2011 Canadian Football League

[Mowich]

Oh sh!t - forgot the Argos vs Als was on.

It's in the 4th with 8:22 to go ...

Managed to watch the last few minutes of the game as Als won 40-17. Hope you saw Chip Cox's 108 yard fumble return for a TD. That's a new league record.

CFL games are generally more fun than NFL because the field is wider and there is more open field running.

Glad to see that Anthony got his record early in the game so he could concentrate on simply winning which of course he did. Ended the game with a CFL high 396 TD passes - way to go Anthony. The other star of the game for me was Brandon Whittaker who accounted for over half of Montreal's offense in the game - 30 touches, 280 yards and 1 TD - Rock on Brandon.

The Argo's defense spent way too much time on the field last night and though they did a good job for the most part, they could have used a lot more help from the offense.

The Kit Cox grab on the goal line was outstanding, not a white jersey in sight as he ran for the 108 yard TD.

Sask is in Hamilton this afternoon. Have to miss most or all of the game, so am wishing them well.

 

[YukonJack]

My daughter married into a Blue Bomber loving, season ticket holding, never-miss-a-game type family.

I love them as anyone can love in-laws. And to show my love, I refer to the Blue Bombers as The Enbalmers.

After last season, even they agreed with me.

This year, just to be good sport, I cheer right along with them, but still too cheap to buy season tickets.

 

[Mowich]

My daughter married into a Blue Bomber loving, season ticket holding, never-miss-a-game type family.

I love them as anyone can love in-laws. And to show my love, I refer to the Blue Bombers as The Enbalmers.

After last season, even they agreed with me.

This year, just to be good sport, I cheer right along with them, but still too cheap to buy season tickets.

The Bombers are a much better team this year than last, YJ, especially their defense. Just hope they can keep Buck healthy or they will be searching for another QB.

 

[Mowich]

Absolutely pathetic game by Sask. Can't remember the last time we did so badly against a team with similar stats. Hamilton pasted us 33 - 3. The game was so bad that late in the 4th when Sask was threatening at the Hamilton goal line, given six attempts (interference against Ham call) Sask couldn't get a TD. The one time Cates actually make it into the end zone, the ball was called back by an illegal procedure call against Sask. It was that bad. I don't know what has happened to my team. They lack everything but talent and it is a real shame to see so many good players not making plays. Darian threw four interceptions in the game and Dinwiddie came in to finish the game. I am choked!

Watching the Eskimos play the Lions right now and the difference between the Edmonton team and my team is night day. Rickie Ray is in full control of his team on the field and the game. Eskimos opened the game at their 31 and have control of the ball ever since and we are half way through the first quarter already. This is a team determined to win. Esks finally had to settle for a field goal.

Hamilton played a good solid game and their defense was all over the Sask offense, all the time, every step of the way. Stevie Baggs (yes the guy who used to play for Sask last year and could have been back with the team again this year but some dumb nuts in head office decided otherwise - Baggs who led in sacks.) - anyway where was I, had a great afternoon as did Marcus Thigpen. Kevin Glenn didn't throw a single interception and was good on over 60% of his passes and had two TD passes.

BC has ball now and just got their first penalty of the game. Oops, that was a short drive for the Lions - they just kicked the ball back to the Esks. Lions 2 and out again - no flies on Esk defense.

Darn it, I wish these commentators would stick to reporting the game plays and shut the heck up with all the chitter chatter! The Lions defense just came up really big and held the Esks to 2 and 0.

3 - 0 Eskimos with just over 3 minutes left in first quarter.

1:27 - Rickie Ray to Freddie at the 30 and with a bit of shuckin' and jivin' Stamps dances into the end zone for an Eskimo TD to end the first quarter. Beauty play - right on the money pass and perfect concentration by Fred. Esks just got a single point off the kick when the ball sailed right through the end zone.

Eskimos 11 - BC 0 - end of first.

 

[wulfie68]

Calvillo is awesome. I remember back when he was with the Las Vegas Posse (and yes I saw the "O Christmas Tree" version of the national anthem and didn't know whether to laugh or be insulted too) and never would have believed he would be where he is at this stage of his career.

