterback Drew Tate passed for 333 yards and two touchdowns - both to Canadian receiver Johnny Forzani. Forzani has been average this season, but against Montreal, he led his team with six receptions for 108 yards.
"If D.A. was healthy, he'd be on the field," another source said.
Anderson isn't the only player who has fallen into disfavour with Trestman.
A source said Boulay, recovering from a concussion, has been told he must tread carefully. He reported to training camp in poor shape, perhaps the result of appearing on TVA reality show Le Défi des Champions. He also appeared on various Frenchlanguage talk shows.
Boulay said he was "uneasy about doing interviews as I don't want to take any attention off the guys and the big games coming up."
A source also indicated returnspecialist Larry Taylor's release last season, upon his return from the New York Jets, stemmed from attitude problems Trestman quickly grew weary of.
ALS INSIDE/OUT
Players Kerry Watkins and Josh Bourke sustained season-ending injuries on Sunday, the Alouettes said yesterday. Get the details at alsinsideout.com
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Edition: Final
Story Type: Column
Length: 888 words
Idnumber: 201111010073
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Ken Miller stepping down again, but his legacy’s still strong
Yahoo Sports
Tue Nov 1 2011
Byline: Andrew Bucholtz
Monday's announcement that Saskatchewan head coach/vice-president of football operations Ken Miller will step down from both roles following the end of the season probably brings mixed feelings for fans of the Roughriders right now. On one hand, Miller played a crucial role in all of Saskatchewan's success from 2007 to 2010, but on the other hand, he bears responsibility for some of the Riders' struggles this season, so he can't be praised as highly as he was the first time he left coaching last December. Looking beyond the lows of the immediate present to the fuller context of Miller's time in Saskatchewan, though, it's pretty clear that his presence will be remembered as a net positive by far.
It's worth noting that the Roughriders weren't exactly in stellar shape before Miller arrived. Following their last Grey Cup appearance (a loss to Toronto in 1997), things went steeply downhill quick. From 1998 to 2001, their best season was the 6-12 record they put up in the final year of that span. Things got a little better afterwards, with the team going 8-10, 11-7, 9-9, 9-9 and 9-9 through 2006, but they never advanced past the West Final.
Things changed when Miller (seen above in November 2010) showed up. He was the offensive coordinator on the 2007 Grey Cup-winning team, then took over as head coach in 2008 after Kent Austin left and led the Roughriders back to the Grey Cup (and very nearly won it) in both 2009 and 2010. Things may have gone sour for Miller this year, but the Roughriders were dramatically better while he was involved with them. As a head coach, he went 12-6, 10-8 and 10-8 in full seasons of work, advancing to the Grey Cup in those latter two years and earning a nomination for the CFL's coach of the year each season.
View original item at ca.sports.yahoo.com...»
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Argos aren't willing to forgive hit on Jyles by Blue Bomber Sears; Retaliation is on the cards as Pottinger, who was also ejected from the game, warns, 'Legit hit within the rulebook may come'
Toronto Star
Tue Nov 1 2011
Page: S3
Section: Sports
Byline: Chris Zelkovich Toronto Star
Winnipeg Blue Bombers defensive back Johnny Sears will try to defend his hit on Steven Jyles to the Canadian Football League Tuesday, but in the court of the Toronto Argonauts he has already been found guilty.
Argo players didn't hold back in expressing their disapproval of Sears's hit, which knocked Jyles out of Friday's game in Winnipeg. Sears delivered a head-first shot to Jyles' head as the Argo quarterback slid feet-first after a 12-yard gain in a 27-22 victory.
Jyles, who is still being assessed for a possible concussion and sat out practice Monday, called the hit "dirty."
"Getting hit is a part of the game," Jyles said. "What this guy did is dirty.
"He didn't, not once, come to apologize or say 'Hey, man I didn't mean to do that'. Not once, so I took it that he intended to do it."
"I'll never have any respect for that guy, never, as long as he's playing in this league."
Linebacker Jason Pottinger, who was ejected from the game along with Sears for leaving the bench, called it a dirty hit and noted that regardless of intent it is illegal for a tackler to lead with his head.
Pottinger didn't back off when asked if the incident is over.
"It's over for this year," he said. "Any retaliation will be 100 per cent within the rulebook because we're not the type of team that's going to take any cheap shots.
"Just tell him to keep his head on a swivel. A legit hit within the rulebook may come."
While Pottinger won't likely face any disciplinary action from commissioner Mark Cohon, two other Argos may not be so lucky.
The league said it is looking into Twitter comments made by injured Argo linemen Rob Murphy and Taylor Robertson following the game. Winnipeg head coach Paul LaPolice urged the league to investigate what he said were threats.
After tweeting that the jaws of life would have been required to pry him off Sears, Murphy noted that he had a good memory and ended with a hash tag "see you next year."
Both said Monday that they had no regrets over the comments and that they weren't intended as threats.
"There's a way to settle the score on the field between the whistles and that's all I meant by it," Murphy said.
Robertson said that no one was buying Sears's claim that he was aiming for Jyles' hip. Sears said he missed when Jyles slid late.
Head coach Jim Barker steered away from the controversy, no doubt a little gun-shy after his questioning of officials earlier this season led to a $1,000 fine. He would say that he didn't consider the tweets to be threats.
The Argos have a policy on Twitter, which basically requires players to be accountable for their comments and to avoid commenting on other people.
© 2011 Torstar Corporation
Illustration:
• Rob Murphy, left, and Taylor Robertson are being probed for tweets after the game. Toronto Argonauts quarterback Steven Jyles leaves the game after being hit by Blue Bomber Johnny Sears during the second half in Winnipeg last Friday. RenÉ Johnston/Toronto Star REUTERS
Edition: ONT
Length: 474 words
Idnumber: 201111010085
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Hey Sears, heads up! ; Argos could retaliate for 'dirty hit' on Jyles, but they'll keep it '100%within the rule books'
The Toronto Sun
Tue Nov 1 2011
Page: S10
Section: Sports
Byline: BILL LANKHOF
Johnny Sears has got some explaining to do.
But, however the Winnipeg Blue Bombers' defensive back justifies the hit that knocked Steven Jyles unconscious, when he speaks with CFL commissioner Mark Cohon Tuesday, he'll remain public enemy No. 1 in Argoland.
"Ahh, yeah, it's over. Ahh, for this year," Jason Pottinger said Monday, all the while wearing a curious little grin.
But it didn't sound like the comment came with humorous intent.
"Any retaliation is going to be 100% within the rule books. Because, we're not the type of team that's going to take any cheap shots," Pottinger said, as the Argonauts resumed practices.
"So, ahhh, tell him to keep his head on a swivel."
As the saying goes: That's not a threat, it's a promise.
This latest contretemps is not going away easily, or soon. These teams have been running at an emotional fever ever since their first meeting this season when linebacker Joe Lobendahn knocked out the teeth of then-Argos' quarterback Cleo Lemon.
Toronto's Ejiro Kuale was ejected, and later fined, for a hit on Winnipeg quarterback Buck Pierce.
Nobody is suggesting the hit by Sears was payback. But ...
Toronto head coach Jim Barker, fined for comments regarding the officiating in the Kuale incident, declined to comment Monday other than to note Sears was penalized.
The CFL announced in a statement that Cohon will speak with Spears via a teleconference. It also said the league is reviewing tweets by Toronto players that Winnipeg head coach Paul LaPolice considers threatening.
Hard feelings resonate on both sides.
Sears claims he wasn't attempting to hurt Jyles, telling Winnipeg reporters that "My aiming point was the hip, and it disappeared (when Jyles' slid). But it disappeared at a point where I couldn't make another reaction. That happens."
It'll be interesting to see if that explanation flies with Cohon because it certainly didn't with the Argos.
"His hip? Really? Interesting? I wasn't there. I'm watching it on TV. But unless Jyles shrunk I don't think his hip is that low. Even if you are aiming for his hip you don't lead with your head down," said Taylor Robertson, the Argos' injured offensive
guard. "It's probably
one of the worst cheap shots I 've seen in a long time."
Said Pott i n g e r, " It was a dirty h i t. When you start playing football at seven or eight years old you are taught never to lead with your head. That's the bottom line -- he led with his head."
Jyles wasn't buying the accident scenario, either.
"Getting hit is part of the game. What this guy did is dirty. I slid. I'm known for sliding. And, he took a shot. Maybe it's a part of his game but I never seen any of our guys hurt someone when he's intentionally giving himself up.
"The part that hurts is he claims he didn't try to injure me but he didn't once try to apologize, say: 'Hey man! I didn't mean to do that.' Not once! So I take it that he wanted to do it."
Meantime, tweets by Robertson and Rob Murphy exacerbated the incident.
"#0 is lucky I'm not in the Province of Manitoba tonight," tweeted Murphy, out with a knee injury.
"They would need the Jaws of Life to pry me off him ... I have a good memory."
Robertson tweeted: "I don't know who the hell this #0 guy is but I hope to hell he's in the league next year...I'll take the ejection I don't care. Pretty (angry) at the fact he's standing on the sideline and there isn't someone peeling white jerseys off of him..."
Both denied they were threatening Sears, with Murphy tweeting it was more like "an opinion."
Whether Jyles plays in Toronto's final game Thursday against Hamilton is up to doctors.
"I knew it was something serious ... because I couldn't remember the play I just ran. It feels like something is over your face. I can't describe it. It's like you just woke up. I'm still a little fuzzy but no concussion symptoms," said Jyles, also evidently a little fuzzy on the symptoms of concussions.
Jyles played with Winnipeg last year; still has friends there and said he's hurt by some of the Twitter comments of former teammates. "I thought we were better than that," he said.
He even shared a locker room with Sears. But to suggest they were teammates might be a stretch, said Jyles.
"I don't remember the guy. Maybe he came after I hurt (a shoulder last year) ... I'll never have any respect for the guy. Never. No matter how long he's playing in this league. I don't know if it's over. I'll put it behind me but as for the guy himself, I don't even want to say his name."
Cohon has to make sure it's over. Sears has to be fined. He has to be suspended. Anything less, and this turns into a blood feud. And, the only way those end, are in tears.
© 2011 Sun Media Corporation. All rights reserved.
Illustration:
• photo of JOHNNY SEARS Cheap shot?
• photo by MICHAEL PEAKE,Toronto Sun
• Injured lineman Taylor Robertson (sunglasses) was one of the Argos who tweeted about Johnny Sears' hit on quarterback Steven Jyles in Winnipeg on Saturday. The CFL said it is reviewing the tweets, which Blue Bombers head coach Paul LaPolice considers threatening.
Edition: Final
Length: 834 words
Idnumber: 201111010075
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Blue Bombers hit has Argos seeing red; CFL commissioner to weigh in on head shot by Winnipeg defender Sears
The Globe and Mail
Tue Nov 1 2011
Page: S5
Section: Sports
Byline: Robert MacLeod
Dateline: MISSISSAUGA
MISSISSAUGA -- The Toronto Argonauts play their final game of the 2011 CFL season Thursday against the archrival Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
The Argos only wish it was against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, who have drawn the ire of the Double Blue over what they believe was a dirty hit by Winnipeg defensive back Johnny Sears last Friday.
Sears was kicked out of the game for spearing quarterback Steven Jyles in a head-to-head collision after Jyles slid to the ground following a running play in the fourth quarter of the contest, won 27-22 by Toronto.
Sears will have to explain himself Tuesday, during a conference call with CFL commissioner Mark Cohon that could result in additional disciplinary action.
A league spokesman described the hit as "very serious."
The CFL will also investigate the propriety of Twitter.com messages posted by Argos offensive linemen Rob Murphy and Taylor Robertson after the hit that the Blue Bombers charge are threatening in nature.
Vengeance was still very much on the Toronto players' minds as they gathered Monday for their first practice since the incident.
Jyles was kept out for precautionary measures and said he would be seeing a doctor later in the day to determine if he had suffered a concussion.
Toronto linebacker Jason Pottinger, who was also ejected from last Friday's game after he rushed onto the field with his helmet in hand after Jyles was hit, said the incident will not be forgotten.
"Any retaliation is going to be 100 per cent within the rule books," he said evenly. "We're not the type of team that's going to take any cheap shots. Just tell [Sears] to keep his head on a swivel. Legit hit within the rulebook makeup. "
Jyles said Monday he was feeling fine, but in the next breath admitted to being "a little fuzzy here and there."
The quarterback said he knew the hit was something serious "when I couldn't remember the play I just ran."
"What this guy did is dirty," he said. "Watching it, I slid. I'm a quarterback known for sliding and he took a shot. Maybe it's a part of his game. "
After Jyles was hurt, two injured Argos players who were watching the game on television in Toronto -Murphy and Robertson - tweeted their disgust with Sears, whose sweater is No. 0.
"#0 is lucky I'm not in the Province of Manitoba tonight," Murphy's dispatch read. "They would need the jaws of life to pry me off him ... I have a good memory."
Robertson added in his tweet he hopes Sears is in the league next season.
Toronto head coach Jim Barker is no fan of tweeting but said he didn't think the message the players put out was threatening in nature. Both Murphy and Robertson stood by their cyber postings and denied they were threatening.
"There's way to settle the score on the field between the whistle and that's all I meant by it," Murphy said.
Meanwhile, Barker said he didn't think defensive tackle Kevin Huntley would be able to play Thursday due to a severe blister on the bottom of one of his feet.
"It was one of the nastiest things I've ever seen in my life," Barker said.
Barker said the availability of punt- and kickoff-return specialist Chad Owens, who also didn't practice Monday, is also questionable.
The CFL's all-purpose yardage leader came out of the Winnipeg game feeling sore, Barker said declining to elaborate.
© 2011 CTVglobemedia Publishing Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Length: 568 words
Idnumber: 201111010118
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Blue have been in Twilight Zone all season
Winnipeg Free Press
Tue Nov 1 2011
Page: C6
Section: Bombers
It is time to try and make sense of the nonsense.
As professional sport evolves, statistics, facts and figures become more prominent. Extensive analysis and detailed breakdowns generate probabilities and likelihoods for every conceivable situation that can occur in a contest, and the results influence decisions being made with more regularity as organizations and sport move forward.
With that in mind, determining the fate and fortune of your local gridiron gang this past week and the weekend upcoming, could have been far easier predicted by simply studying the environment and factors surrounding the games than actually playing them out.
For instance, a number of keen and intrepid observers could have told you well before last Friday's game against the Toronto Argonauts, with the way we had been performing all year against underachieving teams in the CFL, that the deck was stacked against your Blue and Gold.
For starters, Toronto was tied -- and still is -- for the worst record in the CFL, which always makes us nervous. They have been out of the playoff picture since we could smell November, and we had already beaten them at home and at the Rogers Centre. Win or lose, they could not advance or lose traction in the division.
They had two starters out for the season on their offensive line, a quarterback who hasn't started many games for them, an almost weekly shuffling in their receiving personnel, and a defence that had been giving up yards of late like a cash-hungry homeowner next to a full parking lot.
Add to the fact that it was a night game in late October in Winnipeg with a sold-out home crowd that has been setting decibel records and was closing out a stadium where the ghosts of Blue Bomber pasts have been stabled for seven championships, and their enthusiasm was at an all-time high.
Variables
With that many variables going our way, we didn't stand a chance.
Lucky for us, however, our fortunes may be turning. We are about to embark on what, historically, has been a road trip from hell for your Blue and Gold. We would have an easier time matching up with NFL Pro Bowl rosters than the Stampeders of late. In the 11 years I have played on this team we have won in Calgary twice, and not since 2002. In fact, if memory serves over the last nine years, and I think it does, most of those games haven't exactly been too close either.
They are a team that is tied for first in the West Division, were the first team to beat us this season in our own park, they sport a record identical to ours, and will most definitely be favoured to win. They just beat Montreal in their own barn, and have so much talent at quarterback that last year's Most Outstanding Player in the CFL, Henry Burris, is backing up. One of the best running backs that has ever played for their organization is also a part-time player, and they will have an opportunity to clinch first place in the West if they beat us at their house.
Furthermore, according to what I have read in the papers, our starting quarterback will not be playing in the most important regular-season game of the year for us, where if we win, we are guaranteed a first-round bye in the post-season.
In any other season, on any other team, I would say this seems like a collusion of insurmountable odds that will require the most supreme of efforts to battle and overcome, and this could well be the case. Yet this year, with the way things have been going and with a deck stacked against us and the oddsmakers sure to write us off like a fraudulent cheque, I can't help but like our chances.
Welcome to the Twilight Zone, Blue Bomber football style, where things are never what they seem and you can often expect the unexpected.
Doug Brown, a hard-hitting defensive tackle with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and even harder-hitting columnist, appears Tuesdays in the Winnipeg Free Press.
© 2011 The Winnipeg Free Press. All rights reserved.
Length: 681 words
Idnumber: 201111010036
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Sears to talk with commish
Winnipeg Free Press
Tue Nov 1 2011
Page: C6
Section: Bombers
Byline: Adam Wazny
Winnipeg Blue Bombers defensive back Johnny Sears is being called onto the carpet today.
Sears is scheduled to participate in a teleconference hearing with CFL commissioner Mark Cohon regarding his hit on Toronto Argonauts quarterback Steven Jyles last Friday. In the 27-22 Argos win, Sears delivered a vicious helmet-to-helmet shot on the sliding Toronto quarterback in the fourth quarter, bouncing Jyles' head off the turf and knocking the former Bomber out for a brief period.
The league did not specify if Sears was in line for a fine or a suspension Monday, but didn't rule out the possibility of both being levied.
Sears, who led with his helmet on the tackle, drew an unnecessary roughness penalty and was ejected from the game. The second-year Bomber expressed remorse about the hit following the game, saying that he was aiming for Jyles' hip as he went in for the hit.
"It was no cheap shot... I wouldn't want that on any player," Sears said. "As a tackler, my aiming point was the hip. As I'm running, I'm not stopping. He chose to slide late; (I've) already decided to go at that hip. By that time, he's under me. Bang-bang play. It (wasn't) like I wanted to put him out or anything like that."
Jyles remained on the turf for several minutes. He did walk off on his own and told reporters he was fine after the contest.
The hit sparked a variety of opinions and outrage around the league. TSN personality Chris Schultz thought Sears should be "kicked out of the league," while injured members of the Argos offensive line chose to make their feelings known through Twitter, a web-based social networking site.
Said outspoken lineman Rob Murphy (@BIGMURPH56): "#0 (Sears) is lucky I'm not in the province of Manitoba tonight. They would need the Jaws of Life to pry me off of him. I have a good memory. See ya next year, 0."
Added Taylor Robertson (@TR65): "I don't know who the hell this #0 guy is, but I hope to hell he's in the league next year. I'll take the ejection. I don't care.
"Pretty (mad) at the fact he's standing on the sideline and there isn't someone peeling white jerseys off of him. Cheapest hit I've ever seen."
A league spokesman said the CFL is still in the process of reviewing the threatening nature of those comments. For what it's worth, Murphy has been fined four times by the league for his remarks on Twitter.
The Bombers (10-7) are back on the practice field this morning in preparation for the Calgary Stampeders (10-7) Saturday afternoon at McMahon Stadium.
As expected, Winnipeg will be without the services of Buck Pierce. The starting quarterback injured his right knee in the Toronto loss and has been ruled out by the coaching staff. The club remains non-committal on a recovery timetable for Pierce, however, suggesting it could be anywhere from a week to a month.
Backup Alex Brink will make his second start of the season and just the third start of his career.
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© 2011 The Winnipeg Free Press. All rights reserved.
Length: 515 words
Idnumber: 201111010037
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Called on Cohon's carpet ; Bombers DB Sears to learn fate Tuesday
The Winnipeg Sun
Tue Nov 1 2011
Page: S7
Section: Sports
Byline: JIM BENDER, WINNIPEG SUN
Some have called for his head, demanding he be banished for life.
Others have suggested that Winnipeg defensive back Johnny Sears should be suspended for the rest of the season for his dangerous hit on Toronto quarterback Steven Jyles during a CFL game against the Argos in Winnipeg on Friday.
Sears was ejected from the game for that blow to the head.
Sears will find out his fate at a hearing with CFL commissioner Mark Cohon on Tuesday, a CFL spokesperson con-firmed.
CONFERENCE CALL
A decision on whatever discipline Sears gets will be made afterwards and be announced by a conference call. It is believed to be the first such punishment to be discussed by conference call, so you can expect it to be a stiff one.
Blue Bombers head coach Paul LaPolice has admitted that the hit was indeed an infraction but suggested that Sears is not a dirty player. Sears was flagged for hitting a player out of bounds in Hamilton earlier this season, but that was a borderline call.
The CFL is also reviewing comments made on Twitter regarding the hit, some of them threats by Argos and responses by the Bombers.
No Bombers were available for comment Monday.
If Sears does get suspended, it could affect the Bomber secondary as defensive back Deon Beasley failed to finish Friday's game after suffering a shoulder injury. Both Beasley and Sears have also been returning kickoffs for the Bombers lately.
BUCK DONE?: Meanwhile, there is speculation that Bombers quarterback Buck Pierce could be done for the season with a knee injury. The Bombers have already indicated that backup Alex Brink will start at quarterback when they play against the Stampeders in Calgary this Saturday, with top spot in the East still on the line.
BRINK TO START SATURDAY
The Bombers have tweeted that his injury will be updated later this week but, once again, no Bomber officials were available for comment.
If quarterback Michael Bishop returns to Winnipeg this week, then you will know that the injury is indeed quite serious. Bishop, however, said Monday he has not heard from the Bombers -- yet.
Regardless of what happens this weekend, the Bombers will host a playoff game, either the East Final or semifinal. We're guessing they would prefer to have Pierce as their starting quarterback.
ALL QUIET: Even a day after their devastating loss to the Argos on Friday, the Bomber players were really down. But they got a reprieve when the Stamps beat the Alouettes on Sunday. We would have relayed their reaction to our readers but no one was made available except through Twitter accounts.
© 2011 Sun Media Corporation. All rights reserved.
Illustration:
• photo by Brian Donogh,Winnipeg Sun Files
• Winnipeg Blue Bombers DB Johnny Sears will get a hearing with CFL commissioner Mark Cohon Tuesday following his dangerous hit on Toronto QB Steven Jyles during Friday's 27-22 Bombers loss. The verdict will be announced afterwards by a conference call.
Edition: Final
Length: 438 words
Idnumber: 201111010025
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CFL News - West - Tuesday November 1, 2011
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First thing's first
Byline: WES GILBERTSON, Page: S2, Edition: Final
The Calgary Sun - Tue Nov 1 2011
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Ramsay to the rescue
Byline: GERRY MODDEJONGE, Page: S6, Edition: Final
The Edmonton Sun - Tue Nov 1 2011
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Stamps must focus on beating Bombers
Calgary Herald
Tue Nov 1 2011
Page: F1 / Front
Section: Sports
Byline: Allen Cameron
Source: Calgary Herald
Welcome to the final week of the Canadian Football League's regular season - a time that, typically, we have a fairly good idea of what to look for in the playoffs to come.
Usually, we can narrow things down with a fair degree of certainty that there are two or three legitimate contenders for the Grey Cup, and, gee, isn't it swell that two or three other teams made the post-season dance to give their fans a reward.
In 2011? All we know is that six teams have qualified for "the tournament," as Calgary Stampeders coach and GM John Hufnagel is fond of calling it. Beyond that? With the possible exception of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, it's a toss-up.
And the Stamps are firmly in that mix thanks to, arguably, their most impressive win of the season on a lovely fall afternoon in Montreal - a win that few outside of the Stampeders locker-room would have seen coming.
But here they are, with a 10-7 record, tied for first in the West Division and tied for the best record in the CFL. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and, based on their performance over the past two months, the Stamps were not winning many pageants and had become a playoff afterthought in many views. One would have to think that's not the case after Sunday's win.
"I really think people discounted us a little bit," said Stamps running back Jon Cornish. "But, still, we were down just one game (from being tied for the league's best record going into this past weekend) and people weren't even talking about us anymore. Yeah, we gave up a few losses this year.
But, really, we lost two to the numerically worst team in the league (Toronto) and two to the numerically best teams in the league (B.C. and Edmonton). It's very interesting how the games go."
That statement will never be truer than this weekend, when five of the six playoff positions will be determined.
From the Stamps' perspective, the message this week will be to focus on the task at hand - the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (without the injured Buck Pierce) on Saturday afternoon.
For it matters little what the Edmonton Eskimos or B.C. Lions do this weekend if the Stampeders don't win - a loss drops them to third in the West Division and facing two playoff road games to reach the Grey Cup.
And even with a win, there are no guarantees - the Stamps need both Edmonton (at home to Saskatchewan on Friday) and B.C. (at home to Montreal on Saturday) to lose to claim their third West Division title in four years. A loss by one of those teams gives Calgary the right to host the West semifinal Nov. 13. But if both teams win, Calgary finishes third by virtue of losing the tiebreakers to both of them.
"Well, we're responsible for that," shrugged Hufnagel. "The only thing we can do is get ready to play a good Winnipeg team, and see where the chips fall (afterwards)."
Keep this in mind, though - the Stampeders will not be intimidated by any set of circumstances thrown at them by this weekend's results. Let's be honest - it'll be a mighty stretch to suggest that first place is realistic; there's no way Edmonton is losing to Saskatchewan.
And based on Montreal's lapses Sunday, and B.C.'s performance against Edmonton the night before, you have to say the Lions will be favoured to beat the Alouettes.
So, conventional wisdom dictates Calgary will finish third in the West, and will have to travel to Edmonton a week from Sunday for the West semifinal - a city in which the Stamps have won four of their past five games.
A victory there would send the Stamps to Vancouver for the West final, and the Stamps were a lastgasp 53-yard Paul McCallum field goal away from having won seven straight in Vancouver.
Which is all to say the Stamps won't be entirely concerned about hitting the road for the playoffs, and Sunday's win in Montreal only strengthened the point.
That's why it's not a stretch to believe the Stamps truly aren't terribly worried about what happens elsewhere next weekend. Sure, if the chips fall in their favour, it'll be great. But job No. 1 is heading into the playoffs on a high note, with victories over Montreal and Winnipeg.
"One more week - we're playing the No. 1 and 2 teams in the East, and coming away with victories would do a lot for our confidence going into the playoffs," said defensive back Brandon Smith. "It gives us the sense that, you know, we're able to beat No. 1 and 2 in the East - all we have to do is make it to the big game (the Grey Cup)."
"I still think people think we're the underdog," added Cornish. "But we beat Edmonton (in Edmonton) the last time we played them. And we lost a super-close game to B.C. Every team knows that any game can go either way. And for that reason, this is a huge week to determine first place.
"And the following week (when the playoffs get underway)? Hey, it could go any way."
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Edition: Final
Length: 876 words
Idnumber: 201111010128
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First thing's first
The Calgary Sun
Tue Nov 1 2011
Page: S2
Section: Sports
Byline: WES GILBERTSON
Just win, baby.
With a three-way tie atop the standings in the CFL's West Division, there are several scenarios still in play.
One thing is already certain -- the Calgary Stampeders need a victory in Saturday's regular-season finale against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at McMahon Stadium to finish any higher than third place.
The Stamps will also require help from the Saskatchewan Roughriders, who battle the Edmonton Eskimos in the final week, and from the Montreal Alouettes, who are preparing for a road meeting with the B.C. Lions. The Eskimos and the Lions each own the tiebreaker against the Stamps, and all three teams have identical 10-7 records.
"We're still in the chase," said Stamps quarterback Drew Tate. "It's crazy. You play five months, and it all comes down to this one last game, but this is the position we want to be in.
"We're in a one-week season. It really is. We have to be so focused on who we're playing in the now and not worrying about anything else that we don't have control over."
© 2011 Sun Media Corporation. All rights reserved.
Edition: Final
Length: 178 words
Idnumber: 201111010056
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'D'termined finish ; Late defensive stands key in big road win
The Calgary Sun
Tue Nov 1 2011
Page: S2
Section: Sports
Byline: WES GILBERTSON CALGARY SUN
Indeed, the victory was a big one.
The way it was won -- with the Calgary Stampeders' defence making a crucial stop in the final seconds -- might have been even bigger.
After a couple of late collapses earlier this month, the Stamps refused to surrender another last-minute score in Sunday's 32-27 CFL triumph over the Montreal Alouettes at Molson Percival Stadium.
"The last couple of losses, we were losing by one or two points on last-minute field goals," Stamps cornerback Johnnie Dixon said. "Right now, to really come and just close one game out and come out with more than a three-point win, that's pretty good. It feels real good. If not winning, then what are you here for? So when you win, that builds confidence and motivation. That motivates you to go out and do it again and again."
It just as easily could've been another case of 'Oh no, not again' for the Stamps' defensive unit.
With two minutes remaininr, Als QB Anthony Calvillo tossed a 31-yard touchdown strike to slotback Eric Deslauriers to trim the Stamps' lead to 29-27.
The Alouettes tried a two-point conversion, but Stamps defensive tackle DeVone Claybrooks stretched out to trip up Calvillo as he scrambled towards the goal-stripe.
Then, with 10 ticks left on the game-clock and the Alouettes once again threatening to cap the spirited comeback, Dixon deflected a would-be touchdown pass away from S.J. Green to seal the victory.
The Stamps surrendered 538 yards of net offence to the CFL's highest-scoring squad but only allowed three offensive touchdowns. They stopped the Alouettes on three third-down gambles, including two in the redzone.
"Our defence made huge stops, and I think that's what won it," said Stamps
running back Jon Cornish, who scored two touchdowns. "Calvillo came to play, but we managed to stop him and the defence had two huge stops around the goal-line. That's what won us the game. We had some good offensive plays, but it was the defence that won us this game."
Heading into their regu-regular- season finale against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and still with a shot at claiming top spot in the West Division standings, the Stamps (10-7) should get an emotional boost from their effort in the late stages of Sunday's hard-fought victory in La Belle Province.
Three weeks ago, the Stamps' defence couldn't stop the host B.C. Lions from marching into enemy territory in the final minute, and watched as Paul McCallum booted a last-second field goal for a 33-31 home-side win.
The following week, their tackling squadron couldn't protect a one-point lead in Toronto, with kicker Noel Prefontaine acing a field-goal try on the final play to give the host Argonauts a 31-29 win.
On Sunday afternoon, the Stamps defence finally got their chance to celebrate.
"We knew it was going to come down to us sooner or later. It's always going to come down to the defence to stop them," Stamps defensive halfback Brandon Smith said. "Our offence put us in a good situation. They were able to move the ball and keep us off the field, so once we got on, it was our turn to stand up."
They did.
And the timing couldn't be better.
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© 2011 Sun Media Corporation. All rights reserved.
Illustration:
• photo by MARIE-CLAUDE FOREST/QMI AGENCY
• Johnnie Dixon and the Stampeders stopped Jamel Richardson and the Alouettes when it counted Sunday in a 32-27 win in Montreal.
Edition: Final
Length: 544 words
Idnumber: 201111010036
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Missed opportunities set up wide-open final week
CBC Sports
Tue Nov 1 2011
Byline: Greg Frers
It's often said that there are five crucial plays during the course of a football game that will determine the outcome. Make the play and you will win. Miss and you will lose. Pretty simple.
This week, both Winnipeg and Edmonton had opportunities to secure first place and the first-week bye in the playoffs. Championship teams are those that understand what is at stake and seize the opportunity. Both teams failed to take advantage of the opportunity and so we are left waiting to see which team will finally step up to the plate and stake its claim to be champions.
Heading into the final week of the regular season, there are still five teams that are fighting to claim first place in their respective division. Staking claim to first place is a huge advantage that all five teams desperately want, which will be more than enough motivation to create some playoff-intensity games one week prior to the playoffs beginning.
Getting the bye week not only allows your beaten-up body to get the needed time to heal. You also get to watch your next opponent get its body broken up as it battles through the semifinal playoff game.
First place puts your team in the best possible position to realize your dream of being a Grey Cup champion.
Those that suggest that it's good for a team to not finish first are simply making excuses for not capitalizing on the opportunities that have been presented to them.
Bombers, Esks fall flat
With a victory over the struggling 4-12 Argonauts, the Bombers had the opportunity to capture first in the East at home in their last regular-season game ever at Canad Inns Stadium. The stage was set to solidify themselves as the team to beat in the East, but they came up short.
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RIGHT DOWN TO THE WIRE ; Three games carry playoff implications
The Winnipeg Sun
Tue Nov 1 2011
Page: S8
Section: Sports
Byline: IAN BUSBY
If this wild CFL season continues, the six playoff-bound teams will be up late Saturday night either making travel plans or setting up home dates.
There is a chance Saturday's Montreal Alouettes visit to Vancouver to face the B.C. Lions decides both division winners and it won't end until 1 a.m. Montreal time.
It all depends on the Calgary Stampeders. If the Stamps beat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers earlier that day, it will open the door for the Als to clinch the East Division title for the fourth straight year.
Of course, there is a chance the game means nothing.
If the Bombers beat the Stamps, and the Riders upset the Eskimos Friday night, both the Als (second) and Lions (first) will have their positions locked in.
But with five teams tied at 10-7 records heading into the final week, expect it to come right down to the wire.
Now for a few notes from a league where anyone but the Argos and Riders can win the Grey Cup this year:
MILLER STEPS DOWN
For the second straight season, the Saskatchewan Roughriders will try to find a new head coach and head of football operations. Once again, it will be a tough act to follow.
While Ken Miller couldn't salvage the 2011 season after coming down from the front office to replace the fired Greg Marshall, the legacy the 70-year-old coach leaves is an impressive one.
In his first three full seasons at the helm, Miller took the team to two Grey Cups and won 32 regular-season games.
Miller was beloved with his players, especially quarterback Darian Durant. The past month, when Miller had Durant playing with a broken bone in his foot, will be a footnote in a great run.
Now the rumour mill will start as to who the next coach will be and whether GM Brendan Taman keeps his job. Our prediction is the Riders will hire Corey Chamblin, a runner- up to Marshall, who took over the defensive co-ordinator position in Hamilton when Marshall left for Regina.
NOT SO GRAND TOTAL
Just two seasons ago, the CFL had seven 1,000-yard rushers to set a record for most in one season. In 2011, only two players -- Mo ntreal's Brandon Whitaker and Toronto's Cory Boyd -- have hit that mark heading into the final week.
It's a combination of injury ( Fred Reid in Winnipeg) and demotion ( Joffrey Reynolds in Calgary, Jamal Robertson in B.C.) that has derailed some of the 2009 club.
Only one player from 2009 can hit the 1,000-yard mark again, and Tiger-Cat Avon Cobourne needs 39 yards to get there. Edmonton Eskimos power back Jerome Messam needs 19 for his first 1,000- yard season. Boyd became the second Argos rusher to hit the mark in two straight seasons after Michael Jenkins (2000- 01).
The last time the CFL had only two 1,000-yard rushers was 2008, when Reynolds and Roughrider Wes Cates did it.
PIVOTAL PROBLEMS
The tinkering Marcel Bellefeuille's doing with his quarterbacks has the makings of a full-blown controversy. Speaking anonymously, one Ticats player told the Hamilton Spectator the use of both Quinton Porter and Kevin Glenn is causing friction within the team.
"It's garbage and the players hate it," said one anonymous player. "Bellefeuille is killing the confidence of both quarterbacks by doing what he's doing."
This comes on the heels of both pivots playing poorly in the harsh Regina wind during a 19-3 loss on Saturday. Of course, there wasn't much complaining when the Ticats beat the B.C. Lions a week ago with each QB playing a half.
© 2011 Sun Media Corporation. All rights reserved.
Illustration:
• photo by Marie-Claude Forest,QMI Agency
• Defender Junior Turner, who kept Alouettes QB Anthony Calvillo company Sunday, and the Stampeders are hoping for a home playoff date.
Edition: Final
Length: 591 words
Idnumber: 201111010007
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Multiple injuries slow Sherritt; Rookie linebacker had surgery on finger, injured ankle is also healing
Edmonton Journal
Tue Nov 1 2011
Page: C2
Section: Sports
Dateline: EDMONTON
Source: Edmonton Journal
The saga of injured Edmonton Eskimos linebacker J.C. Sherritt continued on Monday.
Eskimos head coach Kavis Reed said the 23-year-old rookie had surgery on his finger, but that the recovery period would be relatively short.
"He had surgery on his finger, which was bothering him for a bit," the coach explained.
Reed then discussed Sherritt's right ankle, which he injured playing against the Toronto Argonauts on Oct. 22.
"The ankle, as we've discussed, is about a two-week thing. We thought it was going to keep him out long and it probably won't keep him out that much longer."
Reed said that if Sherritt hadn't had the finger surgery, he could possibly have been used this Friday against the Saskatchewan Roughriders, but the Eskimos are thinking bigger picture with him.
Wojt questionable for Friday
Eskimos offensive lineman Greg Wojt re-agggravated his ankle injury on Saturday against the B.C. Lions.
Reed said he'd need another day before the team could make an assessment on Wojt for this week's game.
"Right now, it doesn't look so favourable," Reed said. "But, like Sherritt, who knows what 24 hours will do for that ankle?"
Reed confirmed that it was the same ankle that Wojt injured earlier in the season.
Thanks for your 'stupidity'
Eskimos centre Gord Hinse was a popular media target on Monday, after throwing his body into the fray without his helmet during Saturday's game with the Lions.
The six-foot-four, 300-pounder went back into the game after getting a cut above his left eye and threw at least three blocks while trying to protect quarterback Ricky Ray at one point after his helmet was knocked off.
"It was one of those situations where you really applaud the young man for his stupidity," Reed said, drawing a laugh out of the media. "I probably would have just taken a knee and said, 'OK, Ricky you're on your own.' "
"Gord is a warrior, man," Eskimos defensive end Julius Williams said of the play. "I don't know how much he could see ... but his eye looked pretty bad. He showed some true courage and he earned some respect from me, personally, to be able to play in that game."
Edition: Final
Length: 364 words
Idnumber: 201111010078
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Sherritt aims for playoffs
The Edmonton Sun
Tue Nov 1 2011
Page: S6
Section: Sports
Byline: GERRY MODDEJONGE
J.C. Sherritt will be back for playoffs.
The Eskimos rookie linebacker, who led the team in tackling before missing the last two games with an ankle injury, will not play in Saturday's regular-season finale against the visiting Saskatchewan Roughriders at Commonwealth Stadium.
Instead, he will recuperate and prepare for the post-season.
And not just from the sprained ankle.
"He had surgery on his (broken) finger, which was bothering him a bit," said head coach Kavis Reed.
"It's about a two-week thing. And the ankle that we thought was going to keep him out very long probably won't keep him out much longer.
"In fact, if he did not have the surgery it may be a situation where we possibly could have played him this week.
"But I think conventional wisdom would say he's too important to our football team to risk him not being a part of the playoff run."
© 2011 Sun Media Corporation. All rights reserved.
Illustration:
• EDMONTON SUN FILE
• Kyle Koch, left, and Brian Ramsay go head-to-head at an Eskimos practice earlier this season.
Edition: Final
Length: 151 words
Idnumber: 201111010054
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Ramsay to the rescue
The Edmonton Sun
Tue Nov 1 2011
Page: S6
Section: Sports
Byline: GERRY MODDEJONGE
The Edmonton Eskimos didn't wait until Halloween to start talking about curses.
One almost became the centre of attention on Saturday night after a bloody and helmet-less Gord Hinse headed to the sidelines with an injury -- the third Eskimos centre to do so this season.
"I thought about that, I'm not going to lie," Hinse said. "That should be the last thing on my mind during the game. That's just the way it is."
As Hinse was having his swollen left eye looked at, left guard Brian Ramsay shuffled over one spot to become the fourth Eskimo to snap a ball to Ricky Ray this year.
And it was just for one snap too, which resulted in Ray completing a 20-yard touchdown pass to slotback Jason Barnes, closing out the opening quarter with Edmonton's first touchdown of the night.
"That's the best play to come in for, right?" Ramsay said. "Obviously, Gord got a little banged up and we had to move guys around, but coaches prepare us for that."
And, as it turns out, Hinse is no more scared of black cats than black eyes, getting patched up in time to resume his regular role on the offence's next possession.
"It's a testament to Gord to come back so quick; they didn't have to leave me in there that long," said Ramsay, who is not unfamiliar with the snapping role.
"I played a little bit in training camp and, it's funny enough, each year I've played I've snapped the ball in the middle at some point during a game. So I don't know what kind of luck that is, but every season I've ended up there for a snap or two."
Indeed, the football gods were smiling on the O-line Saturday because things could have turned out much worse.
Just ask former starting centres Aaron Fiacconi or Kyle Koch, who have since landed on the nine-game injured list.
"I knew as long as he could see he'd be back out there, that's kind of the way he is. But run around with your helmet off, that's dangerous," said Koch, who is rehabbing a knee, while Fiacconi went under the knife to repair a torn rotator cuff. "You'd hate for somebody to smash you."
For a moment on Saturday, it looked a lot like the plague that befell the four starting import receivers, who were all injured the same time earlier in the season.
"It almost seems worse because as much as it's five O-linemen, it's one spot," Koch said. "It's like the X-receiver-- or something, whatever that means -- getting hurt four times.
"It's a little crazy, man." IN AND OUT: RG Greg Wojt
has reaggravated an ankle injury that forced him to miss the previous three weeks. He left Saturday's game in the second half, favouring the ankle that had initially been rolled upon by a teammate in practice.
"Greg is probably a situation where we're really going to get a good assessment (Tuesday)," Reed said.
"Right now it doesn't look very favourable, but who knows what another 24 hours will do for that ankle?"
© 2011 Sun Media Corporation. All rights reserved.
Edition: Final
Length: 517 words
Idnumber: 201111010067
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CFL playoff picture a puzzle; Eskimos could finish anywhere from first to third in West
Edmonton Journal
Tue Nov 1 2011
Page: C1 / Front
Section: Sports
Byline: Chris O'Leary
Column: Chris O'Leary
Dateline: EDMONTON
Source: Edmonton Journal
CFL GAME TIME
RIDERS at ESKIMOS 7 p.m., Friday Media: 630 CHED, TSN Go to edmontonjournal.com for game live-blog
Fans trying to keep up with the ever-changing standings in the Canadian Football League probably feel like they're going cross-eyed.
It's like trying to figure out the Magic Eye puzzle popular in the 1990s. Homes around the world were littered with the pictures, which carried a 3-D image hidden within a loud pattern.
The Edmonton Eskimos are one of the five CFL teams tied for first place in their respective divisions with identical 10-7 records. They were all alone in first place in the West Division last week; today, the Esks are mired in a three-way tie for the lead, with the possibility of dropping to third place and having to travel for the duration of the playoffs.
If the Eskimos finish first overall in the West - which could happen if they beat the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Friday and the B.C. Lions lose to the Montreal Alouettes on Saturday - they will receive a bye until the division final on Nov. 20.
Ending up in second or third place in the standings means Edmonton's post-season experience starts Nov. 13, either at Commonwealth Stadium or on the road.
Trying to figure out all of the various possibilities of the playoff puzzle is enough to make fans feel woozy.
"It's been a crazy year in both divisions, really," Eskimos quarterback Ricky Ray said. "It seems like every week someone's playing for first or someone's doing this or doing that and, really, no team has been able to grasp their opportunity."
The Eskimos had their chance to lock up first in the West Division on Saturday night, but fell to the Lions 29-22. The Calgary Stampeders' win over the Montreal Alouettes on Monday created the three-way logjam at 10-7.
"It's going to come down to this last week and there are so many scenarios that can happen," Ray said.
"We could finish anywhere from first to third. The most important thing for us is to just focus on what we have. If we go out there and win, we're guaranteed to host (a playoff game) and, if we get a little help, maybe we'll get first place."
Parity has become the catchphrase of a season that's been impossible to predict, so don't ask Ray to pick a winner in the other games this weekend.
"It's tough. Calgary's playing pretty well right now. Winnipeg, they're a good football team," he said. "That one's hard to pick and same with the B.C.-Montreal game.
"There are two good teams. Montreal is more than capable of winning on the road and, even with us, Saskatchewan, even though their record isn't very good, they've beat some very good teams. They beat Winnipeg twice, last week they beat a good Hamilton team, so this week isn't going to be easy for us either. We have to focus on what we have."
Like the trick pictures, though, it's tough for the Eskimos to focus on what they have when they don't know exactly what they have.
"Anything can happen," said slotback Fred Stamps. "If we get first, that'd be awesome, perfect. We'll get to watch teams beat up on each other.
"If we don't, we're just going to go in there and play our football. If we have to go to B.C., Calgary, it really don't matter."
All that matters now is the image that's hidden under the blur of the standings. There's a week left in the season and five playoff games to be played before that picture will finally make sense.
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Edition: Final
Length: 611 words
Idnumber: 201111010074
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Injured players pay their respects; Fiacconi, Koch attend Grande Prairie memorial service because of football's 'brotherhood'
Edmonton Journal
Tue Nov 1 2011
Page: C2
Section: Sports
Byline: Chris O'Leary
Dateline: EDMONTON
Source: Edmonton Journal
While the Edmonton Eskimos spent the weekend in Vancouver taking on the B.C. Lions, two of the team's injured players made a much more sombre trip.
Eskimos offensive linemen Aaron Fiacconi and Kyle Koch, who had shoulder and knee injuries, respectively, prematurely end their seasons, flew to Grande Prairie on Sunday to attend the memorial service for four teens that were killed in a car crash on Oct. 22.
Matt Deller, 16, Tanner Hildebrand, 15, Vincent Stover, 16, and Walter Borden-Wilkens, 15, were students at Grande Prairie Composite High School and also members of the Warriors football team. They were killed when their vehicle collided with a pickup truck driven by an alleged drunk driver. A fifth passenger in the vehicle, 15-year-old Zach Judd, is in a medically induced coma in an Edmonton hospital.
"I'd been up there in the off-season and I talked to the football team up there and I made a little bit of a connection," Koch said of his motivation to attend the service.
"This came about because I saw that there was a town affected by a tragedy," said Fiacconi, who also went to Haiti last year with the CFL after the area was devastated by a massive earthquake.
"(I wanted) to gain some perspective and just to see the human spirit," he said. "Those people (in Grande Prairie) were so strong. I got to meet with some of the mothers and fathers of the boys who were lost and they're amazing.
"Their strength is unbelievable. The little things I would tend to get down about at times; it makes you realize that life is so precious. I learned so much from those four boys who lost their lives. It was a tragic, tragic event and their sense of community is unlike any I've seen in a long time. They're very special people."
Seeing football players going through such an emotionally trying time, Koch said he wanted to show his support.
"We've got a pretty good understanding of the brotherhood that is football," Koch said. "There are a lot of guys I'm sure that if you asked what they're going to miss the most when they're done playing, is this locker-room and how close you are (with your teammates).
"We were hoping to give support the best we could, and much like there's people there in the communities that didn't know the families, we wanted to tell them that we're there. Even though it's minute, it's something that we could do."
Seeing the young players in their jerseys reminded Fiacconi of his own high school days.
"I sympathize with every one of those boys. I remember the first time I put on a football helmet and how it affected me and it probably had the same effect on them," he said.
"We're a family, we really are, and just football players, it transcends age, race, boundaries and communities. It's something that once you put a helmet on, it's a unique experience in itself. I wanted to be there for those kids."
Brendan Holubowich, 21, has been charged with impaired driving causing death, impaired driving causing bodily harm and flight from police. His court case was postponed Monday and put over to Nov. 28.
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Shaughn Butts, The Journal, File
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Aaron Fiacconi, second from left, shares a laugh with fellow Edmonton Eskimos offensive linemen at practice this year.
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Illustration:
• Shaughn Butts, The Journal, File / Aaron Fiacconi, second from left, shares a laugh with fellow Edmonton Eskimos offensive linemen at practice this year.
• / Koch
Edition: Final
Length: 538 words
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One more chance ; After stumbling in their last start, Eskimos need a win to nail down a home playoff date
The Edmonton Sun
Tue Nov 1 2011
Page: S3
Section: Sports
Byline: TERRY JONES
Maybe the Edmonton Eskimos should go forward with the attitude of just enjoying it.
Goodness knows they played their part in helping to create it.
There are five, count them, five teams going into the last week of the CFL season with 10-7 records and nobody knowing whether they'll finish first, second, or third in the Western Conference because of them.