I saw the end of the Hamilton game and I can't believe how lethargic the 'Riders look...even the D. Thigpen looked pretty nasty, running over tacklers. I wonder if Saskatchewan has what it takes this year: Durrant doesn't seem to remember what color jersey his guys are in half the time.

Watching the Eskies-Lions and loving it. I hope Messam can run over the Lions D tonight like he did against Hamilton but just want a win. Ricky Ray looks like he did back in the Championship days. I love the effort of everybody on the field: Wally Buono can call them nobodies all he wants, but at least they are making plays.

 

[talloola]

Watching the Eskies-Lions and loving it. I hope Messam can run over the Lions D tonight like he did against Hamilton but just want a win. Ricky Ray looks like he did back in the Championship days. I love the effort of everybody on the field: Wally Buono can call them nobodies all he wants, but at least they are making plays.

I listen to wally buono all the time on team 1040, being interviewed and chatting with the announcers,
and I have never heard him say such a thing, and I don't believe he did.

when did you hear him call 'anybody' a nobody. He is a classy guy, always says good things about all sorts
of players all over the CFL, and it is way out of character for him, don't think he said any such thing.

took lions forever to get their first first down in this game. nothing is going quite right for them,
and their defense has had to be on the field far too much.

they tried a little running in this game. lulay and geroy connected for a nice toughdown. edmonton
just looks so organized and confident, and rickey ray is playing great.

33-10 right now for edmonton, with 6 minutes to go, don't think this will be lions first win, maybe
next time.

 

[Mowich]

Rickie Ray completed 73% of his passes for 320 yards and 2 TD passes. He is closing on 1000 yards already and has 6 TDs so far. Not even Anthony has such a fabulous completion record. He went to 8 different receivers in the game.

Final score in game was 33 -17 for the Eskimos - I think it is safe to say they have finished the re-building process. They had possession of the ball for over half of the opening quarter - great way to control the game. The Eskimos are the good news story in the league this season so far. No flies on their offense or defense. Whatever Kavis is doing, he is doing it very well.

Travis had a tough night and needed a bit more protection at times but the kid never gave up and put 6 on the board for the Lions with only a minute and sixteen seconds left in the game. I keep wondering what is happening with Paris Jackson? Where is he and why isn't he getting the ball?

 

[Mowich]

The Ti-Cats managed to put 7 points on the board late in the 4th quarter to beat the Lions 39 to 31 last night. Chris Williams a Canadian kid out of Bishop's University was the good news guy for the Ti-Cats last night. Chris caught 8 passes for 189 receiving yards and 1 TD on the night. His first catch of the game - 71 yards - saw him break 5 BC tackles and set up the first TD for the Ti-Cats which Avon Cobourne ran in from the 2 yard line. Williams was brilliant last night and a real pick for the Ti-Cats especially with the injury to Maurice Mann who he is replacing.

Hamilton's second TD came after Williams grabbed a ball tipped off the fingers of a BC defender which set up a TD by Dave Stala - a nice flying pick in the end zone. Hamilton led by 14 half way through the first quarter.

The Lions rallied late in the 1rst to put 7 on the board on a TD by Kamal Peterson.

Williams again helped Hamilton out after a grab from Glenn and then a jaunt into the end zone to put the Cats ahead by 14 points at 10:22 into the 2nd quarter.

Thanks to a total of 58 yards in penalties against the Ti-Cats in just one BC drive, the Lions put another 7 on the board to trail by 7 at 6:17 in the 2nd.

Cody Banks recovered a fumble by Kevin Glenn at 4:54 late in the 2nd and ran it in for a BC TD to tie the game 21 - 21 but a 55 yard field goal by Justin Medlock gave the Cats a three point lead to end the first half 24 to 21.

The only score in the 3rd came from another Dave Stala TD at 4:42 as the Ti-Cats defense held BC scoreless for the entire quarter and trailing by 10 points.

Jamal Robertson put 6 on the board for the Lions near the midway mark of the 3rd and McCallum made it 7 points for the team to close the score to 31 - 28. Then at 2:29, McCallum connected on 36 yarder to once again tie the score, 31 - 31.