It's mostly their masterpiece.
Say it slowly. It. Was. The. Biggest. Game. Of. The. Year. And. They. Didn't. Show. Up.
Instead of being one win away from playing in Canada's great game, the Edmonton Eskimos are essentially now four wins away from winning the Grey Cup.
'TOO UP'
"The defence definitely feels like we let the team down. We basically spotted the B.C. Lions 14 points. We came out flat. I think some guys were too up. I think that's why we missed so many assignments," said rookie rush end Marcus Howard.
"It was a great opportunity and we just didn't get it done. One thing we can't do right now in a situation like this is feel sorry for ourselves," said quarterback Ricky Ray.
"We have to win those games. We made silly mistakes in the beginning. We didn't execute," said defensive leader Greg Peach, of the 29-20 loss by a team which has been great at creating opportunities and terrible at seizing the moment when presented with them.
"We didn't tackle well and there were a lot of missed assignments. I don't think it was a matter of not being ready. I think it was a matter of not playing relaxed," said coach Kavis Reed of the brutal beginning to the game which cost them control of their own destiny.
"I think it was mostly nerves. We were slow mentally and physically. Really, I think that's probably a sign of growing up.
"About 70% of our team has not been through that kind of pressure.
"The stage was really big and some guys were uptight. It's a sign of immaturity. Certain guys were a little uptight. Hopefully, it's a good dress rehearsal for playing in a playoff atmosphere.
"Hopefully, we'll end up back there in the very same venue in the Grey Cup and have the experience of having been there before.
"Only experience is going to give these guys a handle on that situation.
"We have to be careful here. This team is so green the balance of being hard on them and being positive has to be capped.
"If we're too hard on them, this team can go off the cliff. They aren't mentally strong enough to handle a bag skate."
YOUNG ESKIMOS
Maybe now these young Eskimos with 23 of the 46 players new to the team including 12 of 24 starters will figure out a way to embrace the incredible conclusion to this spectacularly stupid season.
For the first time since 1986, when the CFL adopted a 16 game schedule from 14, no team will have hit the 12-win plateau. The last such season was back in 1982 when Eskimos and Blue Bombers went 11-5.
It's a complicated playoff picture now for the Eskimos, a team which could have put Western Final playoff tickets on sale if they'd shown up against the Lions.
If they defeat the Saskatchewan Roughriders Friday night, the Eskimos will play their first playoff game in Commonwealth Stadium since the 2004 Western Conference semifinal.
If they don't gag on that game, and end up an 11-7 team, and the Montreal Alouettes end up beating the Lions in the last game of the regular season, then they'll play host to their 23rd Western Final and the first time since 2003 after all.
While Edmonton had already clinched a 53rd appearance in the playoffs in 63 seasons, the first goal now is to assure the 41st time they've finished in either first or second place to guarantee a home playoff game.
How long has it been since the Eskimos finished first and played host to the Western Final in Commonwealth Stadium?
There's only one player left who remembers it. Ricky Ray is the only player left from that 2003 team.
How long since there was a home playoff game here?
You can ask 2004 rookies Mathieu Bertrand and Andrew Nowacki about that, but not Ray.
He was with NFL's New York Jets that year.
© 2011 Sun Media Corporation. All rights reserved.
Illustration:
• DAVID BLOOM/EDMONTON SUN
• The Edmonton Eskimos have one more regular-season game to determine their playoff fate.
Edition: Final
Length: 709 words
Idnumber: 201111010050
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Scott savours second career touchdown catch
The Edmonton Sun
Tue Nov 1 2011
Page: S6
Section: Sports
Byline: GERRY MODDEJONGE
The CFL is a game of give and take.
As in, if you give the running back position to an import player on a play, you have to take one off somewhere else.
But the Edmonton Eskimos didn't miss a beat when newcomer Hugh Charles came in for Canadian running back Jerome Messam.
It meant non-import wide receiver Tyler Scott got into Saturday's game against the B.C. Lions at a critical time, snaring a touchdown pass to cut the Lions' lead to 22-20.
The 6-foot-2, 203-pound Western Ontario product out of Windsor, Ont., scored just the second TD of his career -- and first with the Eskimos -- on a snazzy 16-yard toss from Ricky Ray in the thick of coverage.
"Honestly, it didn't even faze me when his hand was there," Scott said. "You've just got to make it routine."
And it all started with the right route.
"Earlier in the game, they were jumping that out-route we were throwing, so I said, 'Hey, just make sure that you're live on it,' said quarterback Ricky Ray, who wasn't connecting with his more usual suspects in the receiving corps on the night.
"Gave a little pump fake and found him in the back of the end zone."
The fourth-year CFL receiver's only other
touchdown came from current Eskimos backup Kerry Joseph, when the two were in Toronto in 2009.
"It feels way better and it actually means something," said Scott, who recalls
finishing just 3-15 that season. "When we were in Toronto,
it hardly meant anything when we were getting smoked every game."
But this year, wearing Green and Gold and playoff bound for the first time in his career, Scott is feeling like part of something.
His two catches for 30 yards and the touchdown on Saturday gives him 87 yards on eight grabs and a TD this season.
© 2011 Sun Media Corporation. All rights reserved.
Edition: Final
Length: 309 words
Idnumber: 201111010063
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Video: Chris Milo’s 108-yard punt ties CFL record
Yahoo Sports
Tue Nov 1 2011
Byline: Andrew Bucholtz
It's not quite punting to win, but the Saskatchewan Roughriders did unleash another memorable punt Saturday, and they did win. Here's video of the ferocious punt Chris Milo unleashed from his own 12-yard line Saturday, which carried all the way to the Hamilton 35 (63 yards) in the air, went over the head of Tiger-Cats returner Marcus Thigpen and rolled through the Hamilton end zone for a single point (one of the 19 the Roughriders scored to the Tiger-Cats' three), travelling a total distance of 108 yards.
Milo's punt tied a CFL record for the longest punt in league history, and it put him into a very exclusive club. The Toronto Argonauts' Zenon Andrusyshyn is the only other man ever to record a 108-yard punt in the CFL, and he did that way back on September 14, 1977 against Calgary. The next-closest two punters are also Argonauts, as Dave Mann hit one 102 yards in 1966 against Ottawa and Dean Dorsey (Andrusyshyn's replacement with Toronto) launched a punt 101 yards in 1982. The other man in the CFL's record book is also a Roughrider; Ken Clark hit one 101 yards in 1983. It's pretty impressive that Milo's punt represents something that hasn't been done in several decades, as a lot's happened in the CFL since then.
This isn't entirely unprecedented, as Milo (seen punting at right in an Aug. 12 game) has recorded the third-highest punting average of all CFL players this season, but 108 yards is a long way from even his impressive average of 43.6 yards per punt. How he got to this point is quite remarkable, too; Milo had an impressive college career as a punter and kicker with the Laval Rouge et Or, but was largely overlooked in this year's CFL draft and wasn't taken until Saskatchewan selected him in the fourth round, 30th overall. He started the season on the practice roster, only taking over the punting and placekicking jobs after import Eddie Johnson got hurt, but he's been pretty decent over the last 10 games, especially in the punting game.
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Season finale has deep meaning for Riders
thestarphoenix.com
Tue Nov 1 2011
Section: OnLine
Byline: Murray McCormick
The final game of the 2011 regular season will have some meaning for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The Riders (5-12) wrap up their season on Friday at Commonwealth Stadium against the Edmonton Eskimos (10-7). The Riders aren't in playoff contention and are playing out the season. Monday's announcement that Ken Miller is resigning as head coach and vice-president of football operations has increased the symbolic meaning of the game. Miller's final game in his dual role with the Riders is Friday.
"Whenever you're playing in your last game, you want to go out on top,'' said Riders quarterback Darian Durant. "With what he's meant to this team and to this organization, we definitely want to win for him and send him out with a smile.''
Miller leaves with the respect of the players.
"I've had a great time here with Coach Miller,'' said tailback Wes Cates. "He's a great example of a man. As a coach, he has been a great leader for the team.''
Miller said he wants to spend more time with his wife, Maureen, and family. Miller plans on returning to his North Carolina home, where he said he has spent only 45 days in the last four years. Durant said he knew of Miller's plans for a couple of weeks, but still tried to convince him to remain.
"I really wanted to see what we could do as a team, coming off last year's Grey Cup, with him at the helm and make another run at it,'' Durant said. "With the pieces we had in place prior to going into the off-season, I really thought that with the chemistry we had and the guys we had around here, we could make another run at this thing.''
The Riders were successful in Miller's first four years. He was the offensive co-ordinator with the 2007 team which won the Grey Cup game. He was promoted to head coach in 2008 and he led the Riders to three consecutive home playoff games. The Riders also reached the 2009 and 2010 Grey Cup games, only to lose to the Montreal Alouettes.
"We had unparalleled success when he was a part of our team,'' said veteran guard Gene Makowsky. "We were in Grey Cups in a regular fashion and we won one, so he's certainly up there with the best coaches in Rider history. His record speaks for itself. He's a great coach, a great man and a great leader. I'm certainly sorry to see him go again.''
Miller heads into Friday's game with a head-coaching mark of 36-26-1. Durant wondered what Miller's record would have been had the 2011 season been different.
"I really wish that we could have had a healthy Rob Bagg, a healthy Andy Fantuz and a healthy Brent Hawkins,'' Durant said. "Those guys meant so much to this team and they weren't able to play for us this year with coach at the helm. I definitely think the results would be different right now.''
Those results and Miller's departure mean the Riders will be a different team when they gather for training camp in 2012.
"I'm not the person to make that call, but you can never really take everybody out of the equation,'' Cates said. "I'm sure there will be some guys who stick around, but with different coaches they have their players and their coaching staff that they might want to bring in, so it's always one of those things that's up in the air. You can't really worry about it too much. Most of the guys in the locker-room are not too concerned about it at this point. They're just trying to go out, finish this season off right and let the chips fall where they may.''
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Riders must restore order
thestarphoenix.com
Tue Nov 1 2011
Section: OnLine
Byline: Rob Vanstone
Ken Miller's resignation created a void and accentuated a flaw in the Saskatchewan Roughriders' management structure.
When the formal announcement was made Monday afternoon at Mosaic Stadium, Miller - the head coach and vice-president of football operations - and president-CEO Jim Hopson were seated before a gaggle of media organisms. The cast of interested and influential observers included chairman Roger Brandvold and some other members of the CFL team's board of directors.
Notable by his absence was general manager Brendan Taman.
Taman did not attend the media conference, nor was he available for interviews post-script. Roughriders communications co-ordinator Sheri Trapp explained via email that Taman wanted the focus to remain on Miller as the team prepares for Friday's regular-season finale against the host Edmonton Eskimos. The message included the assurance that Taman will be "happy to speak with you'' next week.
Hopson, meanwhile, deferred an inquiry pertaining to Taman. When asked about the GM's status, Hopson replied: "I'll be happy to address that next week."
As a follow-up, Hopson was asked if there will be a vice-president of football operations next season. Again, a smiling Hopson responded: "I'll be happy to address that next week, too."
So let's recap.
Taman will be happy to speak next week.
Hopson will be happy to address two other matters - among others, we presume - next week.
With happiness so rampant in Riderville, you would think that the team was poised for another glorious run at the Grey Cup. But those hopes were squelched several weeks ago, leading to the inevitability of change.
The only surprising aspect of Miller's announcement was its timing. He had expected to confirm his resignation on Nov. 9, but decided to expedite the process so that he could personally inform the players and assistant coaches of his intentions before everyone dispersed.
From the outset, Miller had expected to return to coaching only on an interim basis. He revealed Monday that, prior to the season, a tacit agreement had been made with Hopson. The nature of the agreement was that the vice-president of football operations would not return in any capacity for the 2012 season.
Last December, Miller stepped down as the head coach to concentrate on his administrative duties. However, he again assumed a dual role after his handpicked successor - Greg Marshall - lost seven of his first eight games as the Riders' head coach. Marshall and offensive co-ordinator Doug Berry were cashiered on Aug. 19, when Miller 2.0 took effect.
At that announcement, Taman was front and centre, alongside Miller. On the surface, it appeared that they were conjoined at the helm of the Roughriders' football operations. The reality, though, is that the firing of Marshall was ultimately Miller's call - as was Marshall's appointment. The reality was underlined by the design of Monday's announcement.
This is not how a successful football team should be run, which partially explains the dismal results of this season. Ideally, and typically, the general manager wields considerable influence, to the extent that he selects and even directs the head coach. Ordinarily, the general manager would be asked to comment on potential successors to the outgoing head coach. Given the Roughriders' unwieldy football operations structure, the general manager was an absentee.
It is fine to employ a vicepresident of football operations, as long as that person happens to moonlight as the GM. That was the case when Eric Tillman was in charge for 3 1/2 seasons. When Tillman resigned in January of 2010, his positions were sectioned, with Miller being named vice-president of football operations and Taman being promoted to GM. There was only one glitch: Being that Miller remained on the sideline, the Roughriders had created an unconventional situation whereby the GM reports to the head coach.
This represented a deviation from an established formula that worked so wonderfully in 2007, when head coach Kent Austin reported to Tillman.
Miller, as the offensive co-ordinator, was also an integral contributor to that championship season. Not coincidentally, the responsibilities were well-defined (and well-executed) back then.
Miller's departure creates an opportunity for the Roughriders to redesign the football operations side and make its configuration more logical and efficient.
"One thing this does is it helps clear the deck in terms of where we're going," Hopson said on Monday. "Clearly, we'll be looking for a new head coach. We'll announce some of our thoughts on how we're going to organize ourselves, and so on. It's another move by Ken to help the organization position itself for success next year."
But where does this leave the general manager? And who, exactly, will be in charge of repairing the onfield product?
Those pertinent questions remain unanswered - at least until next week, when the Roughriders will be "happy" to discuss what must become an orderly blueprint for the future.
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More changes for Riders
thestarphoenix.com
Tue Nov 1 2011
Section: OnLine
Byline: Murray McCormick
It has been a rough ride for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2011.
The CFL team has stumbled through the season with a 5-12 record. It has been out of playoff contention since losing 29-18 to the visiting B.C. Lions on Oct. 16. The Riders, who will miss the playoffs for the first time since 2001, wrap up a miserable season at Commonwealth Stadium on Friday against the Edmonton Eskimos.
It's a season that has also seen the Riders go through two head coaches. Greg Marshall started as head coach but was replaced by Ken Miller on Aug. 19, the day after the Riders fell to 1-7 by losing 24-18 to the Toronto Argonauts. On Monday, Miller announced he was resigning as head coach and vice-president of football operations. Miller's final game is Friday in Edmonton.
"(The season) sums up the Riders," Riders president and CEO Jim Hopson said. "We've dealt with change so often, whether it was Kent (Austin) coming here for one year, or Eric (Tillman) coming here and leaving. Change seems to be what we're about, and we seem to do well with change. This year we didn't and that was the most baffling thing to us, because we've dealt with adversity. We didn't do as well this year, so we've got to get that formula back to where you can make change the norm and deal with it successfully."
How much change there will be remains to be seen. Hopson deferred questions about the status of general manager Brendan Taman, who reports to Miller until next week. Hopson added the Riders would reveal their plans for the football operations side next week as well.
"You're always thinking about the future and, 'Where do we go from here?'" Hopson said. "Clearly, a lot of thought has gone into the future, and a lot of discussion, but there's a lot of work to be done yet. The good news is that it's early.
"We don't want to put ourselves in a position where we're well into the new year and still trying to figure it out. I think we need to get it figured out quickly, get the right people in place and get the roster that we need to go to training camp with and go from there."
Miller won't be involved in any of the football operations or in determining the next head coach.
"The thing that I plan in this situation is not to be involved with any facet of determining who follows at this particular time," Miller said.
Hopson feels there may be a younger version of the 70-year-old Miller among the head-coaching candidates.
"His wisdom will be hard to replace," Hopson said. "Sometimes it takes a while to gain that. I think the years that Kenny has been here have been special for him, and special for us. We just hope we can get another Ken Miller that can get us back to where we belong, and that's in the playoff hunt and in the Grey Cup."
The Riders are out of the playoffs, which may allow them to get a jump on approaching any coaching candidates. Hopson said the Riders are allowed to make front-office announcements as long as they are far enough ahead of the Grey Cup, which is set for Nov. 27 in Vancouver.
"I think it will certainly get the word out," Hopson said. "There will be a lot of interest in this position because of the reputation of the Riders and the belief that this is a good organization with a good core of players. I think it helps position us so that people are aware that there are going to be opportunities here."
The Riders' list of coaching candidates should be relatively up to date considering they went through the process during the last offseason. Corey Chamblin, Richie Hall and Doug Berry were among the finalists for the vacant head-coaching position that was awarded to Marshall. Chamblin was the Calgary Stampeders' defensive backs coach before joining the Hamilton TigerCats as their defensive coordinator off-season.
Hall is the Riders' defensive co-ordinator. Berry was fired as Saskatchewan's offensive co-ordinator on Aug. 19, the same day Marshall was jettisoned.
Scott Milanovich, the assistant head coach and offensive co-ordinator with the Montreal Alouettes, was interviewed for the Riders' head-coaching position, but didn't make the short list.
Austin, who guided the Riders to the 2007 Grey Cup game, may also be considered. Austin, in his second season as the head football coach at Cornell University, issued a statement last week that he's content in his current position and denied rumours he had been contacted by the Riders' board of directors.
Other candidates could be Calgary's offensive coordinator Dave Dickenson and Chris Jones, who is the Stampeders' offensive co-ordinator. Craig Dickenson, Dave's brother, is the special-teams co-ordinator with the Riders.
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Gone from the Riders gridiron, Ken Miller will be missed
thestarphoenix.com
Tue Nov 1 2011
Section: OnLine
Byline: Les MacPherson
What I like best about Ken Miller is his late ascent.
At an age when most men have retired, Miller became a head coach in professional football. It is only among the most demanding jobs in the world, and here was this old guy stepping in with style and grace and doing it. He confirms yet again that age is a state of mind.
Miller was successful not just in the win-loss column (36-26-1) but also in terms of the values he shared with a whole province. Keep getting better, he said. Cherish your family. Don't be too thrilled when you win or too bummed out when you lose. Character abides. It is not just on the football field where these values apply.
A head coach of the Saskatchewan Roughriders always will be under the more intense of spotlights. Miller seemed utterly unperturbed by all the attention. Calm, cool and wise, he was an island of stability in tempestuous seas.
Only once that I know of did he ever show signs of feeling the heat. This was after a tough loss a couple of weeks ago when a reporter asked if he planned to retire at the end of this season.
Miller interpreted the question as a suggestion that the team was going through the motions because he wouldn't be around next year. Don't you dare question my loyalty, he replied, by all accounts visibly steamed. Coming from the characteristically avuncular Miller, the slight lapse in composure seemed almost volcanic.
It also was somewhat endearing. I would be worried about a head coach who wasn't at least a little pissed off after a wretched season like this one.
It is too bad that Miller's last campaign as head coach was not more auspicious. Still, the Riders were reeling at 1-7 when he took over halfway through the season from Greg Marshall. Their record since is 4-5, which is not bad for a team that earlier had looked hopeless. No one can doubt that the team would have been better had Miller been head coach from the start. If they didn't make the playoffs, at least they have something to build on for next season.
As the Riders' director of football operations, briefly, Miller was not such a success. Here, his most significant contribution was to preside over the hiring of the wrong guy as head coach. It was a mistake from which the team is still recovering.
Miller also was criticized for undermining Marshall with his presence on the practice field. Marshall himself said as much after he was let go. I don't buy it. The right head coach would have made the team his own regardless of who was on the sidelines. That Marshall even raised the issue revealed an inclination to make excuses that does not befit a head coach.
I will have fond memories of the Miller era. His teams not only were competitive and entertaining, they conducted themselves in a way that brought credit to the province. These were teams we all could be proud of. Among the rewards were two Grey Cup appearances in just three full seasons with Miller as head coach. We will not speak of the infamous penalty for too many men on the field, except to say that Miller wore it with his customary dignity. Blaming others was not his style.
Some other coaches would have been haunted by that excruciating defeat. Miller put it behind him and led the team back to the Grey Cup final the next season. That he never hoisted the Cup as head coach was the price he paid for a late start.
With Miller, we always could feel the love. He loved the fraternity of coaching. He loved Rider Nation. Most of all, he loved his players.
"The men," Miller habitually called them, a title that both showed and invited respect. He brought out the best in them, on and off the field.
This is the second time Ken Miller has retired as head coach of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. This time, however, he won't be coming back. He thus secures a place among the very few head coaches in professional sports who have never been fired.
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Miller's time comes to end
thestarphoenix.com
Tue Nov 1 2011
Section: OnLine
Byline: Murray McCormick
Ken Miller's time with the Saskatchewan Roughriders is coming to an end and this time it's for good.
Miller announced before Monday's practice at Mosaic Stadium that he was resigning as the team's head coach and vice-president of football operations. The 70-year-old Miller's final CFL game with the Riders will be Friday at Commonwealth Stadium against the Edmonton Eskimos.
Miller resigned as the team's head coach after the 2010 season to concentrate on his duties as vice-president of football operations. He returned to head coaching after the Riders started the 2011 season 1-7, which contributed to the firings of head coach Greg Marshall and offensive co-ordinator Doug Berry.
The Riders then won three straight under Miller. They have since fallen to 5-12 and have been eliminated from the CFL playoff race since losing 29-18 to the B.C. Lions on Oct. 16.
"When I took over this year it was more in the vein of being an interim coach," Miller said Monday. "I didn't entertain thoughts of continuing beyond this year. Even before training camp there was a tacit agreement between (Riders CEO and president) Jim Hopson and I that this would be my last year as a Rider."
Miller said Monday his reasons for stepping away from his position are similar to those in 2010, when he resigned as head coach. He wants to spend more time with his wife, Maureen, and his family.
His plans are to return to his home in North Carolina. Miller, who was dealing with health issues in 2010, didn't find it more difficult leaving this time compared to 2010.
"Last year, it was time,'' Miller said.
"This year, it's past time." The timing of Miller's announcement is surprising considering the Riders have four days until the end of the season. Resignations have traditionally been announced after the season. Miller said he had planned to reveal his decision on Nov. 9, well after the 2011 regular season was over. Miller moved up the announcement because it provided the best opportunity to talk to the players and the coaches about his plans.
"There wasn't any way to talk with the players, have them be informed, and have this last until Nov. 9, Miller said. "Between now and Nov. 9, there are a lot of activities in the province. Now was the best and most opportune time to make the announcement."
The announcement was greeted with bittersweet feelings by the players, who were informed of Miller's retirement before practice.
"He holds a special place in my heart and means so much to me," said quarterback Darian Durant. "He gave me my first shot and he stuck with me throughout that time. He allowed myself and this team to go places where it hasn't been before. He will be missed around here."
Miller installed Durant was the Riders' starting quarterback after the 2009 training camp. Durant faced many of the same questions regarding Miller's future toward the end of the 2010 season. That experience softened the blow resulting from Miller's announcement.
"When you go through something once and it happens again, it's easier to deal with," Durant said. "It's a tough moment altogether. It really hasn't sunk in, because he's still out here and he's still going through all the motions with us. I'm pretty sure that once we get back out here next year and when we get into the playbooks during the off-season, it's going to be tough."
The Riders are in the market for at least a head coach. Brendan Taman, who reported to Miller, remains as general manager. Hopson said there would be more announcements next week regarding the team's plans for the football operations and the pursuit of a head coach.
"We'll wait until next week for a post-mortem on the season and where we go from here," Hopson said. "One thing this does is it helps clear the deck in terms of where we're going. Clearly, we'll be looking for a new head coach. It's another move by Ken to help the organization position itself for success next year."
The Riders enjoyed success in Miller's first four seasons with the Riders, starting as the offensive co-ordinator in 2007. That team would go on to win the 2007 Grey Cup game, the third in the franchise's history. Head coach Kent Austin resigned in January 2008 to become the offensive co-ordinator at his alma mater, the University of Mississippi. He was succeeded by Miller, who went on to become a coach-of-the-year finalist for three consecutive seasons - including 2009 and 2010, during which the Roughriders suffered Grey Cup losses to the Montreal Alouettes.
Miller's first significant decision as the vice-president of football operations was finding his replacement. He settled on Marshall, who appeared to fill the requirements the Riders were looking for as a head coach. Marshall had extensive CFL experience as a defensive co-ordinator. He also had ties to the Riders, having served as a defensive co-ordinator in the 1990s.
Marshall never settled in as the team's head coach, which eventually led to his firing and Miller's return as head coach. Miller said firing Marshall was a difficult decision.
"When I retired as the football coach last year, I had absolutely no motivation and no wish to return again as the head coach this year," Miller said. "I really thought that I would invest a year as being the vice-president, watching this organization and watching this team do exceptionally well, and just kind of ride off into the sunset in a much different style than how it has turned out this season."
Miller heads into Friday's game with a head-coaching record of 36-26-1. The players would like to end the season with a win for Miller.
"Whenever you're playing in your last game, you want to go out on top," Durant said. "With what he's meant to this team and this organization, we definitely want to win for him and send him out with a smile."
© Copyright (c) The StarPhoenix
Length: 983 words
Idnumber: 201111010001
Permalink: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/Miller+time+comes/5636166/story.html
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Roughriders head coach to step down
The Globe and Mail
Tue Nov 1 2011
Page: S5
Section: Sports
Byline: Darrell Davis
Dateline: REGINA
Source: Special to The Globe and Mail
REGINA -- As Saskatchewan prepares for a provincial election next week, the biggest question on virtually everyone's mind is: Who will replace Ken Miller as head coach of the Saskatchewan Roughriders?
Miller, 70, announced Monday he was resigning as head coach and vice- president of football operations for the CFL team, effective at the end of the season.
Grey Cup finalists the past two years, the Roughriders won't make the 2011 playoffs and have a woeful 5-12 record heading into their regular-season finale Friday on the road against the Edmonton Eskimos. Miller, who became Saskatchewan's head coach before the 2008 season, returned to the sidelines this year, after the team slipped to 1-7 under Greg Marshall, Miller's hand- picked successor.
The Riders won three consecutive games after Miller returned, but subsequently lost five in a row, some horribly.
Asked if he thought his players let him down, Miller replied: "Not really, but I feel there was a way to get more out of them than I got."
In a province where interest in its lone professional football team rivals the goings-on at the legislature, Saskatchewan's fans immediately began debating the merits of potential coaches Calgary Stampeders offensive co- ordinator Dave Dickenson; Hamilton Tiger-Cats defensive co-ordinator Corey Chamblin; B.C. Lions defensive co-ordinator Mike Benevides; Edmonton Eskimos offensive co-ordinator Marcus Crandell; and Montreal Alouettes offensive co- ordinator Scott Milanovich.
Jim Hopson, president and chief executive officer of the community-owned Roughriders, expects "lots of good candidates will be interested" in the job.
It's evident the Riders won't - or shouldn't - go with another old-style coach from their experienced coaching staff - not with the success being shown by Kavis Reed (Edmonton) and Paul LaPolice (Winnipeg Blue Bombers), two of five former Roughriders assistants who are now CFL head coaches.
So how can a team that has developed so many successful coaches fall upon such hard times?
Quite simply, the team's flow chart was faulty.
In an effort to reward Miller, Hopson last year gave him duties as vice- president of football operations. Miller, citing health concerns that have since gotten better, stepped back from his coaching duties in the off-season, but remained in charge of football operations.
Miller's presence evidently affected the on-field performance of the team and hindered the effectiveness of Brendan Taman, a general manager who was working for the head coach. That made it difficult to replace the numerous veterans (Omarr Morgan, Tad Kornegay, Luc Mullinder, Marcus Adams, Chris Szarka) dispatched in the past year, and muddied the decision-making process on the futures of veteran tailback Wes Cates, defensive back Lance Frazier, offensive guard Gene Makowsky and linebacker Barrin Simpson.
Miller said Monday he was intending to stay only through this year with the Roughriders, even when he resumed coaching in a role he and Hopson described as "interim," "advisory" and "transitional."
Roughriders quarterback Darian Durant, who always spoke highly of his coach, admitted that several weeks ago that Miller revealed to him he would retire to his North Carolina home and not be involved in picking another successor.
Depending on the hiring process, Hopson said a new head coach could be presented within the next few weeks - provided it doesn't conflict with the CFL's moratorium on major announcements preceding the Nov. 27 Grey Cup in Vancouver.
Pressed about whether Taman would be retained or the team would discard the superfluous position of vice-president of football operations, Hopson replied: "I'll be happy to tell you about that next week."
Likely a few days after Monday's provincial election.
© 2011 CTVglobemedia Publishing Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Length: 586 words
Idnumber: 201111010120
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CFL News - East - Monday October 31, 2011 |
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Monday, 31 October 2011 14:34 |
CFL News - East - Monday October 31, 2011
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True quarterback controversy; Two-QB experiment 'garbage ...players hate it'
Hamilton Spectator
Mon Oct 31 2011
Page: S1
Section: Sports
Byline: Drew Edwards The Hamilton Spectator
Avon Cobourne is usually more than willing to speak his mind. Whether it's trash talking on the field, interacting with fans via social media or offering his blunt assessment of the team's performance after losses, the veteran running back always seems to have something to say.
Until you ask him about the Ticats' current experiment with a two-quarterback system.
"I have no comment on that," Cobourne said after Hamilton was beaten 19-3 by Saskatchewan on Saturday afternoon in Regina.
"No comment at all."
Quinton Porter started the game, but threw for a paltry 53 yards on 6-for-13 passing, and mustered just three first downs as Hamilton was shut out through 30 minutes.
Veteran Kevin Glenn came on in the third and while he had more success moving the ball - he passed for 171 yards - he threw four interceptions, including two of the end-zone variety.
And, while players are reluctant to speak out publicly about head coach Marcel Bellefeuille's decision to rotate his quarterbacks the past three weeks, there is concern inside the locker-room about the lack of certainty behind centre.
"It's garbage and the players hate it," said one Ticat player, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. "Bellefeuille is killing the confidence of both quarterbacks by doing what he's doing."
Bellefeuille made the decision to give Porter more playing time after Glenn struggled and was pulled in an Oct. 7 home loss to Winnipeg. The 32-year-old was also yanked in the first game of the season, leading him to say he felt "disrespected" by the move. Bellefeuille made matters worse by refusing to confirm Glenn's starter status after the July 1 loss to the Bombers.
Glenn now has 3,813 passing yards on the season with 19 touchdowns and 17 interceptions, a significant drop from the stellar numbers he put up in 2010, when he threw for over 5,000 yards and a team-record 33 scores.
But the room is still behind Glenn, the unnamed player says.
"The players believe it should be Kevin all the way," he said.
Bellefeuille said both quarterbacks could have played better on Saturday in Saskatchewan, despite blustery conditions.
"It's concerning that we couldn't move the football in the first half, and in the second half we couldn't finish the drives," Bellefeuille said. "We had opportunities. We were down there twice and, in a two-score game, those opportunities are critical. That is a concern."
But Bellefeuille said injuries to starting receivers Marcus Thigpen and Glenn MacKay, along with some miscues, made life difficult for his pivots, particularly Glenn.
"The quarterbacks didn't get the blocking up front and there were some drops by the receivers," Bellefeuille said. "It's a concern when you have those turnovers, but it wasn't easy on him."
Glenn wouldn't talk to the media after the loss, but Porter said the veteran was in a tough spot.
"It's hard to come into a game midway through, instead of getting into a rhythm and letting things play out," Porter said.
"But, as I've said all along, it's just a matter of how Kevin and I deal with it and that's what we're trying to do."
Porter, 28, who lost the starting job to Glenn at the end of 2009, did his best to be diplomatic when asked if the shared playing time was affecting the offence's ability to perform to its full potential.
"What is ideal? It's never really ideal. We have to take responsibility for our own play," Porter said. "I'm going to look in the mirror, watch the game film and, if I can make better decisions, I will."
Bellefeuille said the two-quarterback experiment will continue Thursday in Toronto, the team's final game; before travelling to either Winnipeg or Montreal for the East Division semifinal.
"We have one more game to continue to look at it and see what's the best opportunity moving forward," he said.
NOTES: Ticat receivers Marcus Thigpen and Glenn MacKay did not finish Saturday's game due to injury, and MacKay was in a walking boot after the game. ... Porter's right shoulder was on ice after the game, but there does not seem to be structural damage. It was described as a "deep bruise." ... Justin Medlock injured his back and was in obvious discomfort in the Ticat locker-room. ... Roughriders kicker Christopher Milo hit a 108-yard punt, which tied the Canadian Football League record set by Toronto Argonauts' Zenon Andrusyshyn in a game against the Stampeders in Calgary on Sept. 14, 1977. ... Ticats receiver Jeremy Kelley made his first CFL catch in the second quarter. ... Attendance was announced at 29,073, but that was tickets sold not fans in the seats. ... Hamilton DB Loyce Means was ejected in the fourth quarter for fighting. ... The Riders have won 11 straight home dates over Hamilton.
© 2011 Torstar Corporation
Illustration:
• Kevin Glenn came in in the second half but threw four interceptions. Liam Richards, The Canadian Press
Edition: First
Length: 776 words
Idnumber: 201110310001
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Disappointed, but not discouraged; Stampeders 32, Als 27; Struggling team misses chance to retake first place
Montreal Gazette
Mon Oct 31 2011
Page: B1 / Break
Section: Sports
Byline: HERB ZURKOWSKY
Source: The Gazette
His voice was cracking and hoarse. It had been an emotional day for Marc Trestman, filled with more sorrow than joy. And, at times, he appeared ready to cry.
"I feel terribly disappointed," the Alouettes' head coach said following Montreal's 32-27 loss to the Calgary Stampeders on Sunday afternoon, before 24,051 Molson Stadium spectators. "These have been very difficult losses ... two extremely close games down to the final seconds.
"Discouraged? No. But we have to accept accountability for where we are and why we're here."
The Als lost their second consecutive game for the third time this season and sit at 10-7 - as many defeats as they've had in any of Trestman's previous three years coaching this team. Incredibly, Montreal can still finish first in the East Division, but no longer controls its destiny.
The Als must hope Winnipeg, also 10-7, loses at Calgary this Saturday during the final weekend of regularseason play. Montreal then, later that night, must defeat British Columbia on the road - a tall order considering the Lions are the Canadian Football League's hottest team, with nine wins in 10 games. B.C. has won its last four home games.
Incredibly, five of the league's eight teams have identical 10-7 records and there's a three-way tie for first in the West Division between the Stampeders, Lions and Edmonton. But if B.C. defeats Montreal, it would finish atop the standings. Is that incentive enough?
If the Als had their hands on the steering wheel before Sunday's game, as Trestman had suggested, the car now appears to be careening out of control. The offence isn't scoring enough points to win and lacks consistency, while the defence had problems stopping Stamps quarterback Drew Tate. Montreal's injured and depleted secondary appears in over its head. Up front, while they were frequently close enough to see the whites of Tate's eyes, they failed to register any quarterback sacks.
Trestman denied the Als lack hunger after winning two consecutive championships, claiming the team is focused.
"The fact of the matter is five teams are 10-7 in the league," he said. "We're all in a fight. This is as exciting as it gets."
While the 380 yards quarterback Anthony Calvillo produced against the Stamps look impressive, he has lacked consistency the last two games, completing only 38 of 80 passes. He has thrown only one touchdown over that span.
Calvillo just doesn't look right or appear to be himself. When he comes off the field after a drive, he puts a jacket on and sits, alone, at the end of the bench, failing to mingle with his teammates or coaches. While Calvillo has followed this procedure throughout much of his career, it seems more out of place with the Als struggling.
"Certainly, if you look at the numbers ... probably the completion percentage ... but a lot goes into that," Trestman said. "He's the one guy who kept us in this game with some tremendous throws."
The normally conservative Trestman rolled the dice against Calgary, frequently gambling, his team generally failing to deliver. The Als turned the ball over on third down at the Stamps' 3 in the second quarter, trailing 14-7, instead of kicking a short field goal. Early in the fourth, trailing by a point, Adrian McPherson was stopped on a similar thirddown gamble at the Calgary 47.
But the Als also scored a touchdown on a trick play, the direct-snap going to Marc-Olivier Brouillette on a faked punt late in the third quarter. He ran 72 yards for his first career touchdown. And Calvillo passed 31 yards to Eric Deslauriers for a touchdown on a third-down gamble.
"Not one regret," Trestman said, without hesitation. "All the decisions, looking back, I felt very good about.
"This was a field-position game for three quarters - and we were mostly in our end of the field."
Note - Receiver Kerry Watkins left the game with an ankle injury, while offensive-tackle Josh Bourke suffered an injury to his left shoulder. Trestman said he doesn't know the severity of either injury. However, one report has Bourke suffering a torn pectoral muscle, which would end his season. Bourke wrote in an email that he will undergo an MRI on Monday, but would not confirm the report of a torn pectoral muscle.
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Illustration:
• PETER MCCABE THE GAZETTE / Alouettes wide-receiver Brandon London is stopped by Stampeders' defence yesterday at Percival Molson Stadium.
Edition: Final
Length: 709 words
Idnumber: 201110310093
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Richardson's record feels hollow as Als miss chances
Montreal Gazette
Mon Oct 31 2011
Page: B5
Section: Sports
Byline: HERB ZURKOWSKY
Column: HERB ZURKOWSKY
Source: The Gazette
He has been one of the Canadian Football League's most dynamic players this season. But when the Alouettes required Jamel Richardson the most - when he was needed for one catch - he failed to deliver.
And because of it, never has a record tasted this shallow and empty.
"There's no excuse, I've got to catch it," Richardson said in the moments following the Als' 32-27 defeat against Calgary Sunday afternoon at Molson Stadium. "If I have the best hands in the game, I've got to catch it."
By now, you're probably aware the Als almost pulled one out they had no business winning, but four Stampeders turnovers kept the home team in the game.
And so, with 57.2 seconds remaining, Anthony Calvillo tried valiantly to lead his team to a come-from-behind victory, marching his team from the Montreal 35. There was a 20-yard pass to Brian Bratton and a 37-yarder to Richardson - his fifth reception putting him over 100 yards for the 12th time this season, eclipsing a league record he shared with four others, including the legendary Hal Patterson.
That catch moved the ball to the Calgary 18. A pass to Brandon Whitaker gained seven more yards, and then the drive failed. As has been the case so often this season, when the Als required a touchdown, the two-time defending Grey Cup champions failed to deliver.
On second down, a pass to Richardson went through his arms. The ball had a lot of zip on it. "I had no choice," Calvillo explained. "I had to squeeze it between two linebackers."
It would have been a difficult catch, but one the CFL's leading receiver must make if Montreal has aspirations of defending its crown next month at Vancouver.
"To take us to the next level, we've got to finish tight games," Richardson said. "I've got to make that catch. We've got to find a way to make it work. If I make that catch, we win the game."
The Als still had one more shot, but a pass to S.J. Green on third down was knocked down by cornerback Johnnie Dixon. It marked Montreal's fourth turnover, including three on downs.
Richardson has been brilliant this season, failing to reach 100 yards in only four games. He has surpassed 100 yards in six consecutive games, and 10 of the last 11. He has caught 110 passes this season - two short of tying the team record, held by Ben Cahoon - and has amassed 1,661 yards. But Richardson will take little solace from entering the record book, knowing the way the game ended.
"I have a sour taste right now," Richardson admitted. "I'd take a victory over the record. It feels like we lost the championship."
Several stalls to Richardson's right, Calvillo stood there, addressing the media while refusing to sit. He looked stunned and disappointed.
Calvillo passed for 380 yards, more than 200 of that total coming in the second half. In the process, he surpassed 5,000 yards this season for the sixth time in his career. Only twice this season has pro football's career passing leader thrown for more yards in a game, the Als winning both times.
And yet, the argument certainly can be made never has a 380-yard performance seemed so empty and unconvincing, Calvillo passing for one touchdown and leading the Als to two more offensive scores, yet completing only 24 of 43 attempts.
Instead, it was Calgary's relatively inexperienced Drew Tate, making his second consecutive start for the benched Henry Burris, who was the more impressive of the two pivots, passing for two touchdowns and 333 yards while completing 25 of 36 throws, taking advantage of the Als' inexperienced secondary, especially their two corners.
When the Als gambled from the Calgary 3 in the second quarter, Calvillo's pass was behind Brandon London. And Calvillo began the third quarter by being stripped of the ball by Charleston Hughes on the fourth play of the half, failing to sustain drives the rest of the period. And, even after a touchdown pass to Eric Deslauriers pulled the Als to within a pair late in the game, the attempted twopoint convert failed, Calvillo tripped up by Devone Claybrooks.
"We have to come up with plays. The coach has confidence in us and we've got to execute," Calvillo said. "It's up to us to make plays.
"We came out in the third quarter and shot ourselves in the foot ... two and outs, and then I fumbled on the first series," he added. "That can't happen.
"We knew the scenario. We had a great opportunity, and let it slip through our hands."
And isn't that the most damning aspect today? Yet again, for the second consecutive week, the Als failed to take control of the East Division. They blew a 15-point lead in the fourth quarter at Winnipeg, knowing a win would have clinched first place. On Sunday, a victory would have moved the Als two points ahead of the Blue Bombers with one game remaining.
"That's the way it has been all year," defensive-tackle Eric Wilson said. "It has been a roller-coaster for every team ... up, down and sideways."
They have nobody to blame but themselves, and it's going to be a long, cold winter for this organization unless they find a way to escape this abyss. In a hurry.
Illustration:
• PETER MCCABE THE GAZETTE / Peter McCabe THE GAZETTE Alouettes' Jamel Richardson misses a catch as Stampeders' Brandon Smith covers him in the first half of yesterday's game. "I have a sour taste right now," Richardson said later.
Edition: Final
Story Type: Column
Length: 874 words
Idnumber: 201110310113
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Missing ingredient confounds Montreal
The Globe and Mail
Mon Oct 31 2011
Page: R3
Section: Sports
Byline: Sean Gordon
Dateline: MONTREAL
MONTREAL -- It's an unfamiliar sight around these parts, the all- world receiver sitting mutely in his locker, staring into space after blowing a simple catch that would have nudged his team to victory.
A few feet away, the Hall of Fame quarterback stands with an angry and bewildered expression, an eerie quiet reigns.
But these are unusual times for the Montreal Alouettes - there is plainly something missing from a team that has so dominated the CFL over the past decade.
What that something might be, however, is a more complicated question to answer.
Is it the champion's killer instinct? Is it confidence? Belief?
Whatever the explanation, consecutive last-minute capitulations to the Winnipeg Blue Bomber and Calgary Stampeders in must-win games - including a 32- 27 defeat Sunday to the Stampeders - carry ominous portents for a team whose stated ambition is a Grey Cup three-peat.
To get there, they'll have to better manage occasions like the last 57.2 seconds on Sunday, where they took the ball back at their own 35-yard line needing to score a touchdown.
Quarterback Anthony Calvillo threw passes to Brian Bratton and Jamel Richardson - who made a circus catch on the right sideline - and steered his team to the Calgary 11-yard line with 29.2 seconds to play.
Then he zipped a pass into Richardson, who, standing on the goal line, dropped the ball. The football gods can't have been impressed because on the ensuing third-down gamble Calgary's Johnnie Dixon knocked down a pass in the end zone destined for S.J. Green.
Game over.
"I felt like I let my teammates down, I feel like we just lost the championship, it hurts that bad for me," Richardson said later. "I expect to make that play. ... Ain't no excuse, I've got to catch that."
The strapping receiver managed to boost his league-leading pass-catching total by 111 yards, but found himself at the heart of the Als' latest crunch- time failure.
Add the fourth-quarter collapse in Winnipeg last week - the Als led by 15 - and a near-miss against Hamilton the previous week, and Montreal has cause to worry.
"We're still looking for ways to close these [close] games out but we haven't found it yet. ... We've got one more game to do it," Calvillo said, alluding to next week's finale away to the B.C. Lions.
Head coach Marc Trestman batted aside suggestions that his squad's not as hungry as in past years, but the absence of emotional leaders like Avon Cobourne, now playing in Hamilton, and Mathieu Proulx, now retired, might be telling.
Full credit must be given to the Stampeders - particularly their quarterback, the cool and efficient Drew Tate, who impressed in his second CFL start - but this is a game that was the Als' for the taking, and they couldn't grab it.
In the build-up to this game, Stamps quarterback Henry Burris alluded to the way the Als are now perceived by other teams.
"I think the rest of the league has caught up to the. ... Usually, it's a cakewalk through the season and they're rested for The Show," Burris said last week. "Not this year, and it's refreshing to see."
Another problem that can't be ignored is Calvillo's uneven play.
Though Calvillo still managed to pass for 380 yards on Sunday, it's apparent from the last two games he isn't quite himself, particularly in key moments like a failed third-and-goal gamble in first half and two-point conversion attempt late in the game.
Inopportune turnovers (like a third-quarter fumble with his team driving) and iffy completion percentage hint that he is struggling to find his best form.
Montreal (10-7) gets one more shot at reclaiming top spot in the East next week, but will need help from Calgary, which plays the Blue Bombers.
With a report from Allan Maki in Calgary
© 2011 CTVglobemedia Publishing Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Edition: National
Length: 638 words
Idnumber: 201110310091
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Brown blames inconsistent play on young team in 'terrible 2s'
The Winnipeg Sun
Mon Oct 31 2011
Page: S5
Section: Sports
Byline: KIRK PENTON
The Bombers caught a huge break on Sunday when they regained control of their future in the East Division.
That will certainly improve the mood on Maroons Road, because they were downright depressed after Friday's 27-22 loss to the Toronto Argonauts in the final regular-season game at Canad Inns Stadium.
They know they need to be better than they were on Friday if they're going to have any shot at winning a Grey Cup. Not only that, but if the Bombers had beaten the Boatmen they would've clinched first place in the East on Sunday afternoon when Calgary upset Montreal.
"If you want to be in contention in the playoffs, you cannot falter like we did," defensive tackle Doug Brown said after Friday's game. "You can't have a lapse in your performance like we did in the first half.
"It's just really frustrating and maddening trying to find out why we're so inconsistent, how we can play like we did against the two-time defending Grey Cup champions and then just absolutely have no attention to detail or focus against a team like this that has absolutely nothing to play for on a cold night on the road in a real hostile environment. It just baffles me to no end."
The Bombers are still one of the youngest teams in the CFL, which may explain their inconsistent ways. More precisely, it may explain why they look past inferior opponents and get up for games against the big dogs.
Brown and cornerback Jovon Johnson both said the energy on the team going into the game was as high as it needed to be, but it didn't translate into superior performance in the first half. Toronto led 24-3 late in the second quarter
"I don't know if this is the terrible twos or what with a young team," Brown said. "I'm not a parent, but I can't imagine them being as frustrated with their kids as we are with our own inconsistent play right now. It's a puzzle that no one has the answer to."
Johnson scoffed at the notion that the Bombers will do fine in the playoffs because the two bad teams they couldn't beat this season -- the Argos and Saskatchewan Roughriders -- won't be there.
"That ain't good news, because whoever we play in the playoffs ... you gotta call it as you see it: The better teams that are going to be in the playoffs are going to be harder to beat," Johnson said. "We gotta be ready to play.
"We can't wait until the second half to play football. That's the point. We can't wait until the second half to start playing football. We're going to lose every time."
© 2011 Sun Media Corporation. All rights reserved.
Edition: Final
Length: 451 words
Idnumber: 201110310041
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Bombers back in the saddle ; Stamps gift Winnipeg with Als loss
The Winnipeg Sun
Mon Oct 31 2011
Page: S5
Section: Sports
Byline: KIRK PENTON, WINNIPEG SUN
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers need to send the Calgary Stampeders a fancy gift basket on Monday.
Then they need to start figuring out how to destroy them six days later.
The Stampeders did a huge favour for the Bombers on Sunday afternoon at Molson Stadium, edging the Montreal Alouettes 32-27.
The Alouettes fell back into a first-place tie with the Bombers atop the East Division at 10-7 with one week to go. Since the Bombers have already won the season series with the Alouettes, all they need to do is beat the Stampeders on Saturday to finish first in the division and host the East Final on Nov. 20 at Canad Inns Stadium.