A 36 yard pick by Arland Bruce, set up a field goal try by Medlock who was 9 for 9 on the season but missed and had to settle for a single point. 32 to 31 for the Cats

With 47 seconds left on the clock, BC turned the ball over to the Cats and Glenn passed off to Avon Cobourne who scrambled past all the BC defenders and ran the ball into the end zone for yet another 7 points and the win.

The Bombers play the Argos today but many CFL fans will be watching for the Battle of Alberta as the Eskimos take on the Stamps - the second game in the double-header today.

 

[wulfie68]

Well, we knew that Hamilton should have been playing better football than they were playing before they took on the 'Riders, so its not really surprising to see them starting to turn things around. What I wonder about is when will the Lions and 'Riders do it too, or can they? Momentum and morale are funny things and can have big affects on team chemistry.

I'm nervous about the Eskies and Stamps later: I love the way my boys have been playing but this is a big deal. In Alberta sports (football or hockey) much of the time, how well you do matters but it the true guage is if you can beat Calgary or the inverse if you're from down south. Both cities love their teams, and hate the one from that city 3 hrs away on Hwy 2. I just hope the boys can keep it rolling: its been quite a turnaround so far and it doesn't hurt to bleed Green & Gold so much as it has the past couple seasons.

 

[Mowich]

Well, we knew that Hamilton should have been playing better football than they were playing before they took on the 'Riders, so its not really surprising to see them starting to turn things around. What I wonder about is when will the Lions and 'Riders do it too, or can they? Momentum and morale are funny things and can have big affects on team chemistry.

I'm nervous about the Eskies and Stamps later: I love the way my boys have been playing but this is a big deal. In Alberta sports (football or hockey) much of the time, how well you do matters but it the true guage is if you can beat Calgary or the inverse if you're from down south. Both cities love their teams, and hate the one from that city 3 hrs away on Hwy 2. I just hope the boys can keep it rolling: its been quite a turnaround so far and it doesn't hurt to bleed Green & Gold so much as it has the past couple seasons.

Thank heavens for replays on TSN as I had to miss the first half of the Edmonton vs Calgary game and I wouldn't have seen the outstanding catches by Freddie - that guy is such a boon to the Eskimos.

Tuned in at half time and was really quite surprised to see how far the Esks had run up the score against the Stamps. Surprised because I thought the Stamps would give them a better game, but not because the Esks were able to do so.

Drops, missed passes, missed tackles and penalties (something over 115 yards against Calgary) were reasons for the Stamps poor showing throughout the game. Hank looked absolutely beside himself as receiver after receiver dropped balls or missed passes though some of his throws were less than stellar or on the mark. But penalties played a big part in the scoring as did field position which time and again favored the Eskimos.

Wasn't until late in the 3rd that the Stamps finally rallied and were able to move the ball down the field. Their best drive of the game paid off at the 1:21 mark in the 3rd with a TD by Rhomby Bryant but the subsequent attempt at a 2-pt convert went for naught even after a penalty against the Esks put the Stamps on the 1 yard line.

The Stamps continued their comeback in the 4th when John Cornish nabbed another 6 points for Calgary - this time they settled for the convert and were trailing by 3 points after the TD.

Stamp's kicker Paredes had a chance to tie the score at 5:52 in the 4th but missed and the Stamps had to settle for a single - it was Paredes second miss at a F.G. on the day.

Rickie Ray threw his first interception of the year and almost had another pick in the 4th. His passing record was not as good as it has been in previous games and he was nailed again and again by the Stamps defenders - almost to the point where I was worried about him being injured seriously. Yet he managed to shake off the hits and like the champ he is got his team the win they deserved.

Good game by the Eskimos to maintain their 4 and 0 record. I continue to be impressed with the coaching skills of Kavis Reed and Marcus Crandall - the Eskimos are lucky to have them.

Also missed the Bombers playing the Argos but was glad to see that they got another win though I am wondering about the controversy over the late and arguably nasty hit on Buck Pierce - not sure a game ejection was called for after I saw several replays of the hit - can understand why Jim Barker is upset.