The Bombers can still finish first if they lose to the Stampeders, as long as the Alouettes lose to the B.C. Lions in Vancouver on Saturday night. If the Bombers lose and the Alouettes win, Winnipeg would finish second and host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the East Semifinal on Nov. 13.
If the Bombers can finish first in the division, it would give No. 1 quarterback Buck Pierce extra time to heal the right knee injury he suffered in Friday's 27-22 loss to the Toronto Argonauts.
Pierce is expected to miss Saturday's regular-season finale, meaning backup Alex Brink is pegged to get his third career start. The Bombers did not provide an update regarding Pierce's status on Sunday.
The only problem for the Bombers is they have lost eight in a row in Calgary, with their last win at McMahon Stadium coming on Oct. 18, 2002. In addition, Stampeders quarterback Drew Tate is 2-0 since taking over from the struggling Henry Burris as Calgary's starting quarterback.
Calgary improved to 10-7 with the victory over Montreal, pulling it into a first-place tie in the West Division with the Edmonton Eskimos and B.C. Lions. The Eskimos host the Saskatchewan Roughriders in their regular-season finale.
That means five of the six playoff teams will go into the final week of the regular season with 10-7 records.
The Lions are in the driver's seat in the West, as they have the tie-breaker over both teams straight up and as a group. So if they beat the Alouettes, they will finish first and host the West Final on Nov. 20.
The Eskimos, meanwhile, have the tie-breaker over the Stampeders if those teams end up tied.
The only way Calgary can finish first is if it beats Winnipeg, and B.C. and Edmonton both lose.
© 2011 Sun Media Corporation. All rights reserved.
Illustration:
• photo by Reuters
• Greg Carr (left), Clarence Denmark and the rest of the Bombers ought to be feeling good now that they have once again have control of first-place in the East.
Edition: Final
Length: 408 words
Idnumber: 201110310004
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CFL News - West - Monday October 31, 2011 |
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Written by CFL
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Monday, 31 October 2011 14:35 |
CFL News - West - Monday October 31, 2011
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CFL week 18 report
Byline: Matthew Scainitti, Source: National Post, Page: B4, Edition: National
National Post - Mon Oct 31 2011
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Hinse a head case
Byline: GERRY MODDEJONGE, Page: S7, Edition: Final
The Edmonton Sun - Mon Oct 31 2011
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Lions' depth continues to be tested; Banged-up B.C. squad in control of playoff destiny after victory
The Globe and Mail
Mon Oct 31 2011
Page: R3
Section: Sports
Byline: Matthew Sekeres
Dateline: VANCOUVER
VANCOUVER -- It wasn't just depth, but veteran depth that got the B.C. Lions through a difficult situation Saturday.
And if a spate of injuries extends into next weekend, when the CFL's regular season concludes, then B.C.'s depth will again be critical to winning the West Division.
The Lions (10-7) defeated the Edmonton Eskimos 29-20 at B.C. Place Stadium Saturday, a victory that moved them into first place in the West by virtue of the head-to-head tiebreaker. The Eskimos (10-7) had a chance to lock up the division, and play host to the divisional final, but will now have to beat the Saskatchewan Roughriders Friday and hope the Lions fall to the Montreal Alouettes one day later.
But while the Lions control their own playoff destiny, their ranks continue to be depleted by a poorly timed run of injuries. B.C. lost defensive end Keron Williams, who will likely be the team's nominee for the CFL's most outstanding defensive player, to a right ankle injury in the first half against Edmonton.
With Brent Johnson missing the game for the birth of a child, and snapping his streak of 184 consecutive games, the Leos ran out of defensive ends by halftime. That forced linebackers Anton McKenzie and Adam Bighill to play out of position at end, and they were getting rave reviews from their teammates for doing a professional job under trying circumstances.
A barefoot Williams emerged from the locker room and joined the on-field celebration, high-fiving and hugging his teammates.
"My guys came in and stepped up for me," Williams said.
Bighill, who was tabbed for duty because he knew the position's responsibilities, had played rush linebacker as a freshman in college, but had no experience as an every-down defensive end. Neither did McKenzie, though he occasionally rushes off the edge.
"We didn't want to disappoint [Williams]," McKenzie said. "I had fun, but he better get back."
But McKenzie, a six-year veteran, and Bighill weren't alone in saving B.C.'s bacon. The Lions entered the game with 14 regulars who were either sidelined with ailments, or playing through pain.
Running back Andrew Harris had but two carries and was used in a limited fashion. That allowed 34-year-old former starter Jamal Robertson to produce 87 yards from scrimmage, including a 35-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter.
At receiver, Akeem Foster missed the game with a knee injury, but his absence paved the way for Paris Jackson's resurrection. The former all-star had his role dramatically reduced this season, but Jackson caught a 51-yard touchdown pass from Travis Lulay in the first quarter. It was just his fourth catch of the year, and his first touchdown.
"We willed that one to happen," Lulay said of the victory. "I think veteran depth was the key ... [Robertson and Jackson] are not the type of guys you have to babysit."
"You can't give up on vets," the 31-year-old Jackson added. "We may not be the fastest like when we were younger, but we know how to make plays."
Besides Williams, Johnson and Foster, the Lions played without defensive tackle Aaron Hunt, linebacker Anthony Reddick, running back/return specialist Tim Brown, and running back Jamall Lee. Should Williams be forced to miss next week, the Lions will turn to former starter Rajon Henley, who began the year as a starter before succumbing to back surgery.
*****
PLAYOFF SCENARIOS
B.C. Lions
The Lions control their own destiny. A victory at home against the Montreal Alouettes Saturday means B.C. finishes in first place, and plays host to the West Division final on Nov. 20. B.C. can also win the division with losses by both the Edmonton Eskimos and Calgary Stampeders. The nightmare scenario would be a loss coupled with Edmonton and Calgary wins. That would knock the Lions down to third place.
Edmonton Eskimos
The Eskimos must defeat the Saskatchewan Roughriders Friday, and hope B.C. loses to Montreal one day later. If so, the Eskimos win the West for the first time since 2003. So long as Edmonton wins Friday, it clinches at least second place and a home playoff game for the first time since 2004. The Esks can fall to third with a loss and a Calgary win.
Calgary Stampeders
To win the West, the Stampeders must beat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Saturday, and hope that both B.C. and Edmonton lose. If the Stampeders lose, or if both division opponents win, Calgary finishes third and would need two road wins to reach the Grey Cup game. Matthew Sekeres
© 2011 CTVglobemedia Publishing Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Edition: National
Length: 755 words
Idnumber: 201110310095
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'Lawless' CFL has Lions fuming; Final week of the season is going to be a zoo, but will zebras mess it up?
Vancouver Sun
Mon Oct 31 2011
Page: C6
Section: Sports
Byline: Mike Beamish
Source: Vancouver Sun
B.C. Lions defensive tackle Khalif Mitchell calls the Canadian Football League 'the wild, wild west."
But he's not talking about the West Division, even though the West indeed is headed toward a wild finish.
The Lions, Edmonton Eskimos and Calgary Stampeders all go into the final week of the regular season with identical 10-7 records and various potential playoff permutations available. Five of eight teams - 62.5 per cent - all tied with the same wins and losses going into the final week of an 18-game season. Bizarre stuff, Mitchell would agree - almost as unpredictable as a CFL officiating crew, which the Lions were able to overcome, with one hand tied before their backs, while defeating the Eskimos 29-20 Saturday night at BC Place.
Mitchell, who played at East Carolina, and spent some time in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers, regards the CFL as "lawless."
"It is what it is," he said. "A state of lawlessness. You seen it. The commissioner has seen it. I'm sure the director of officiating has seen it. I've stated my feelings on it before, and I'm not going to do it again."
Mitchell had two sacks, four tackles and constantly harassed Edmonton quarterback Ricky Ray. But the demolition expert wonders how many plays he could have blown up had he not been hamstrung by nefarious means?
In one particular sequence Saturday night, when Mitchell, Eric Taylor and Keron Williams were chasing Ray around in circles, Mitchell's jersey was being clutched by Eskimos guard Greg Wojt to such an obvious degree that even the myopic and weakeyed among the crowd of 29,749 howled in outrage. The hold was committed in plain view of referee Andre Proulx. That's what made the no-call unconscionable, though it was just one of numerous examples.
"It was like that from the start of the game," said Lions defensive end Keron Williams. "Their [Eskimos] mindset was to take one of us out. They succeeded in taking me out. I don't know what it is. Every time we play Edmonton ... they play hard. But they bend the rules. That should be addressed. I got wrestled to the ground from my helmet. I heard the referee, who saw me being wrestled to the ground, tell the guy, 'Be very careful.' I say, 'Throw the flag, if there's a penalty.' Don't be worried about issuing warnings to people."
One series later, Williams suffered a sprained ankle, limped off the field, returned, but didn't play in the second half. It was a worst-case scenario for the Lions, who simply had no latitude on the defensive line because of the unexpected absence of veteran DE Brent Johnson. He stayed home when his wife went into labour. The situation forced linebackers Anton McKenzie and Adam Bighill to plug the gap as rotating defensive ends.
"Honestly, the defence again showed tremendous willpower and character," said Lions head coach Wally Buono.
Quarterback Travis Lulay threw three touchdown passes - 35 and 51 yards to Jamal Robertson and Paris Jackson, in the first quarter, and a 14-yard toss to Arland Bruce in the fourth to give his team breathing space. "I think the offence did what they had to do," Buono said. But it was the large, nimble defensive tackles such as Mitchell and Eric Taylor, their pursuit and ability to keep would-be blockers occupied, and the play of McKenzie, Solomon Elimimian (nine tackles) James Yurichuk (six tackles), Ryan Phillips (two knock-downs), Korey Banks, Dante Marsh, which made the difference.
With the Lions ahead 16-7 in the third quarter, Taylor stopped Eskimos running back Jerome Messam dead in his tracks on second down, as Edmonton scrimmaged at the B.C. fouryard line. It forced the Eskimos to kick a 12-yard field goal.
Messam, seeking to become the first Canadian back to rush for 1,000 yards since 2000, was held to just 17 yards on nine carries by B.C.'s tenacious defence. The former Lion needed 36 yards to reach his goal.
Twice, Messam was stopped for no gain. Two more times, he was dropped behind the line of scrimmage. He averaged 3.8 yards on the five occasions when he did produce positive yards.
"You guys did a good job," Messam told Buono after the game. "You couldn't let me get it this week, eh Wally?" "You know you've got to earn it with us," Buono said.
Williams's readiness for Saturday's game against the Alouettes at BC Place will be assessed Tuesday, when the Lions return to the practice field. But B.C. has a number of good options, if he can't go. Johnson will be back in and, likely, DT Aaron Hunt, who sat out Saturday's game with a heel injury. Practice roster defensive end Rajon Henley is another possibility.
The Lions' destiny is now their own. With a 3-1 edge in the season series over the Eskimos, and a 2-1 advantage over the Stampeders, the Lions would finish on top in the West under a tiebreaking formula if the teams finish the regular season with identical records.
B.C. can end up either first, second or third in the West, depending on the result of next weekend's games.
The Eskimos close out their schedule, Friday, at home, against the 5-12 Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Calgary, meanwhile, plays at home Saturday, against the Blue Bombers.
The CFL's final week will be a zoo. But, please, Mitchell pleads, don't let the zebras mess it up.
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twitter.com/sixbeamers
NEXT GAME
Saturday vs. Montreal Alouettes
7 p.m. at BC Place
tsn/team 1410
GAME DAY
June 30
at Montreal
Als 30? Lions 26
Leos' comeback falls short.
July 8
at Empire
Stamps 34 Lions 32
Burris throws for three TDs.
July 16
at Edmonton
Eskimos 33 Lions 17?
Lulay throws for 313 yards.
WIN
July 22
at Empire
Ticats 39 Lions 31
Lions' D allows 468 total yards.
LOSS
July 28
at Winnipeg
Bombers 25? Lions 20
Brink sinks Leos late in fourth QTR.
TIE
Aug. 5
at Empire
Lions 24 Riders 11
Simon stars in first win.
FUTURE
Aug. 13
at Empire
Bombers 30 Lions 17
Lulay sits as offence struggles.
Aug. 19
at Edmonton
Lions 36? Eskimos 1
No mercy for hobbled West rivals.
Sept. 2
at Toronto
Lions 29? Argos 16
Lulay leads now-surging Leos in T.O.
Sept. 10
at Empire
Lions 28 Argos 6
Geroy Simon lands record 88th TD.
Sept. 17
at Calgary
Lions 32? Stamps 19
Win puts Leos in thick of playoff race.
Sept. 24
at Regina
Lions 42? Riders 5
B.C. moves to within two points of first.
Sept. 30
at BC Place
Lions 33 Eskimos 24
Six wins in a row for the hot Leos.
Oct. 8
at BC Place
Lions 33 Stamps 31
Paul McCallum nails lastgasp kick.
Oct. 16
at Regina
Lions 29? Riders 18
They left it late, but streak is at 8.
Oct. 22
at Hamilton
Ticats 42? Lions 10
Win streak goes down in flames.
Oct. 29
at BC Place
Lions 29 Eskimos 20
Lulay's 3 TD passes leads bounce back
Nov. 5
at BC Place
Alouettes @ Lions
TSN-HD 7 p.m.
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Les Bazso-PNG B.C. Lion Khalif Mitchell (left) celebrates his sack of Edmonton Eskimos QB Ricky Ray during first half action at BC Place on Saturday. Mitchell had two sacks and four tackles in the 29-20 Lions win.
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Illustration:
• Les Bazso, PNG / Les Bazso-PNG B.C. Lion Khalif Mitchell (left) celebrates his sack of Edmonton Eskimos QB Ricky Ray during first half action at BC Place on Saturday. Mitchell had two sacks and four tackles in the 29-20 Lions win.
Edition: Final
Length: 1127 words
Idnumber: 201110310109
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Stamps hang on in wild Montreal finish, setting up crazy Week 19
Yahoo Sports
Mon Oct 31 2011
Byline: Andrew Bucholtz
It was one of the most exciting games of the CFL season, but it may be most remembered for its implications for the playoffs. The Calgary Stampeders somehow managed to survive a late Montreal comeback on the road Sunday, with Johnnie Dixon knocking down an Anthony Calvillo end-zone pass with less than 20 seconds left that would have won it for the Alouettes. Instead, Calgary pulled out a 32-27 victory and set up a fantastic final week of the CFL season; the Stampeders are now 10-7 and tied with the Edmonton Eskimos and B.C. Lions for first place in the West Division, while the Alouettes are also 10-7 and tied with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for first place in the East. Playoff berths may not be on the line in the final week this year, but the final games will decide who gets a crucial first-round bye, who hosts a first-round game and who will be on the road throughout the postseason, and that should make for fascinating viewing.
Calgary got a reasonably solid performance from their offence, but not an overwhelming one. Drew Tate, who they continue to start in place of Henry Burris, had a decent day, completing 25 of 36 passes (69.4 per cent) for 333 yards and two touchdowns, but he also threw two interceptions. Jon Cornish (seen above evading Montreal's Chip Cox) was pretty effective on the ground, picking up 71 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries (4.7 yards per carry), but it wasn't his best performance of the season either. The real star on the offensive side of the ball for the Stampeders was Canadian receiver Johnny Forzani, who caught six passes (twice as much as anyone else) for 108 yards and two touchdowns, including one incredible grab right near the corner of the end zone where he barely got a foot down in time.
It was the Stampeders' defence that won the day, though, and not just on the last play. Yes, Dixon's knockdown was the spectacular moment that clinched the game, but the defence was effective for most of the game.
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Vet Claybrooks, young gun Dixon lead Stamps defence
Calgary Herald
Mon Oct 31 2011
Page: D3
Section: SportsMonday
Byline: Allen Cameron
Dateline: MONTREAL
Source: Calgary Herald
DeVone Claybrooks is the oldest defensive player on the Calgary Stampeders. Johnnie Dixon is the youngest.
And without them, the Stampeders would not have won Sunday at Molson Stadium - plain and simple.
On an afternoon chock-full of clutch plays by the Calgary defensive unit, it was left to the old guy and young'un to make the plays that did the most to nail down the Stamps' dramatic 32-27 win over the Montreal Alouettes.
With the Alouettes attempting a two-point conversion that would have tied the game in the fourth quarter, quarterback Anthony Calvillo tucked the ball in and tried to run up the middle, but Claybrooks, 34, went flat out to get a hand on Calvillo's foot, tripping him up short of the end zone; he had nothing but daylight in front of him. And then, with the Alouettes facing a third down at Calgary's 11-yard line with seconds to play, Calvillo looked for S.J. Green in the end zone, but the 22-year-old Dixon got his hands up and knocked the ball down to clinch the victory.
For Claybrooks, who's been in and out of the lineup in recent weeks, it was a matter of desperation when he saw Calvillo take off.
"Gotta make a play. I have to do something to make a play," Claybrooks recalled thinking at the time. "And the credit goes to my teammates; they put me in a good position so that I was able to make the play.
"To be honest, I didn't know where he was. I thought he had scored; I thought he was falling into the end zone. And it was good coverage on the back end, so he had nowhere to go with it, so he tried to pull it down and I was able to trip him up."
As for Dixon, the second-year defensive back admitted there was a time he would have gone for the interception instead of making the smart play, to get the ball on the turf.
"Oh, yeah. Guaranteed," he agreed with a chuckle. "But the end of the game, with no time left? Just knock it down and go home with a good win. But it felt like it took FOREVER for the ball to come down. And when it finally came down, I had it in my hand, and I'm thinking, should I pick it or should we just win the game? So I just slapped it down. Oh, man. It felt like I won a million bucks, man."
There was plenty of that to go around as the Stampeder defence did a terrific job against the CFL's highest-scoring team. They forced Calvillo to make some bad throws, they produced three turnovers on downs (including two from inside the Calgary 11-yard-line), and they limited CFL rushing leader Brandon Whitaker to 69 yards on 16 carries.
As for CFL receiving leader, Als slotback Jamel Richardson, he did set a CFL record with his 12th 100-yard receiving day of the season, but his five catches were mostly of the quiet variety.
"The defence did an unbelievable job, they really did," acknowledged Stamps quarterback Drew Tate.
And it was young and old alike who contributed; veteran defensive end Charleston Hughes forced a Calvillo fumble, while rookie defensive lineman Junior Turner had the game's only sack. And the list goes on.
"I think (the resilience) was the key," said second-year safety Eric Fraser, who recovered the Calvillo fumble. "There were some ups and downs today, some turnovers, but we always bounced back strong and we prevailed at the end."
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Illustration:
• / DeVone Claybrooks
• Peter Mccabe, Postmedia News / Stampeders defensive back Johnnie Dixon tackles Alouettes slotback S.J. Green during CFL tilt Sunday.
Edition: Final
Length: 600 words
Idnumber: 201110310093
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Stamps show grit; Calgary outslugs Als to keep alive shot at home playoff game
Calgary Herald
Mon Oct 31 2011
Page: D1 / Front
Section: SportsMonday
Byline: Allen Cameron
Dateline: MONTREAL
Source: Calgary Herald
John Hufnagel told his players to expect a 15-round slugfest on Sunday at Percival Molson Stadium. He was right, and he got the decision as an added bonus.
As a result of his Calgary Stampeders pounding out a 32-27 victory on the scorecard, there's still chance to stage a post-season title fight at McMahon Stadium in November.
The Stamps showed the kind of resilience that has been absent too often over the second half of this 2011 Canadian Football League season, and they couldn't have found a better time to do it. Their first win in Montreal since the 2008 Grey Cup put the 10-7 Stamps into a three-way tie for the West Division lead with the B.C. Lions and Edmonton Eskimos, not to mention a stunning fiveway tie, with Montreal and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers also in the mix, for the CFL's best record.
In short, it should be a fascinating final weekend of the regular season.
"Man, it was a huge win for us, obviously," said Stamps quarterback Drew Tate, who won his first head-to-head game with the legendary Anthony Calvillo, and outplayed him in the process. "We're still in the chase. It's crazy - you play, what, five months? And it all comes down to this game. But this is the position we want to be in, this is the best thing for us. I said it (Saturday) - we're in a one-week season. We have to be so focused on the now and stop worrying about things we don't have control over."
Such as the two games that have a bearing on the Stamps' playoff destiny next week. Having lost the season tiebreakers to both the Lions and Esks, the Stamps need to win at home against Blue Bombers next Saturday, and then need a loss from one (to host the West semifinal on Nov. 13) or both (to host the West final on Nov. 20) of them next weekend. Edmonton is hosting Saskatchewan, while B.C. has the Alouettes in town.
That the Stamps are still in the discussion to host a playoff game is thanks to a clutch four quarters in Montreal that featured four Calgary turnovers leading to just seven Alouette points, three Calgary defensive stands that forced Montreal turnovers on downs (including two from inside the Calgary 11-yard line), a Montreal special-teams touchdown off a fake punt and big play after big play from both sides of the football for the Stampeders.
"We came here to get a job done, and we knew the type of team we'd be playing, we knew it would be the type of game where it would most likely be decided late. And we were able to make some plays," said Stamps coach and GM John Hufnagel.
"Unfortunately, we had some turnovers offensively that put our defence in a bad position, but for the most part they hung in there. And when the game was on the line at the end, they came through. You just have to keep slugging for 15 rounds, and hopefully you're there at the end."
They were, but they didn't make it easy on themselves. Recently benched veterans Henry Burris and Joffrey Reynolds both coughed up the football in the first half, and both turnovers could have been momentum changers.
But the Stamps, who'd gotten firsthalf touchdowns from Jon Cornish on a one-yard pitch, and Johnny Forzani on a 33-yard toss from Tate (part of a terrific six-catch, 106-yard, twotouchdown afternoon), limited the damage, and took the lead at halftime thanks to Burke Dales' 73-yard punt single (a not insignificant factor, considering the Stamps were a perfect 6-0 coming into Sunday when leading after two quarters).
In the closing 30 minutes, the Stamps never trailed. The teams swapped touchdowns - a one-yard run by Cornish, and Marc-Olivier Brouillette's 72-yard scamper after taking a direct snap with the Als in punt formation - and on the first play of the fourth quarter, Tate was picked off by Billy Parker.
But the Stamps got the ball right back when they stuffed Adrian McPherson on a third-and-short gamble, and moments later, Tate found Forzani in the end zone for an 18-yard touchdown.
The Als challenged yet again; they got a touchdown catch from Eric Deslauriers late in the game (but fell short on the two-point conversion attempt thanks to DeVone Claybrooks' shoestring tackle on Calvillo), and after Rene Paredes hit from 41 yards with about a minute to play for the Stamps, Calvillo engineered a late drive that had Montreal at Calgary's 11-yard line with seconds to play.
But his last-gasp throw to S.J. Green in the end zone was batted down by Stamps corner Johnnie Dixon.
As a result, the Stamps are still in the mix for a playoff home game with one week to play.
"Before the game? I was saying that it wasn't that important to us. Win or lose - whatever," said Cornish, who grinded out 71 yards against Montreal's stingy run defence.
"But now that we've won? It changes everything. We're in a fiveway tie for first in the CFL, and it's pretty amazing how it's working out."
EXTRA POINT: The win gave the Stamps a sweep of the season series with the Alouettes.
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Illustration:
• ,Olivier Jean, Reuters / Stamps running back Jon Cornish breaks away from linebacker Chip Cox for some of his 71 rushing yards Sunday.
• ,Olivier Jean, Reuters / Quarterback Drew Tate made big plays when the Stampeders needed them most in Sunday's 32-27 crucial win over the host Montreal Alouettes.
Edition: Final
Length: 871 words
Idnumber: 201110310080
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QUICK HITTERS ; Forzani has (another) field day against Als secondary ... Burris turns it over ... Stamps remember fallen Warriors
The Calgary Sun
Mon Oct 31 2011
Page: S7
Section: Sports
Byline: WES GILBERTSON
Column: QUICK HITTERS
MONTREAL -- Johnny Forzani wouldn't mind seeing the Montreal Alouettes more often.
"I want to play them six times a year," Forzani said with a grin. "I've had good luck against them."
The Calgary Stampeders' speedy sophomore assumed a starring role in Sunday's 32-27 victory over the Montreal Alouettes at Percival Molson Stadium, hauling in six passes for 108 yards and making two trips to the endzone.
It's the second time this season that Forzani has torched Montreal's secondary. In their Aug. 27 clash at McMahon Stadium, the 22-year-old receiver racked up 101 yards and two touchdowns.
Forzani now has a pair of 100- yard outings on his CFL resume, both against the two-time defending champs. Of his five career touchdowns, four have come at the Alouettes' expense.
Apparently, Stamps offensive co-ordinator Dave Dickenson and receivers coach Pete Costanza figured the speedy sophomore was primed for a big afternoon in Montreal.
"The coaches were saying I was going to have a big week against them. They said, 'We expect you to have a good week against these guys. They play you man-to- man, and you're faster than the guys you're playing against,' " Forzani said.
"They don't say that every week, because with all our guys we have, it's different every week. So I'm happy. I don't think I let them down, and I feel good about that."
SHORT YARDAGE
One of the biggest beneficiaries of Drew Tate's promotion to starting quarterback has been Rob Cote. With Tate at the controls, the broad-shouldered fullback has five catches for 78 yards in the past two games, including a 41-yard reception in the first quarter of Sunday's matinee ... Mixed results for Stamps QB Henry Burris, who saw his first game action since losing his starting job to Drew Tate. On his first snap, he found Jon Cornish on a pitch play, and the star running back scored a one-yard touchdown. On the second, Burris was charged with a fumble, the result of a botched snap with centre Tim O'Neill, and the Stamps lost the ball ... Joffrey Reynolds also coughed up the football once, his fourth fumble of the campaign. That equals his highest fumble count since 2008, when Reynolds had more than twice as many touches.
LONG SNAPS
Classy move, Cornish. After his second touchdown of the day, the Stamps running back was shown on TSN saying, "that one is for the Warriors." The Stamps and Edmonton Eskimos are wearing helmet decals as a tribute to four members of the Grande Prairie Warriors' high-school football team killed in a car crash last weekend ... From the press-box, it's awfully tough to tell the difference between Alouettes No. 18 Jamel Richardson and No. 19 S.J. Green. Both are big bodies, and both are great receivers ... By my count, Stamps CB Geoff Tisdale has been flagged for a boneheaded penalty in three consecutive outings. At least Sunday's needless face-mask foul didn't come on
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the final drive of the game.
EXTRA POINTS
You've gotta wonder what the future holds for Sandro DeAngelis. The 29-year-old kicker, who booted five field goals for the Stamps in the
@SUNGilbertson
2008 Grey Cup, has been stashed on the Alouettes' active roster all season but hasn't appeared in a single game ... All four CFL match-ups this weekend were won by the team with the worse record. Go figure ... Speaking of parity, five teams have 10-7 records heading into the final week of what's been an exciting campaign in the three-down football ranks. And first place is still up for grabs in both divisions. Can't ask for much more than that.
© 2011 Sun Media Corporation. All rights reserved.
Illustration:
• photo of ROB COTE Gets involved
• photo of JOFFREYREYNOLDS Coughs up rock
• MARIE-CLAUDE FOREST/QMI AGENCY
• Stampeders defenders Geoff Tisdale, left, and Eric Fraser take down Alouettes receiver Kerry Watkins, who injured his ankle on the play. He was taken to a Montreal hospital for tests. The Stamps defence came up big on the game's final drive.
Edition: Final
Length: 596 words
Idnumber: 201110310004
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Inside the CFL: A new can of worms
Sportsnetwork.com
Mon Oct 31 2011
Byline: Ted Michaels
Hamilton, ON (Sports Network) - The Canadian Football League may have a new issue to deal with.
The CFL, has encouraged it's teams, and players, to use social media to interact with fans.
While on one hand, the interaction can be positive, on the other, head coaches everywhere, most of whom are traditionalists, hate anything that can inflame an opponent.
Exhibit A: Friday night in Winnipeg.
Blue Bomber defensive back Johnny Sears, who wears number zero, was ejected from the game, after a helmet-to-helmet hit on Toronto Argonauts quarterback Steven Jyles.
Immediately after the hit, the twitter world erupted, and two injured Argo offensive lineman, watching the game, led the charge.
Rob Murphy (@BIGMURPH56) tweeted "#0 is lucky I'm not in the Province of Manitoba tonight. They would need the Jaws of Life to pry me off him. I have a good memory."
Taylor Robertson (@TR65) wrote, "I don't know who the hell this #0 guy is but I hope to hell he's in the league next year. I'll take the ejection I don't care."
Murphy, who in the past has written some controversial things, didn't back down from his tweet, and claimed it wasn't a threat to pay back Sears.
"Those of you who think its a threat, get a clue, its called an opinion which is what twitter is."
Other CFL players added their opinion, including Montreal kicker Sean Whyte, who wrote, "Suprises me how smart people are. Trying to end peoples careers"
Paul McCallum, B.C. Lions kicker also got involved, saying, "That was a brutal dirty hit!!! Lead with his head!! Hope he is okay."
The hit was widely discussed on the TSN broadcast, as it should have been. Sears didn't get much sympathy from the panel, which upset several Blue Bomber players, including defensive back Jovon Johnson, who's tweets included, "Too many football players are crybabies go play another sport." And, "Football will be flag football by 2015 just watch!"
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Playoff picture taking shape
Sportsnet.ca
Mon Oct 31 2011
Byline: Sportsnet Staff
With the Canadian Football League’s regular season just around the corner, the possible match ups present several interesting scenerios.
The B.C. Lions host the Montreal Alouettes in their season finale next Sunday. A Lions’ victory will mean they will host the West final, or if both Calgary and Edmonton lose their respective games.
Meanwhile, the Edmonton Eskimos must beat the Saskatchewan Roughriders Friday if they want to host the West final. But that’s not all, they also have to hope the Lions lose to Montreal.
That leaves the Calgary Stampeders, who have to defeat Winnipeg Blue Bombers at home if they want to host the divisional final. That, and a combination of Edmonton and B.C. losses, will get them that right.
In East Division, Winnipeg can host the East final if they can get past the Stampeders in Calgary, or if the Alouettes fall short versus the Lions.
The Montreal Alouettes will host the East Final if they beat the Lions, and the Bombers lose to Calgary.
Vancouver will play host the 99th Grey Cup, on November 27.
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Not so lonely at the top; Eskimos, Stampeders, Lions share first place in the West going into last week of season
Edmonton Journal
Mon Oct 31 2011
Page: C1 / Front
Section: Sports Monday
Byline: Chris O'Leary
Dateline: VANCOUVER
Source: Edmonton Journal
Week 19 in the Canadian Football League will be far from routine. Five teams across the league have 10-7 records, with first place up for grabs for all of them entering the weekend games.
The Calgary Stampeders' 32-27 victory over the Montreal Alouettes on Sunday afternoon, has produced a three-way tie for first place in the league's West Division. The Stampeders, B.C. Lions and the Edmonton Eskimos are all 10-7, creating what promises to be a wild conclusion to a regular season that's contradicted odds, favourites and logic from its start on June 30.
With their 29-20 loss to the Lions on Saturday night, the Eskimos relinquished control of their postseason fate. They're now in a must-win situation as they prepare for their Nov. 4 game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Beyond that, the Eskimos need Calgary to lose on Nov. 5 when they host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. They also need B.C. to lose to Montreal on the fifth. The Alouettes travel to BC Place for the league's final regular-season game.
Eskimos general manager Eric Tillman expressed disappointment in his team's inability to come out of Vancouver just a win away from a trip to the Grey Cup.
"First, let's give B.C. justified praise for playing so well under adverse circumstances," he said. "That said, it's incredibly disappointing that we didn't seize the moment on Saturday night.
"First place was right there for the taking, but we didn't finish drives, we tackled poorly, we didn't cover backs, and B.C. outplayed us on special teams. So it was a total team loss and we have no one to blame but the man in the mirror."
Should Edmonton, Calgary and B.C. all win next week and finish with 11-7 records, the Lions would have first place by virtue of winning their season series with both Edmonton and Calgary. The Lions would host the West final on Nov. 20 and the Eskimos would host the Stampeders in the West semifinal on Nov. 13. Edmonton won the season series against Calgary this season, landing them ahead of the Stampeders if the two clubs finish with matching records.
"The end result of this weekend, of course, is a three-way tie in Week 19 with multiple scenarios for each club," Tillman said. "We play the first game of the three, so with a win we can set the bar and put the pressure on B.C. and Calgary.
"But with Saskatchewan coming off an impressive upset over Hamilton, we know they will come in here confident and relishing an opportunity to play the spoiler. So we better snap up our chinstraps and play with great emotion and pride. Plain and simple, it's all on the line."
In the East Division, Winnipeg and Montreal both have 10-7 records. Montreal must win against B.C. on Saturday and have Winnipeg lose to Calgary if they want to clinch first place. Winnipeg won the season series with Montreal. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are guaranteed to travel to play in the East semifinal on Nov. 13.
The Grey Cup will be played on Nov. 27 in Vancouver at BC Place.
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CFL GAME TIME
RIDERS at ESKIMOS 7 p.m., Friday
Media: 630 CHED, TSN Go to edmontonjournal.com for game live-blog
Illustration:
• Nick Didlick, Reuters / Edmonton Eskimos wide receiver Jason Armstead breaks free of a B.C. Lions tackle during their CFL game in Vancouver on Saturday.
Edition: Final
Length: 540 words
Idnumber: 201110310055
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CFL week 18 report
National Post
Mon Oct 31 2011
Page: B4
Section: Sports
Byline: Matthew Scainitti
Source: National Post
ONE STEP FORWARD, TWO STEPS BACK
After Winnipeg sealed a late comeback win against Montreal and Hamilton trounced B.C. last week, it appeared both teams were primed for the playoffs. And then Tiger-Cats quarterback Kevin Glenn threw four interceptions, two in the end zone, in a 19-3 defeat to the Roughriders, and the Blue Bombers could not stop the Argos' sporadic offence from scoring 24 points in the second quarter of a 27-22 win. "Sometimes," Bombers defensive lineman Doug Brown said, "you'd rather be a C-plus student than to get an A one week and an F the next." Going into the final week of the season, Hamilton will hope either Glenn or Quinton Porter shows some confidence and resurrects a sloppy passing game against Toronto, while Winnipeg head coach Paul LaPolice says he might have to start backup quarterback Alex Brink after Buck Pierce hurt his leg in the second quarter.
LIONS REGAIN THEIR ROAR
Edmonton's visit to B.C. was a possible preview to the West final, and the Lions used an explosive 14-point start to win 29-20. They could secure homefield advantage for that final with a win next week. After being assaulted by Hamilton's defence last week, quarterback Travis Lulay was again launching the football on a string, hitting five receivers for more than 50 yards each. "We never really thought about the enormity of what we had to do to get us out of that hole," Lulay said about the Lions, who are 9-1 in their last 10 games after a 1-6 start.
"We really just buckled down and took it one game at a time. I know it sounds corny. One-andsix is a big hole. But the only way to not get overwhelmed with the situation was to take it week by week - We really felt like we were a better football team than that. Just the belief system we instilled in each other put us in position to do this."
AN INAPPROPRIATE RESPONSE
It was a vicious, shocking hit. In the fourth quarter of Toronto's 27-22 win over Winnipeg Friday, defensive back Johnny Sears launched himself headfirst like a lightning bolt directly into the helmet of Toronto quarterback Steven Jyles. Sears, who wears the number 0, was ejected straight away as Jyles staggered to his feet, and the CFL will doubtlessly address the hit this week. But the league will also be busy investigating allegedly threatening tweets made by some Argo players towards Sears. Although Jyles told reporters he was "OK," offensive tackle Rob Murphy, who is recovering from a knee surgery, tweeted Friday: "#0 is lucky I'm not in the Province of Manitoba tonight - They would need the Jaws of Life to pry me off of him - I have a good memory - #CYaNextYear."
Winnipeg players defended Sears over twitter and head coach Paul LaPolice said he had spoken to the league. "Whoever's doing that," the coach said, "should be disciplined by the league, whether it's our club or their club.
That's not what we're about in the Canadian Football League. It's not an eye for an eye."
A KICK TO REMEMBER
Saskatchewan's 19-3 win over Hamilton was a nice end to an ugly season at Mosaic Stadium. And what was most impressive about the victory was not the way the Roughriders' lowly defence made Tiger-Cats quarterback Kevin Glenn look inept, it was a 108-yard punt launched by rookie kicker Chris Milo in the first quarter that tied a CFL record set by Toronto's Zenon Andrusyshyn 1977.
Milo, standing on Saskatchewan's 11-yard line hammered the ball high, which was immediately taken by a gusting win blowing west to east inside. The trajectory startled Hamilton's Marcus Thigpen and the returner tried to chase the ball but eventually let it roll out of the back of the end zone.
CRISIS IN MONTREAL, HOPE IN WINNIPEG
Immediately after Toronto running back Cory Boyd, pictured, cut through Winnipeg's defence with seconds to go and picked up a gameending first down, Montreal kicker Sean Whyte let the Twitterverse know what was important to the Alouettes: "Let's get that bye. Next game is the biggest game of the season." But it seems quarterback Drew Tate and receiver Johnny Forzani have established a lethal partnership right in time for the playoffs. Tate threw for 333 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions, and Forzani was the target for both scores and 108 yards in Calgary's 32-27 victory Sunday. Now, if Winnipeg wins next week, it will host the East final.
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Edition: National
Length: 749 words
Idnumber: 201110310062
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Charles fills need for speed
The Edmonton Sun
Mon Oct 31 2011
Page: S7
Section: Sports
Byline: GERRY MODDEJONGE
Hugh dat?
It was huge debut for Hugh Charles, who donned the Green and Gold on Saturday for the first time since being traded to the Edmonton Eskimos on Oct. 12.
The ex-Saskatchewan Roughriders running back averaged 5.5 yards on six carries to account for more than half of Edmonton's 62 rushing yards, as he split duties with feature back Jerome Messam.
But the only numbers that count for Charles were on the scoreboard, which read 29-20 in favour of the B.C. Lions.
"Not the result (we wanted) at all," said the 5-foot-8, 190-pounder from Colorado. "We had a good game plan going in for these guys.
"As for my debut, I came in here for a reason and they played me for a reason."
It's mainly because Charles's speedy style is the yin to Messam's yang-and-bang.
"It was great, and I think Messam can agree to how they used both of us," said Charles.
"We can get our rest , because we were running a hurry-up offence at times, doing the rotation.
"And the defence for B.C. saw a little mix of speed and a downhill runner that definitely threw them off guard."
But perhaps his most impressive play of the night didn't come along the ground, but through the air.
Charles hauled down a clutch 40-yard toss from Ricky Ray to set up a Jason Barnes touchdown that drew the Eskimos within two points of the Lions late in the game.
"We talked about that early in the week, that they're leaving the middle of the field open, so we just threw one down the middle and he made a great catch," said Ray, who passed for over 300 yards for the fifth time this season.
But all eyes were on Messam in a game where both sides only managed to combine for a paltry 120 rushing yards.
"It was just one of those games," Messam said.
"I wouldn't say we shied away from the run; we were balanced. But they just did a good job of stopping the run."
His 17 yards on nine carries weren't even half of the 36 he needed to reach the 1,000- yard milestone on the season.
"It would have been (nice), but it's not the main focus," Messam said. "It's just the way things go."
While it would have been poetic justice for Messam to reach the feat against his former club -- which severed ties with the running back on the demand of a group of Lions players in the preseason -- he said they haven't seen the last of him.
"It's a big possibility we'll see them again in the Western Final," Messam said. "So we'll try to get them then."
ROUGH RIDE: After spending the first part of the season with the Roughriders, Charles missed another opportunity Saturday to beat a West Division opponent in 2011.
Saskatchewan is 0-9 so far, with one chance left when they head to Commonwealth Stadium on Friday.
That game will also mark Charles's last chance to notch a win against the West.
"I'm on a mission now; you just stuck a little bird in my head," Charles said. "It's going to be fun to reunite with them and have that defence finally try tackling me."
© 2011 Sun Media Corporation. All rights reserved.
Edition: Final
Length: 536 words
Idnumber: 201110310018
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Hinse a head case
The Edmonton Sun
Mon Oct 31 2011
Page: S7
Section: Sports
Byline: GERRY MODDEJONGE
Hats off to Gord Hinse. Twice.
The Edmonton Eskimos centre proved himself a fierce competitor after twice having his helmet knocked off against the B.C. Lions on Saturday.
But losing his lid didn't result in Hinse losing his wits, although some might argue the rationale behind continuing to play without the most vital of piece of protection.
Hinse didn't just continue to play -- he came unleashed.
With quarterback Ricky Ray scrambling outside the pocket on a broken play to start the second quarter, Hinse was flying around so fast he stirred up some wind inside BC Place Stadium.
It blew his hair back almost as much as the trio of defenders he levelled in the process, with no regard to life, limb or noggin.
"If Ricky's going to keep scrambling, he's not going to stop fighting. I know that," said the Edmonton product.
"So I can't stop fighting either. As long as he's going, I've got to keep going.
"I don't even think about it. I realized it was off, but at that point if I can spring him, that's what I've got to do.
"The play itself warranted that. If I'd had my helmet on or not, I'd have done the same thing. It probably looked more wild than it was."
The thing is, Hinse had just returned from a play at the end of the first frame that resulted in a bloody gash over his left eye after his helmet flew off the first time.
"The first one, you just throw it in there sometimes and sometimes it pops off. It's just the way it goes," he said.
"It's bound to pop off sometimes in a game. It just happened to come off twice."
The nasty slice on his swollen brow is worse than it looks, Hinse assured.
"It looks pretty bad, so yeah," he said.
"It didn't affect me all game, so it's all right."
© 2011 Sun Media Corporation. All rights reserved.
Illustration:
• photo by REUTERS
• B.C. Lions linebacker Solomon Elimimian puts the grab on Eskimos running back Hugh Charles in the first half of Saturday's game in Vancouver. Charles averaged more than five yards on six carries, but it wasn't enough as the Lions beat the Esks 29-20.
Edition: Final
Length: 320 words
Idnumber: 201110310032
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Versatile sparkplug 'impact player' in Edmonton debut; Running back Hugh Charles did a little bit of everything in Saturday's loss to Lions, says head coach Reed
Edmonton Journal
Mon Oct 31 2011
Page: C7
Section: Sports
Dateline: VANCOUVER
Source: Edmonton Journal
It was hard for Hugh Charles to contain his smile on Saturday night.
In his debut with the Edmonton Eskimos, the running back was able to do a little bit of everything that he'd wanted to do on the football field. He took six handoffs and ran for 33 yards; he returned a kickoff for nine yards and he caught two passes for a total of 46 yards. His biggest play of the night was a 40-yard reception from quarterback Ricky Ray that got the Eskimos to the 16-yard line, which set up Ray's touchdown pass to wide receiver Tyler Scott.
The reason Charles had to contain himself was the end result of the game. The converted Edmonton score got the Eskimos within two points of the Lions, at 22-20, but it was as close as they could get in their bid for taking the Canadian Football League's top spot in the West Division. They lost 29-20 to B.C., making their own contribution to the three-way tie that exists in the West following the Calgary Stampeders' 32-27 victory over the Alouettes in Montreal on Sunday.
"Not the (desired) result at all," the five-foot-eight, 190-pound sparkplug said of Saturday's loss. "We had a good game plan going in for these guys and we planned to take advantage of the situation we were in, which was taking first place.
"With the debut that I had, for me, I came in here for a reason and they played me for a reason. I'm trying to do what they brought me here to do and that's make plays. That's what I did on the field."
Charles was the one aspect of Saturday's game that Eskimos head coach Kavis Reed happily took credit for.
"Impact player," Reed said of Charles. "The only decision I made correctly this week was adding him to the roster. Absolutely phenomenal player."
While the run game struggled on the night, garnering just 62 total yards, Charles said he saw great potential in the dynamics that he and tailback Jerome Messam present for opposing defences.
"It was great and I think Messam can agree, too, on how they used both of us," Charles said. "We were running a hurry-up offence at times and Jerome was talking about how tired he was. A mix of speed and a downhill runner would definitely throw them off guard. I definitely enjoyed what they had planned and I think we'll see (B.C.) again down the road. We've just got to win."
Charles will have a unique perspective on the Eskimos game on Friday. He'll suit up against the team that sent him to Edmonton at the trade deadline, in the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Having lost to B.C. on Saturday, Charles still has something in common with his former team: neither has beaten a West Division opponent yet this season.
"I'm on a mission now. You've stuck a little bird in my head," Charles said to a reporter who pointed out the commonality. "It's going to be fun to reunite with them and go headto-head with the defence and finally they can try and tackle me - if they get a hand on me."
Wojt ankle injury not serious
Kavis Reed said he sat offensive lineman Greg Wojt on Saturday night as a precautionary measure. The right guard was playing for the first time in three games after an ankle injury had sidelined him. He aggravated the ankle in the third quarter and did not return.
"He should be fine. If we needed him to go back in the game, he was available," Reed said. "(The ankle is) tender, but he could have gone back in the game."
Illustration:
• Nick Didlick, Reuters / B.C. Lions linebacker Solomon Elimimian tackles Eskimos running back Hugh Charles on Saturday.
Edition: Final
Length: 611 words
Idnumber: 201110310084
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Bittersweet taste to Ray's milestone performance
The Edmonton Sun
Mon Oct 31 2011
Page: S7
Section: Sports
Byline: GERRY MODDEJONGE
Some big numbers ended up being small consolation for Ricky Ray.
The Eskimos quarterback reached the 4,000-yard mark in passing for the first time since 2009 and hit 40,000 on his career Saturday night in Vancouver.
The downer is that the milestones came in a 29-20 loss to the B.C. Lions that saw first place in the West slip from the Eskimos' grasp.
"That's definitely pretty cool. I mean, 40,000 is good company to be in," said the nine-year CFL veteran, who became the ninth player in league history to reach that number. "I've just been lucky to be able to come in and play right away, pretty much, as a young guy. And to be here to have the opportunity to play a lot of years with a lot of great receivers and great teams."
Of course, Ray's accomplishments this season are being overshadowed by the numbers Anthony Calvillo is putting up in Montreal after becoming the most prolific passer in all of professional football.
The last time the Esks finished first place in the West was the 2003 championship season.
© 2011 Sun Media Corporation. All rights reserved.
Edition: Final
Length: 179 words
Idnumber: 201110310052
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Nothing on the line, but Riders show up and Ticats don’t
Yahoo Sports
Mon Oct 31 2011
Byline: Andrew Bucholtz
For the second time in two days, a team that won't be in the CFL's playoffs pulled off an upset over one that will. Friday night, it was the 4-12 Toronto Argonauts taking down the 10-6 Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and the 4-12 Saskatchewan Roughriders followed suit Saturday with a 19-3 pounding of the 8-8 Hamilton Tiger-Cats. These games didn't mean anything for Toronto or Saskatchewan, but they came out as the inspired and motivated squads. Meanwhile, their opponents didn't appear anywhere close to playoff form.
It's been a dismal 2011 campaign for the Roughriders, who entered this game with the CFL's worst record, the fewest points scored (307) and the second-most points against (456), but they turned in an impressive showing Saturday and gave their fans something to be happy about in their final home game of the year. It all started with the Saskatchewan defence, which intercepted Hamilton's quarterback tandem of Kevin Glenn and Quinton Porter three times and sacked them three more times. They didn't concede a single point in the first half and only gave up a field goal in the second half.
The Saskatchewan offence wasn't thoroughly in sync, understandable considering that the Roughriders finally did the right thing and rested injured quarterback Darian Durant, but they weren't atrocious, and they developed a solid ground attack. Running back Brandon West picked up 96 yards on 19 carries (5.1 yards per carry), quarterback Ryan Dinwiddie (seen above) added 53 more yards on eight carries (6.6 yards per carry) and fullback Neal Hughes added 40 yards and a touchdown (out of an innovative Wildcat formation) on six carries (6.7 yards per carry). Their passing game wasn't as effective, as Dinwiddie only completed seven of 20 passes (35 per cent) for 139 yards, and scoring 19 points won't win you many CFL games. Still, the defensive showing meant the offence didn't have to do much.