Sask plays Montreal later today but I am not holding out any hope for a turn around in the Rider's fortunes especially against the Alouettes - just hoping that the Riders can give Montreal a decent game.

 

[Mowich]

One thing I have come to expect is that anything can and does happen when Montreal and Saskatchewan play each other and this was proved true again on Sunday night in Molson's Percival stadium.

From the outset, Anthony did not look sharp, failing to connect on several passes early in the game and on the opening drive the Riders held Montreal to a field goal instead of the major giving the Als a 3 to 0 lead.

A great return by Hugh Charles set the Riders up with good field position which eventually resulted in a 40-yard field goal by Eddie Johnson at 7:38 in the 1rst to tie the game: 3 to 3.

Neither Montreal nor Sask were able to go the distance for a major and the quarter ended with a missed F.G. by Johnson that went for a single point. The Riders closed the quarter leading 4 to 3. It was the best opening quarter for the Riders in their first four games.

Montreal's defense held the Riders to another F.G. from the 45 by Johnson at 13:05 in the 2nd. Score: 7 - 0

Anthony rallied in the 2nd to lead the team down the field and score a major at 8:45 and the convert tied the score 7 to 7.

On the opening play of the next Sask drive, Darian threw a beaut to - who else - Weston Dressler who scrambled into the end zone for the Rider's first TD of the day and gave the Rider's a lead of 14 to 7 with 7:21 left in the half.

During the next play for the Als, Sask's Romero got a solid hit on Anthony which resulted in his leaving the game with a reported eye injury though Romero did not contact his face - Adrienne McPherson came in as QB for the Als.

Darian was forced from the game for a sit on the bench after taking a hit on the next Rider drive. Ryan Dinwiddie came into the game and took the team down-field but had to settle for another Johnson F.G. with 5:02 on the clock in the 2nd. Score: 17 - 10

Sask defense was able to limit McPherson and forced a two and out with 2:22 left in the half but were unable to move the ball on their next drive.

McPherson showed his running ability on the next Montreal drive when he scrambled around four Sask players to get a much needed 1rst down for the team. Unfortunately for Montreal the clock ran out and the half ended with Sask leading by 7 points for the first time this year.

Saskatchewan's opening drive of the half saw a good run by Wes Cates followed by a couple of catches by Ryan Getzlaf and Terrence Nunn. The Riders marched down the field to the red zone of Montreal. A face-mask penalty by Montreal in the end zone put the Riders on the 5-yd line and they were able to put Cates over the top for the TD after Nunn was stopped at the 2. The covert by Johnson gave the Rider's a 14 point lead at 8:48 in the quarter.

Montreal was again forced to a 2 and out and Sask had the ball back with 6:26 on the clock in the 3rd but were unable to move the ball on their next series.

Montreal had a chance to put points on the board with a beauty pass to London that might have gone for a major save for the quick work of Sask's Tristan Jackson who knocked the ball away.

Trestman made the decision, trailing by 14 with 3:28 on the clock, to go for it on 3 and 2. The Rider's were having none of that and forced a turn over on downs to give them the ball back with 2:37 left in the quarter. Darian's running ability came to the fore and he managed to get the 1rst down on his own to set up a field goal try by Johnson. A time-count violation against Johnson pushed the Rider's back another 5 yards but on the subsequent kick, an Alouette defense-man was flagged for a hit on Johnson. That wasn't the only flag on the play as Montreal also took an unnecessary roughness call to gift the Riders with another 25 yards. However, Montreal's defense limited the damage and any further chance for the Rider's to score in the 3rd which ended with Sask still up by 14.

Montreal's opening drive of the 4th stalled under the solid defensivee play of the Rider's who got the ball back at 13:25. Cates scrambled for 43 yards on Sask's opening play of the quarter to put the Rider's at the Montreal 53. After a 9-yard gain by Effrem Hill, Sask took an off-side penalty to put them at 2 and 14. Darian then took two time-count violations which left commentators and fans alike scratching their heads until it was announced that the mike in his helmet quit working and he wasn't getting calls from the bench - still he should have had his eyes on the clock.