View original item at www.fpinfomart.ca...»
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Where was execution when playoff hopes were still alive?
The StarPhoenix (Saskatoon)
Mon Oct 31 2011
Page: B3
Section: Sports
Byline: Rob Vanstone
Column: Rob Vanstone
Dateline: REGINA
Source: Leader-Post
Two members of the Saskatchewan Roughriders made catches in the end zone on Saturday. How novel.
The aforementioned grabs were recorded by defensive backs - not receivers - as the Roughriders snapped a five-game losing skein by registering a 19-3 victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Along the way, though, the home side failed to end a protracted touchdown-pass drought that has extended beyond 6 1/2 games.
Saskatchewan's continued ineffectiveness through the air was more than counteracted by end-zone interceptors Craig Butler and Nick Graham - both of whom thwarted attempted touchdown passes by Hamilton's Kevin Glenn before an announced crowd of 29,073 at Mosaic Stadium.
Powered by a dominant defence, the Roughriders were able to win their home finale against a comparably experimental Hamilton side. The result was meaningless in terms of the CFL's playoff picture, but the victory was nonetheless a tonic for players and coaches who have endured a largely miserable season.
"It seems like it has been a long time since we had (a victory), so to get one is really good," Roughriders head coach Ken Miller said during his cheeriest post-game session since Sept. 17. "To have the men play well in the situation that we've been in, and to have them play with energy and enthusiasm and passion and have fun, is really good."
The conquest was far from a cure-all. In fact, it was exasperating at times. While watching the Roughriders execute a series of smoothly run plays, some of which included trickery, it was tempting to slap an ample forehead and wail: "Where was this a month ago?!"
When the Roughriders retained a mathematical chance of making the playoffs, a direct snap to Neal Hughes from punt formation resulted in a turnover on downs during a 17-1 loss to the host Edmonton Eskimos on Oct. 10. Saskatchewan attempted another fake punt on Saturday, with Hughes again carrying the ball, and it resulted in a 21yard gain.
Roughriders quarterback Ryan Dinwiddie demonstrated his ball-handling wizardry while deceiving the Tiger-Cats' defence and many of the diehard spectators on Saturday. On various running plays, it was difficult to determine whether Dinwiddie, Hughes (who had a strong game at fullback) or tailback Brandon West was carrying the ball.
That was a vast improvement over the Roughriders' typical ground game - Wes Cates up the middle - but, again, the sight of it all induced frustration. In games of considerably greater consequence, Saskatchewan's offence was bland and predictable. The bag of tricks would have been more useful at an earlier, more meaningful juncture - perhaps during a stretch in which the Green and White went a franchiserecord 286 minutes 29 seconds without scoring an offensive touchdown.
But, as referenced earlier, the Roughriders did extend another dry spell on Saturday. They have now gone 394: 09 without completing a touchdown pass. There were a few close calls on Saturday, courtesy of Dallas Baker and Weston Dressler, but the Roughriders customarily failed to finish the deal via the aerial route.
Saskatchewan's one touchdown was scored by Hughes, who accepted the snap while lined up in the Wildcat formation and barged three yards to pay dirt. At the risk of belabouring the point: Where was this enlightened play-calling when it really mattered?
And why are the Roughriders chronically incapable of playing winning football against divisional foes? Saskatchewan finished the 2011 campaign with a 5-3 record against teams from the East Division. Against the West, however, the Roughriders are a galling 0-9. Huh?
Given the Roughriders' fortunes (or lack thereof) this season, it may seem audacious to pick apart a victory. So let's accentuate the positive aspects of Saturday's showing.
If it was the final home game for 38-year-old offensive lineman Gene Makowsky, it was only fitting for him to walk off the field as a winner.
Similarly, if Saturday's game was the home-field swan song for slotback Jason Clermont, the fact that he made his 500th career reception in that contest was a nice touch.
Applaudably, the Roughriders used Saturday's contest to evaluate some younger players. As a result, West - who looks very much like the tailback of the future - rushed for a game-high 96 yards. Defensive halfback Tyron Brackenridge played with energy while registering an interception in his first CFL start. Middle linebacker Chris Graham, making his first start as a Roughrider, demonstrated his anticipation and fleet feet while tracking down Tiger-Cats tailback Avon Cobourne for a three-yard loss.
The Roughriders also reaped the benefits of a productive 2011 draft, for which general manager Brendan Taman and director of player personnel Craig Smith should be credited.
Butler, a second-round selection, notched his fourth and fifth interceptions of the season. Chris Milo, who was claimed in the fourth round, unleashed a 108-yard punt - tying him for the longest in CFL history - and also cranked 74-, 71-and 60-yarders. In addition, Milo made all three of his field-goal attempts to improve his overall success rate to .833 (20-for-24).
Speaking of the draft, Saturday's victory may have influenced the Roughriders' situation with regard to the 2012 lottery. After the Toronto Argonauts improved their record to 5-12 on Friday by upsetting the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Saskatchewan was in a position where it could secure the first overall pick by losing its final two regular-season games. Instead, a professional showing by the Roughriders left them at 5-12. If Saskatchewan and Toronto end up as cohabitants of the CFL's basement, the Argonauts will be deemed the league's worst team (based on a tiebreaking formula) and the Roughriders will miss out on picking first overall.
It has been that kind of year. Even when the Roughriders win, they stand to lose.
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Edition: Final
Story Type: Column
Length: 936 words
Idnumber: 201110310038
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Riders enjoy treats by tricking the Tiger-Cats
The Leader-Post (Regina)
Mon Oct 31 2011
Page: C1 / Front
Section: Sports
Byline: Murray McCormick
Source: Leader-Post
The Saskatchewan Roughriders donned their Halloween costumes two days early - dressing up as a competitive football team against the visiting Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Thirteen days after the Roughriders were eliminated from CFL playoff contention, they put forth one of their better efforts of the season, defeating Hamilton 19-3 before an announced crowd of 29,073. The Riders treated the fans at Mosaic Stadium on Saturday to their first win since beating the Toronto Argonauts 30-20 on Sept. 17, snapping a losing streak that had extended to five games.
"It's a win and this is what we're supposed to do,'' said linebacker Jerrell Freeman, who had four defensive tackles and a sack. "Everyone is excited and the morale is up. It's one of those things that happens when you get a win.''
The goodies weren't limited to the Riders improving their record to 5-12. The Riders snapped a two-game home losing streak and boosted their record at Mosaic Stadium this season to 3-6. That poor overall showing, and the cold and windy weather conditions, probably contributed to the numerous empty seats at Mosaic Stadium for the home finale and the first nonsellout in 19 regular-season games. The Riders close out the season on Friday at Commonwealth Stadium against the Edmonton Eskimos.
"We don't have a whole lot to play for as far as the standings go,'' said Riders fullback Neal Hughes, who scored the game's lone touchdown on a three-yard run in the second quarter. "We've been trying hard to get a win and maybe we've been trying too hard. We played loose, had fun, and good things happened for us.''
The Riders accomplished that with a few tricks and solid special-teams play in a game that didn't have any meaning for either team. The Tiger-Cats (8-9) are third in the East Division and can't improve their playoff position. They are to play in the East Division semifinal at Montreal or Winnipeg. The Riders were eliminated from the playoff race by a 29-18 loss to the visiting B.C. Lions on Oct. 16.
Late in the second quarter, fullback Hughes scored out of the Wildcat formation. With the Roughriders scrimmaging from Hamilton's three-yard line, quarterback Cole Bergquist lined up in shotgun formation but sprinted to the outside before the snap. Hughes took Bergquist's position, accepted the snap, and barged in for the touchdown. After Chris Milo's convert, the Riders went into the half leading 17-0 - their largest halftime lead of the season.
Late in the third quarter, the Riders tricked the Tiger-Cats with a fake punt. Hughes sprinted 21 yards for a first down. The drive stalled at Hamilton's 51-yard line, but Milo salvaged it with a 71-yard single as the Riders took an 18-3 lead.
Milo was a special-teams star for the Riders. The rookie placekicker was three-for-three on his fieldgoal attempts. As a punter, he also took advantage of a northwest wind gusting to 60 km/h. Milo uncorked a 108-yard punt for a single in the first quarter.
Milo now shares the CFL record for the longest punt with Zenon Andrusyshyn of the Toronto Argonauts, who set the record while with the Toronto Argonauts on Sept. 14, 1977 - 10 years before Milo was born. Milo also registered singles on punts of 71 and 60 yards.
"(Milo) had an absolutely fabulous day,'' Riders head coach Ken Miller said. "Our special teams were really sensational and he is maturing after every game.''
The Riders' defence shared in the Halloween spirit by confounding Hamilton's quarterbacking duo of Quinton Porter and Kevin Glenn and sacking them three times. Porter started, but gave way to Glenn for the second half. Neither quarterback was effective.
Saskatchewan recorded four interceptions and forced a turnover. Rookie safety Craig Butler had two interceptions, increasing his season total to five. Cornerback Nick Graham and rookie defensive halfback Tyron Brackenridge also had interceptions as Hamilton was held to a net offence of 251 yards.
The results were a mixed bag for Saskatchewan's backup quarterbacks - Ryan Dinwiddie and Bergquist. Dinwiddie started for Darian Durant, who is being rested for the remainder of the season due to an assortment of injuries. Dinwiddie was seven of 20 for 139 yards, including a 72-yard pass to wide receiver Dallas Baker. The Riders still haven't completed a pass for a touchdown since Sept. 17, a streak that has now reached 26 quarters.
Dinwiddie and Bergquist are expected to play again in Friday's finale. Miller said he hasn't decided what his quarterback plans are for Friday's game. The Riders return to practice today.
Justin Medlock accounted for Hamilton's scoring with a 47-yard field goal.
mmccormick @leaderpost.com
Illustration:
• Michael Bell, Leader-Post / Saskatchewan Roughriders guard Gene Makowsky with his family after Saturday's victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Tami Makowsky is taking a picture of her husband, who is flanked by sons Nick (left) and Ryan (right). A story on Makowsky, who may have played his last game on Taylor Field, appears on Page C2.
Edition: Final
Length: 764 words
Idnumber: 201110310043
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Riders show respect to Makowsky
The Leader-Post (Regina)
Mon Oct 31 2011
Page: C2
Section: Sports
Byline: Murray McCormick
Source: Leader-Post
Gene Makowsky was thrust into an unusual position Saturday.
The veteran Saskatchewan Roughriders offensive lineman is usually one of the last players to enter the field through the inflated helmet at the south end of Mosaic Stadium. Makowsky's teammates conspired to have him lead them on to the field prior to a 19-3 win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Saturday's game was the final home contest of the CFL season for the Riders, who are out of playoff contention.
"He had no idea what was coming,'' said Riders fullback Neal Hughes. "We started cheering 'Geno' and pushing him to the front. We all know what he has meant to the franchise and to this team. He has been a consummate professional and he shows it on game day and at practices all of the time.''
The gesture was a sign of respect and reflective of the possibility that Saturday's game could be Makowsky's last at home. Makowsky, 38, is in his 17th season with the Riders. He's the Saskatchewan Party's candidate for Regina-Dewdney in the Nov. 7 provincial election. Makowsky said Saturday he hasn't decided if this will be his last season with the Riders.
"It could be the last one, but we'll find out in time,'' said Makowsky, adding that he avoids the front of the tunnel because the smoke from the fireworks bothers his eyes. "It's good to get a win, because we haven't had a lot of them.''
There were other signs, which were open to interpretation, that Saturday was Makowsky's last home game. He trotted off the field with the football after Hughes scored on a second-quarter run. Later, Makowsky posed for a picture on the field with his family.
Hughes disclosed that Makowsky was holding the football for him. Hughes wasn't able to save the ball because he's a member of the Riders' special teams for converts.
"I have a family member picked out for that football,'' Hughes said. "I thanked Geno for doing that for me. There wasn't anything more to it than that.''
Makowsky said he traditionally marks the end of the home season with a family picture.
"It's always special to play at Mosaic Stadium and I'm glad we were able to get a win,'' he said. "I did get a little emotional because I'm so proud to wear the green and white.''
mmccormick @leaderpost.com
Edition: Final
Length: 399 words
Idnumber: 201110310046
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CFL News - West - Sunday October 30, 2011 |
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Written by CFL
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Monday, 31 October 2011 14:34 |
CFL News - West - Sunday October 30, 2011
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GAME DAY
Byline: WES GILBERTSON, Page: S4, Edition: Final
The Calgary Sun - Sun Oct 30 2011
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Lions reclaim first
Byline: GERRY MODDEJONGE EDMONTON SUN GERRY MODDEJONGE, Page: S2, Edition: Final
The Edmonton Sun - Sun Oct 30 2011
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Tate vs. Calvillo a fascinating matchup
Calgary Herald
Sun Oct 30 2011
Page: E5
Section: Sports
Byline: George Johnson
Column: George Johnson
Source: Calgary Herald
Hailing from Texas, the lone star state, as he does, Drew Tate should know a thing or two about gunslingers.
"Having the opportunity to lead teams the way he has, and done the job that he's done, and had the success and the notoriety . . . I think that's why you play the game,'' reasoned the Calgary Stampeders quarterback of choice again today. "When you look at guys like that, you're just like, 'Man, I hope that happens to me some day.' "
Well, a fella can dream, can't he?
Anthony Calvillo was spittin' out chaw, clearing his holster and pumping lead into black-hatted, black-heated varmints long before Drew Tate began shaving.
During his extremely brief Canadian Football League career, Tate has thrown for 1,405 yards. To put the chasm of experience into perspective, Calvillo has rang up 5,411 COMPLETIONS.
They're 12 years on a birth certificate, 415 touchdown tosses, three Most Outstanding Player citations and 71,544 yards apart.
Tate has one win as a starter to his name. Calvillo, three Grey Cups.
Tate is a guy trying to prove he belongs; to continue stringing Ws together to keep his job. Calvillo, an icon in hungry haste to pile more golden trappings onto an unparalleled legacy.
Which is why the quarterback matchup at Percival Molson Stadium this morning is so fascinating. The young dude with the itchy trigger-finger facing up to the legendary old hand who's been through so many of these high-noon-on-Main-Street shoot-'em-ups that he long ago lost count.
Who blinks first?
That kind of eye-catching storyline plays anywhere.
"Yeah, I guess so,'' shrugged Tate. "Whatever. We're just going to play ball. That's it.''
No, there's no direct competition, they won't physically find themselves on opposing sides of the line of scrimmage, as Drew Tate and Co. try to keep a homeplayoff date hope afloat while A.C. and the Als continue their pursuit of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for top spot in the East. But a quarterback comparison is always a hot-button topic on any CFL game-day.
No day more so than today.
For Tate, this represents an opportunity to further entrench himself in the starter's role; to further justify coach John Hufnagel's bold decision to hand Henry Burris a spectator's pass for the sidelines. A poor showing today by No. 4 and we've got ourselves another full-blown quarterback controversy brewing leading into Week 18.
That's something Tate, Hufnagel and the Stamps could dearly do without.
He is questionably their quarterback of today/tomorrow. And to become a star, you have to start beating stars.
Well, they don't come with much more twinkle than Anthony Calvillo.
There isn't a QB who tries his hand at the three-down game anymore who doesn't wind up studying the man. The poise. The release. That inbred sense of the theatric. He's an absolutely compulsory course on the CFL curriculum.
"He's very accurate, and he seems to know where to go with the ball on every snap,'' marvelled Tate. "He doesn't looked confused, or rattled - ever. He does a good job of getting the ball out quick. It doesn't look like you can confuse him very much; it doesn't seem like he's got a blitz coming in from the backside that he doesn't know of.
"Watching guys like that is pretty neat; it's kind of like watching Tom Brady. You just can't confuse the guy. He's just going to exploit you if you come after him, and then he's going to pick you apart if you don't.''
Therein lies the dilemma for the Stampeder defence, and in a peripheral but decisive way, Drew Tate, too, today.
From all accounts, the former Iowa Hawkeye standout possesses a similar daring and competitive spirit that has epitomized Anthony Calvillo's career here north of the border. Taking those characteristics and parlaying them into a great career is something A.C. has done to almost unmatched effect; something Drew Tates hopes to.
He certainly didn't have to think long or hard when asked what specific A.C. achievements he'd most love to emulate.
"The years in the league. And the rings. There you go. I'd go with that.''
Who wouldn't?
The young due with the itchy trigger finger versus the legendary old hand, close enough to noon (1 p.m. EST, 11 a.m. MST) to fit the bill.
Who blinks first?
Go on. Draw.
George Johnson is a Herald sports columnist. E-mail him at
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Illustration:
• / Drew Tate
• / Anthony Calvillo
Edition: Final
Story Type: Column
Length: 736 words
Idnumber: 201110300103
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Road-testing the best ; Red & White head into unfriendly territory, look to make statement against Alouettes
The Calgary Sun
Sun Oct 30 2011
Page: S3
Section: Sports
Byline: WES GILBERTSON
MONTREAL -- Forget the four-hour flight, the time-zone difference or the field conditions.
What makes it so difficult to beat the Montreal Alouettes at Percival Molson Stadium is ...
" The opposing football team," Calgary Stampeders head coach John Hufnagel said. "They're a good football team, and they play well at home."
On Sunday, the Stamps will walk into what's arguably the CFL's toughest road destination to face the two-time reigning Grey Cup champions.
To make matters worse for the Stamps (9-7), the Alouettes (10-6) are treating it as a must-win game, anxious to capitalize on an opportunity to move atop the East Division standings.
Talk about a tough assignment.
"If we lose this game, it's expected," Stamps running back Jon Cornish said. "If we win this game, it will come as a surprise to some.
"Others that know that we have the talent there in right places might not be surprised. I'm looking forward to having the opportunity to try to pull off an upset."
In what's been a season of many mind-boggling upsets, the hapless Saskatchewan Roughriders were the first team to knock off the Alouettes in Montreal this season.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are the only other squad that has escaped Percival Molson Stadium with a victory.
The Stamps are on a two-game losing skid in Mo ntreal, with their last triumph in La Belle Province coming during the 2008 Grey Cup game.
On the flip side, they've won three of their last four against the Alouettes at McMahon Stadium, proof that can be a tough place to play, too.
"They're a good team. And it's hard to beat good teams at home," Cornish said. "It's fun for us to play against them, because they're sort of like the standard of the league.
"They're a good team, and it's always fun to tee off against teams that are roughly your equals."
A lot has changed for the Stamps since their 38-31 home win over the Alouettes in late August.
Cornish is now their starting running back.
Drew Tate is now their starting quarterback.
A popular pre-season pick to represent the West Division in the Grey Cup, they're now being written off by some analysts as too inconsistent to do much damage in the playoffs.
Fine by them.
"If anything, I think it's a good thing," Tate insisted. "Because the target isn't as big on you as being a defending Grey Cup champion or being the best team in the league right now."
Of course, that target would instantly grow a little bit if the Stamps can notch a victory at Percival Molson Stadium and sweep their sea-sonseries with the Alouettes.
"Statements aren't made until the playoffs, but I think this game can definitely give us momentum," Stamps linebacker Juwan Simpson said. "We faced this team in the Grey Cup a few years ago, and we feel like there's a chance, to get where we want to go, this is a team that we might have to beat again.
"So I feel like it's very important to get this win."
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KEYS TO VICTORY
1. Steady diet of Corndog
Stamps running back Jon Cornish is averaging an incredible 7.9 yards per carry this season. The Als are anxious to limit him, but tackling the ball-carrier has been easier said than done.
2. Jam on Jamel
When Brandon Browner bolted for the NFL, the Stamps lost their most physical cover man. New cornerback Quincy Butler isn't as big, so he might have a tough time with Jamel Richardson, the CFL's leading receiver.
3. Wake up time, guys
The Stamps switched their travel schedule this season, opting to fly to Montreal the day before the game to avoid a late arrival two nights in advance. It's essentially a morning kickoff.
© 2011 Sun Media Corporation. All rights reserved.
Illustration:
• photo by Al Charest, Calgary Sun
• Nik Lewis, left, and the Stamps were able to grind out a 38-31 win over the Alouettes in August -- but that one was at home.
Edition: Final
Length: 625 words
Idnumber: 201110300077
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Taylor looking to tear it up at old stomping grounds
The Calgary Sun
Sun Oct 30 2011
Page: S4
Section: Sports
Byline: WES GILBERTSON
Hard feelings? Nah.
If Calgary Stampeders returner Larry Taylor holds any ill will towards the Montreal Alouettes, the smiling speedster wasn't letting on after arriving in La Belle Province.
"It feels like it was just yesterday when I left here, but no hard feelings or anything," Taylor said. "I feel good just to be back in this city again ... I haven't had too many bad games yet in that stadium or in Montreal. I always had a pretty fair share of good plays out there."
Sunday's matinee marks Taylor's first outing at Molson Percival Stadium since he was released by the Alouettes late last season.
The 5-foot-6 return ace enjoyed a couple of stellar campaigns in Montreal, winning the CFL's Most Outstanding Special Teams Player award in 2009 and earning an audition with NFL's New York Jets.
He's shown he hasn't lost a step in his first season in Calgary. Taylor currently sits second in the CFL with 1,602 combined return yards and he's anxious to pad those stats at his old stomping grounds.
"It definitely can get you going -- going against your former team or just being in a place where you had a lot of success," Taylor said.
© 2011 Sun Media Corporation. All rights reserved.
Edition: Final
Length: 199 words
Idnumber: 201110300069
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GAME DAY
The Calgary Sun
Sun Oct 30 2011
Page: S4
Section: Sports
Byline: WES GILBERTSON
CALGARY STAMPEDERS (9-7)
AT
MONTREAL ALOUETTES (10-6)
COMING IN
Quarterback Drew Tate registered a victory in his first professional start, leading the Stamps to a 25-13 win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders last week. That result snapped a two-game losing skid for the Stamps.
The Alouettes, meanwhile, are a bit ornery after gassing a 15-point lead last week in a 26-25 loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The Stamps won the first meeting of the season, notching a 38-31 victory in late August in what was arguably their most complete performance of this campaign, but they've lost two in a row at Montreal's Molson Percival Stadium. The all-time series is even at 31-31-1.
KEY STAT
8 -- That's the number of weeks that have passed since the Stamps won back-to-back games, by far the longest such spell of the John Hufnagel era.
KEY MATCHUP
Stamps CB Quincy Butler vs. Alouettes R Jamel Richardson -- It's a trial by fire. In his first CFL outing, Butler will be matched against the Alouettes star receiver in man-to-man coverage. If he can't contain Richardson, the Stamps are in trouble.
ROSTER MOVES
CB Quincy Butler will make his first appearance in Red & White, replacing Greg Fassitt (hamstring). DL DeVone Claybrooks returns to the lineup, replacing Torrey Davis, while LB Karl McCartney's oblique injury has healed. R Ken-Yon Rambo and LB Brandon Isaac remain sidelined.
© 2011 Sun Media Corporation. All rights reserved.
Edition: Final
Length: 230 words
Idnumber: 201110300002
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Like a broken record ; Even Als are tired of individual milestones
The Calgary Sun
Sun Oct 30 2011
Page: S4
Section: Sports
Byline: WES GILBERTSON, CALGARY SUN
MONTREAL -- For the first few months, everybody was talking about Anthony Calvillo's all-time passing records.
Now, it's all about Jamel Richardson and his quest for a league receiving record.
And with all the hoopla about the history books, it's easy forget the Montreal Alouettes' overall record -- 10-6, good for a share of top spot in the CFL's East Division -- is pretty impressive, too.
"I feel like the league is getting comfortable with Montreal winning," Richardson said. "I think they think it's an annual thing every year. I feel like our hard work is getting pushed away a little bit by all these records, but I feel like we've worked very hard to get to where we're at right now. I feel like that's getting overlooked."
Heading into Sunday's early clash with the Calgary Stampeders at Percival Molson Stadium (11 a.m., TSN, QR77), the Alouettes are tired of talking about individual accomplishments.
Calvillo has understandably been in the media spotlight as he shredded the history books, becoming the CFL's career leader in passing yards,
completions and touchdown tosses.
His favourite target, Richardson, has tied the league record for most 100-yard outings in one campaign, with 11, and still has two tries to set a new mark.
All-time stats always make fascinating storylines, but Montreal's offensive stars seem genuine in their
insistence that the only record that matters is the tally of wins and losses.
Thanks to Friday's flop against the Toronto Argonauts, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers now have a 10-7 record and the Alouettes are suddenly back in the driver's seat in the fight for first-place and a playoff bye.
For the past three seasons, they've had it wrapped up by now. With only a couple of key departures in the off-season, most figured Calvillo & Co. would cruise to fourth straight regular-season title in what some once dismissed as the Least Division.
So what's changed?
"The only thing I could say is this year, our conference is the toughest it's been
since I've been around. I think that's been the difference," Calvillo said. "It's been more difficult for us to win and clinch it -- as you can see because it has not happened yet -- but we're in position once again. And I'm excited about that because the way the league is this year, it's been a battle."
Elsewhere in the Alouettes locker-room, that's a
common sentiment.
You could argue the two-time defending champions aren't getting the respect they deserve, but nobody is complaining.
"We've been inconsistent all season. We've been up and down, but teams have been getting up to play us," said Alouettes defensive end Anwar Stewart. "Under the radar? I'm not really sure. But I know one thing -- I'm sure a lot of teams had the Alouettes circled on their calendars. If you look at it, every team has given us everything that they had. I feel like we've been able to withstand everything that they've given us and I think it's
really going to show these next couple of weeks that everything that we've been through has really helped us become the team that we are."
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On Twitter: @SUNGilbertson
© 2011 Sun Media Corporation. All rights reserved.
Illustration:
• photo of JAMEL RICHARDSON
• photo of ANTHONY CALVILLO
Edition: Final
Length: 530 words
Idnumber: 201110300018
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Chris Jones: defensive co-ordinator and master juggler; Coach is kept hopping as stampeders wrestle with youth and injuries, writes allen cameron
Calgary Herald
Sun Oct 30 2011
Page: E1 / Front
Section: Sports
Byline: Allen Cameron
Dateline: MONTREAL
Source: Calgary Herald
GAME DAY
Calgary at Montreal (9-7) (10-6) 11 a.m., Percival Molson Stadium
TV: TSN Radio: QR77
Chris Jones's title in the Calgary Stampeders' media guide reads as follows: Defensive Co-ordinator and Assistant Director, Player Personnel/ Football Operations.
There's a title missing, though: Master Juggler.
For on a team that has been accused of underachieving this Canadian Football League season, the reality is that the Stamps head into today's game against the Montreal Alouettes (who, for all of their accolades, have won just one more game this season than Calgary) as one of the CFL's youngest teams, particularly on defence.
And in addition to dealing with that inexperience, Jones has had to find solutions on a weekly basis to a spate of injuries that has forced him to cobble together 14 different starting lineups in 16 games.
But Jones would rather give up coaching than use those factors as an excuse.
"Absolutely not," he barked. "I mean, we get paid to get professional football players ready to play professional football games.
"We've had six games that were decided by four or fewer points, and we're 3-and-3 in those games. "Quite honestly, I put a lot of the onus on myself and the defensive staff to make sure that we make sure these guys are prepared to play at an extremely high level. (Injuries, youth) are not a factor.
"(Assistant GM, player personnel) John Murphy does an excellent job with our personnel and we've got the people here that we feel give us a chance to win games."
Maybe they haven't done enough of that to silence the naysayers, but through it all, the Stamps go into Percival Molson Stadium today ranked second in the league in defending the pass and tied for the league lead in average gain per rush (5.0 yards).
That's the short-term good news.
In the long term, the prospects are bright, too.
Going into last week's game against Saskatchewan, the Stamps' 46-man roster (yes, even with 30plus players like Henry Burris and DeVone Claybrooks listed) averaged just 3.54 years of CFL experience; only Winnipeg at 3.35 years was younger; B.C., by comparison, had the most experienced lineup at 4.74 years).
The inexperience is more pronounced on defence, where the Stamps have used 18 different players this season who are in either their first or second year in the CFL.
"I mean, we've had a lot of young guys who've really been noticed because they got the opportunity to play, and they performed," said Stamps coach and general manager John Hufnagel, noting that youth has been served on both sides of the line of scrimmage. "(Safety) Demetrice Morley. (Safety) Eric Fraser in his second year. (Receiver) Johnny Forzani. (Receiver) Anthony Parker. (Linebacker) Akwasi Antwi. (Defensive lineman) Junior Turner. I mean, they've been there game in and game out. No. 1, they're not used to playing this much football in a season, and No. 2, they've been warriors each and every week, so that's good stuff to see. W And there's room for growth in those players.
"I don't view it as being youthful. But we've, in my humble opinion, recruited or drafted good young players who were ready to make the jump."
They have, and the Stamps are built for the future as a result thanks to solid recent drafts that have produced instant contributors, and free-agent scouting in the U.S.
So while injuries have either ended seasons (Corey Mace, Malik Jackson, Greg Fassitt) or limited game time (Juwan Simpson), they've created opportunities for youngsters to step up, and that'll be the case today as defensive back Quincy Butler dresses for his first CFL game (at halfback, prompting a shuffle of positions: halfback Keon Raymond moves to strong-side linebacker, and Johnnie Dixon takes Fassitt's spot at cornerback).
"I would rather we make a switch due to injuries rather than performance," said veteran halfback Brandon Smith. "Injuries are going to happen; we can't do anything about them.
"I'm just glad we have a good enough group of guys where when one guy goes down, another guy is able to fill the hole."
And even with new bodies in the lineup on a weekly basis, the defence continues to perform and garner respect around the CFL.
"It's still very difficult to get a read on what they're trying to do," said Alouettes quarterback Anthony Calvillo. "I mean, they really challenge the quarterbacks, week in and week out. It's not just one coverage they play; they're going to play and abundance of different coverages, with different guys.
"I mean, just because you know 7 (Fraser) or 31 (Morley) is a safety, No. 12 (Juwan Simpson) or No. 46 (Robert McCune, both linebackers) could be back there (in the secondary). They're all over the place, and it's not just a challenge for me, but it's a challenge for the offensive linemen on who they have to block."
Edition: Final
Length: 804 words
Idnumber: 201110300087
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Flames, Stamps focus on community service; Calgary's professional sports teams are intent on giving back to their community, Rita Mingo writes
Calgary Herald
Sun Oct 30 2011
Page: E2
Section: Sports
Byline: Rita Mingo
Source: For the Calgary Herald
The commitment of professional athletes in today's society extends beyond their prowess on the field or on the ice or on the court. They are individuals imbued with an opportunity to do more for the city, even the country in which they live, to the betterment of their fellow man.
With a couple of professional teams that not only heed the call of community service but take it to the max, Calgary is indeed a lucky city.
The Calgary Flames have always been knee deep in charitable causes, taking the lead from their ownership group and extending that dedication into the dressing room. A number of players have their name pinned to various organizations, each year doing their part to add to the coffers.
"We have a significant profile in the community and we believe a great benefit can come from that,'' explained team president Ken King. "It's a critical part of what we do. There's a culture that came from the owners right from the beginning, as individuals, they're massive in their personal philanthropy and we are keepers of that.''
The team's charitable arm, the Flames Foundation for Life, touches thousands of people in the areas of education, medical research and amateur sports and recreation. To name just a few of the initiatives: the Rotary Flames House, the first free-standing pediatric hospice for terminally ill children; donating $300,000 to the Kinnear Centre for Creativity and Innovation; and the Harley Hotchkiss scholarships, awarded each year to the city's three post-secondary institutions in the name of the Flames' late owner.
"I think on a personal level, most athletes in our sport are genuinely good people, thoughtful, caring people,'' pointed out defenceman Cory Sarich, who in the spring was named the latest recipient of the Ralph T. Scurfield Humanitarian Award for, among other attributes, dedication to community service. "I think it's in most guys' best interest to want to give back. I don't think there's too many guys that you have to twist their arms to find initiative.
"For me, the biggest thing is kids. Having my own three small kids, I've used facilities like the children's hospital, been to different functions where you see children in need, children with different illnesses. It's a soft spot for me.''
Flames captain Jarome Iginla has been involved with KidSport Calgary and Canada for years, donating $2,000 for every regular-season goal he scores.
"I love KidSport,'' acknowledged Iginla, who has raised $550,000 for the organization. "I believe in sports for kids and having the opportunity. I think it's so much more than just having fun; it builds character, team work, perseverance, all those things that I was so fortunate to be a part of in sports.
"Being part of the Flames, the organization and the ownership are very passionate about Calgary and being involved and they've set an example. They encourage us to find things we feel good about as individuals.
"It's been a tradition - before I got here - and we're carrying it on.''
Not to be outdone by their cross-town counterparts, the Calgary Stampeders, too, make giving to worthwhile organizations a focal point of their existence, right alongside winning on the field.
"It goes without saying that it's a part of the fibre of the Canadian Football League,'' agreed Stamps president Lyle Bauer of the notion of giving back to those in need. "Name recognition is high whether it's sports or politics. But it's not an obligation, it's a privilege. Our players want to give back. They want to be great citizens of this city.
"Some of the things we do are very organized; others are one-offs, such as attending kids' football practices. Our players are really committed to thousands of hours annually.''
The Stamps are involved in countless charitable endeavours throughout the year, as players who remain in Calgary over the winter are habitually called upon to take part in offseason activities.
The recently held Pink-Power is an annual event which raises money for the Canadian Cancer Society; from 2008-10, more than $100,000 has been collected, with a record $48,000 in 2010.
Running back Joffrey Reynolds is the team representative for KidSport, receiver Nik Lewis heads the United Way initiative, while fullback Rob Cote is linked to Hospice Calgary, a few on a long list.
"We've had a long tradition of having strong roots in our community,'' noted defensive lineman Justin Phillips, who as the Alberta Children's Hospital team rep visits the wards the day before every home game. "Being part of the community in Calgary is important for the CFL as well as our organization. The players enjoy giving back because it wasn't too long ago that we were playing minor football.''
The Stamps are typically involved in between 150 and 200 community events each year and one of their most eager participants is defensive back Brandon Smith, who extols the benefits of the human touch.
"Putting smiles on people's faces,'' suggested Smith. "It's one thing for them to see you on TV and they don't get to know you personally. But when you go out and let them know you're down to earth and you can laugh and joke with them, that gives them a sense of a real person, not just the star they see on TV.''
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,Ted Rhodes, Calgary Herald
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Stamps' Joffrey Reynolds, with young Keara Woodworth, is the CFL team's representative for KidSport.
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,Ted Rhodes, Calgary Herald
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The Flames Foundation for Life, the club's charitable arm, touches thousands of people. Rotary Flames House is the first free-standing pediatric hospice for terminally ill children.
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Illustration:
• ,Ted Rhodes, Calgary Herald / Stamps' Joffrey Reynolds, with young Keara Woodworth, is the CFL team's representative for KidSport.
• ,Ted Rhodes, Calgary Herald / The Flames Foundation for Life, the club's charitable arm, touches thousands of people. Rotary Flames House is the first free-standing pediatric hospice for terminally ill children.
Edition: Final
Length: 883 words
Idnumber: 201110300088
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Flying under the radar just fine with playoff-bound Stampeders
Calgary Herald
Sun Oct 30 2011
Page: E4
Section: Sports
Byline: Allen Cameron
Dateline: MONTREAL
Source: Calgary Herald
In the span of 17 weeks, the Calgary Stampeders have gone from being popular pre-season picks to win a Grey Cup to being a lightly regarded team heading into the Canadian Football League post-season.
Which, if you ask some of the players on the eve of today's showdown with the two-time defending Grey Cup-champion Montreal Alouettes at Percival Molson Stadium, is not a terrible thing.
"I think it's good," said Stamps receiver Johnny Forzani on Saturday, in the lobby of the downtown Hotel InterContinental. "Most of the rankings have us around four or five and people aren't really talking about us. They're not really saying anything negative like they were, but nobody's saying ANYTHING. And I think that could be in our favour. Last year, everybody was talking about us; the same the year before that. Sometimes it's good not to have all the focus on you and you just slide in there."
A quick survey of various league rankings shows the Stampeders firmly in the middle of the pack of the CFL in the minds of most observers, and few seem to see much in the way of promise on the horizon this season, and the Stamps, to be fair, have done themselves no favours in brightening their prospects. They were a 6-2 team at one point this season; since then, they've gone 3-5.
So no wonder they're not exactly rocketing up the charts.
"That's a good thing," said slotback Nik Lewis. "Look at last year; we went 13-and-5, did what we were supposed to do all year, and then we didn't do what we're supposed to do at the end of the year (losing to Saskatchewan in the West final). So this puts the pressure on the other teams and lets us just go out and play football. People don't expect us to win? We're just going to win. We've beaten every team that's in the playoffs. We're confident we can beat any team in the playoffs. And I'm confident we're going to win (today)."
And leave it to Jon Cornish to put the Stamps' current situation (9-7 and needing help to host a playoff game next month) into perspective: "I mean, we've given away some games. But if we win two against the seventh-worst team in the league (Toronto), I mean, we have the best record in the CFL (at 11-5; Montreal and Winnipeg are setting the pace with 10 wins apiece). That's how close it is this year. It's the upset league, it's the upset year."
Which is why the Stamps have faith they can put it all together in the playoffs and post what some might consider an upset victory or two.
"It feels like coming into the playoffs, we'll be an under-rated team," said Cornish. "Everybody else is going to have everything to lose. And for once, we don't. For once, we just get to play and do what we do. If everybody expects you to win, there's pressure. If nobody expects you to win? Then you get to play football. It'll be nice, it'll be a pleasant change."
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Edition: Final
Length: 522 words
Idnumber: 201110300096
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Lions reclaim first
The Edmonton Sun
Sun Oct 30 2011
Page: S2
Section: Sports
Byline: GERRY MODDEJONGE EDMONTON SUN GERRY MODDEJONGE
VANCOUVER-- The Edmonton Eskimos picked up right where they left off.
After barely holding onto victory by allowing 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter in Toronto last week, they got off to their worst start of the season Saturday.
The B.C. Lions took a 14-0 lead on their first two possessions on the way to a 29-20 win and reclaim first place in the West Division in front of 20,749 at BC Place Stadium.
The loss ended Edmonton's three-game winning streak as they drew even with their hosts at 10-7, but surrender the season series 3-1.
Making his first start of the season, veteran Lions receiver Paris Jackson caught a 51-yard touchdown pass to go ahead 14-0 after two series, following a 35-yard touchdown reception by running back Jamal Robertson.
Edmonton used the entire last seven minutes of the quarter to mount a 15-play, 83-yard drive that ended with a 20-yard touchdown reception by Jason Barnes to trail by seven.
"It seemed like we just couldn't get ahead," said Eskimos quarterback Ricky Ray. "We had a couple drives where we had to settle for some field goals.
"I missed Fred (Stamps) on one drive there twice, it would have been nice to connect on that. We fought hard and just didn't get it done."
But they did find some success from some less-usual suspects.
In his first game wearing green and gold, running back Hugh Charles caught a 40-yard reception to set up a 16-yard touchdown reception by Tyler Scott -- his first since 2009 and second of his career -- to trail 22-20 with seven minutes remaining.
"I'm just here to do what they brought me in here to do and that's make big plays," said Charles, who will face his former squad when the Saskatchewan Roughriders close out the regular season in Edmonton next Friday.
The Lions would pull away again, leading 29-20 on a 14-yard touchdwon pass to Arland Bruce.
Left with 67 seconds on the clock, the Eskimos turned the ball over on downs to put any chance of wrapping up first-place early.
Three of the game's five touchdowns were scored in the first four drives before Eskimos punter Damon Duval conceded the first half's only other points on a safety.
In the third, a 36-yard reception by Fred Stamps that set up a 12-yard field goal after Jerome Messam was held for a loss on second down by Eric Taylor.
Fred Stamps had a sure Eskimos touchdown slide through his hands before teammate and childhood friend Chris Thompson was charged with defensive pass-interference to set the Lions up inside the 30.
That is, until unnecessary roughness was called against fullback Rolly Lumbala in a season series that hasn't lost any love on either side.
McCallum hit a 33-yard field goal to pull ahead 19-10 heading into the fourth.
STILL SHORT: Messam, who needed 36 rushing yards to reach 1,000 on the season, was held by his former team to 17 yards on 19 carries.
"It was a tough night," he said. "Their defence played well, they schemed well and they just played better than us (Saturday) night."
© 2011 Sun Media Corporation. All rights reserved.
Illustration:
• REUTERS
• B.C. Lions linebacker Solomon Elimimian, left, tackles Edmonton Eskimos running back Hugh Charles during the first half Saturday in Vancouver.
Edition: Final
Length: 515 words
Idnumber: 201110300049
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Fate is out of their hands ; Stars have to align for Esks to win the West
The Edmonton Sun
Sun Oct 30 2011
Page: S3
Section: Sports
Byline: TERRY JONES
Column: Lions roar at home
It was a chance to finish first for the 23rd time in their history and host the Western Conference Final for the first time since 2003.
But the Edmonton Eskimos didn't show up.
How does that happen?
CHASE
Down two touchdowns after the first two series, they put themselves in a position to have to chase the game for the rest of the night.
When they had a chance to catch it, Fred Stamps dropped the ball when he was wide open for a touchdown run.
And his best friend and New Orleans neighbour, veteran Chris Thompson, twice took killer penalties.
Jerome Messam was stopped in his tracks.
There were others, too.
Maybe it's because these Eskimos are a young team, with 23 of the 46 players and 12 of the 24 starters being new. But every time they've put themselves in position to accomplish something this season, they've failed to seize the moment.
That was definitely the deal last night as the Eskimos lost 29-20 to the B.C. Lions in the remodeled B.C. Place Stadium -- where they could have been one win away from returning or the 99th Grey Cup
"We came back and fought hard," said Ricky Ray on his cell phone from down in the dressing room.
"But on offence, we have to score touchdowns instead of kicking field goals."
This team hasn't learned to seize the moment, he admitted.
"It seems like we've been playing to get to first place and putting ourselves in the spot with a great opportunity ... and then not making the most of it."
How could they not show up?
Isn't that effectively what coach Kavis Reed told TSN at the half, when he said: "We made some mistakes mentally and physically."
They talked about it early in the week.
"I don't think they trailed in a game during that eight-game winning streak," Reed said of the Lions.
The Eskimos admitted they needed to head to B.C. with a killer instinct mentality, intent on establishing their will early.
"That would be huge for us," said Ray. "With their injuries and coming off a loss like that, we want to establish doubt in their minds early."
First place isn't gone -- but the Eskimos have lost control of their own destiny.
A Montreal Alouettes win today over the Calgary Stampeders would at least guarantee the Eskimos their first home playoff game since 2004.
But to get top spot, they'd then have to win at home Friday against Saskatchewan and have the Lions lose their last game to the Als in Vancouver on the final day of the schedule.
"Maybe more than anybody here, I know how valuable first place is in this league, being one game from the Grey Cup," said Ray.
"Now we no longer control our own destiny.
"Now we have to beat Saskatchewan -- and hope Montreal comes in and helps us out."
WAITS
One way or the other, Western semi-final or Western final, the organization waits to put the tickets on sale.
The Eskimos have about 20,000 season ticket holders who took the option for playoff tickets and are delighted the team clinched it this week.
"We're ready to go which ever way it would go," said CEO Rick LeLacheur.
"I think there's going to be a lot of interest and excitement in having a playoff game again."
The tickets for the Western Final should have been on sale today.
But they gave the game away.
terry.jones@sunmedia.c a @sunterryjones
© 2011 Sun Media Corporation. All rights reserved.
Illustration:
• REUTERS
• Eskimos quarterback Ricky Ray throws over B.C. Lions defensive end Keron Williams during the first half of last night's game at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver. The Lions beat the Esks 29-20.
Edition: Final
Length: 580 words
Idnumber: 201110300091
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Eskimos fail to clinch first; Lions keep Messam off scoresheet, quarterback Lulay and Co. get job done for red-hot B.C
Edmonton Journal
Sun Oct 30 2011
Page: D1 / Front
Section: Sports
Byline: Chris O'Leary
Dateline: EDMONTON
Source: Edmonton Journal
The Edmonton Eskimos will have to wait at least another day to learn their Canadian Football League playoff fate.
With their 29-20 loss to the B.C. Lions on Saturday night at BC Place, the Eskimos lost out on their chance to claim first overall in the CFL's West Division.
Now, they'll watch Sunday's game between the Calgary Stampeders and the Montreal Alouettes and hope that the Alouettes can win at home. A Calgary loss will allow the Eskimos to host their first playoff game since 2004. Wherever the game is played, their opponents will be the Stampeders.
Both the Lions and Eskimos are 10-7.
Eskimos tailback Jerome Messam was ineffective on the night, being bottled up by his former team. Entering the game just 36 yards short of the 1,000-yard mark this season, he was limited to 17 yards on nine carries.
The Lions scored on their first two offensive drives, with B.C. quarterback Travis Lulay finding running back Jamal Robertson for a 35-yard dash into the end zone. Eskimos head coach Kavis Reed challenged the touchdown, arguing that Robertson was knocked out of bounds at the one-yard line. The challenge was overruled, though, and Paul McCallum's convert 2: 25 into play made it 7-0 B.C.
The Lions doubled their lead on their second drive. Lulay hit slotback Paris Jackson for a 51-yard pass that the veteran trotted in for an easy score, his first of the year. McCallum's steady boot made it a 14-0 game midway through the first quarter.
Trailing 14-0, the Eskimos came to life on their next drive. Ricky Ray put together a 15-play, 83-yard march that would have a touchdown scored at the end as the exclamation point. Ray found Jason Barnes for a 20-yard touchdown pass that saw the Edmonton slotback spin off of a Tad Kornegay tackle before throwing himself into the end zone. Damon Duval's convert cut the Lions' lead in half just as the second quarter began.
The Eskimos defence tightened up in the second quarter, with a Rod Williams interception highlighting their effort through the first 30 minutes of play. While Williams ran the ball to the Lions' 43-yard line, the offence wasn't able to cash in on the opportunity. Duval missed a 51-yard field goal attempt, leaving the Eskimos trailing 16-7 at the half, thanks to a safety conceded earlier in the second frame.
The Lions defence made itself heard in the first half as well, sacking Ray three times. B.C. nose tackle Khalif Mitchell had two of them, with cornerback Jerome Dennis adding one as well.
The Eskimos started the third quarter with a nice offensive drive, but could get no closer than the threeyard line. A 12-yard Duval field goal got the Eskimos within striking distance, at 16-10, 4: 27 into the quarter. Duval also sparked a kickers duel of sorts. He and McCallum controlled the scoreboard through the second half, trading field goals to bump the score to 22-13.
The kickers delight wrapped up midway through the fourth, when Ray started connecting with his targets. He used Barnes for a 15-yard reception to get to the midfield mark, then hit running back Hugh Charles for a 40-yard gain to get to the 16-yard line. He wrapped up the drive finding wide receiver Tyler Scott in the corner for the major. Duval's convert made it 22-20.
The Lions' answer to the Eskimos' score was swift. Lulay strung together a five-play, 80-yard drive and found Bruce for a 14-yard touchdown pass. McCallum's extra point restored the nine-point spread for good for the Lions, putting them up 29-20 at 10: 43.
The Eskimos host the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Friday to wrap up the regular season.
SHORT YARDAGE: Ray surpassed the 40,000-yard passing mark in the second quarter of the game on a pass to Barnes - Centre Gord Hinse left the game in the first quarter, getting bloodied under his left eye. He returned for the offence's next trip out and threw three tremendous hits after his helmet popped off on the snap -Edmonton right guard Greg Wojt left the game in the third quarter, favouring his right ankle. He did not return - The attendance for Saturday's game was 29,749.
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Les Bazso, Vancouver Sun, Postmedia News
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B.C. Lions running back Jamal Robertson gets past Edmonton Eskimos safety Donovan Alexander to score a touchdown during CFL action at BC Place in Vancouver on Saturday night.
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Illustration:
• Les Bazso, Vancouver Sun, Postmedia News / B.C. Lions running back Jamal Robertson gets past Edmonton Eskimos safety Donovan Alexander to score a touchdown during CFL action at BC Place in Vancouver on Saturday night.
Edition: Final
Length: 701 words
Idnumber: 201110300070
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Game 77 - HAM @ TOR
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