The Rider defense was unable to contain McPherson on Montreal's next play as he ran for a 1rst down leaving missed tackles in his wake but came back on the second play to force a loss of yards on Montreal. With 6:56 on the time-clock, the Riders took a face-mask penalty and helped Montreal move 15 yards up-field. Brian Bratton got them to the 17 on the next play and Brandon Whittaker took them to the 10 on his next run with the ball. Bratton put 6 on the board for the Als with an easy wide open pick in the end zone - not a single defender in sight. Whyte put the convert through and the Als had tightened the score to 24 - 17 with 4:56 left in the game.

The Riders got the ball back on their 35 after a nice return by Weston Dressler. Darian connected for a 35 yard gain with Terrence Nunn for a huge first down but replay showed the ball hit the turf and the play was called back with 4:07 left on the clock.

Darian called his own number and ran for a nice gain of 16 yards on the Rider's next play of the game but an unnecessary roughness call went against Sask and wiped out all but one yard of the gain but still leaving the Riders with a 1rst down.

Darian again ran with the ball on the next play which gave the Riders another 1rst down with 2:14 on the clock. Wes Cates only got a couple of yards on the next play but the Riders were the recipients of another 15 gain thanks to an unnecessary roughness call on Montreal. The Riders advanced to the Montreal 36 but the drive stalled and Eddie Johnson was called in for another F.G. attempt which was good for 3 more points on the scoreboard giving the team a 10 point advantage with 1:21 left.

McPherson moved the Als down-field to the Rider's 10 yard line but the major was taken away when James Patrick - finally back with team after being on the injured list - intercepted a pass to Richardson and ran the ball out to the 30. Mark Trestman challenged the call but lost when replay showed that the ball was indeed intercepted by Patrick when it bounced off the back of Richardson and right into his waiting hands.

The Riders got the ball back with 46 seconds left in the game. Darian decided to hand the ball off to Hugh Charles who somehow managed to fumble it and Montreal recovered and got the ball to the Sask 10 yard line and with 26 seconds left, McPherson ran the ball into the end zone for a TD cutting Sask's lead to 3 points.

Montreal's Whyte tried for the short kick-off but Effrem Hill came up with the ball for Sask who wisely decided to simply run the clock out.

Final score: 27 to 24 for Saskatchewan.

Whether it was the chiding of Luc Mullinder in the locker room, a decision by Dave Berry to let Darian move out of the pocket and call his own plays or slight changes on defense that made the difference; the Riders looked much better prepared than they had previously. Darian seemed to have his self-confidence back and the team responded by playing a tighter game and giving Durant better protection and ability to either scramble or throw the ball to his receivers. He ran for a total of 71 yards in the game on 7 carries and threw for one TD. The Rider's defense also got points for their ability to first limit Anthony's ability to move the ball and then do the same with McPherson.

Sask has its first win of the season and fans can only hope that by beating the premier team in the CFL, the confidence to improve their record will carry on to their meeting with Calgary next weekend.

 

[petros]

Riders never earned that win. They got lucky that Calvillo was hurt.

 

[Mowich]

Riders never earned that win. They got lucky that Calvillo was hurt.

Fact is, and I am backed up by several TSN commentators, that Anthony was not on his game yesterday. He missed on several easy passes and not able to effectively move the ball. McPherson was able to move the ball against Sask but the latter's defense made the difference, along with a renewed energy from Darian. Say what you will, petros, it was a much needed win for the team and the fans and I will take it .

 

[petros]

They needed it but didn't earn it.

 

[Mowich]

They needed it but didn't earn it.

I am assuming here that you actually watched the game and base your opinion on what you saw?

 

[petros]

Yup. Normal I'd listen to Carm on the radio but we had company so I watched.

 

[Mowich]

Yup. Normal I'd listen to Carm on the radio but we had company so I watched.

Well then, petros, thanks for your comments but I disagree and will leave it at that.

 

[Mowich]

As the Bombers get set to play the BC Lions tonight, they will do so with very heavy hearts. Their defensive coordinator Richard Harris died suddenly in his office this week. Fans, players and coaches around the CFL are mourning the death of a man who was loved and respected throughout the league. Heartfelt tributes have been pouring all week and I would like to add mine.

Goodbye Richard and thank you for being a model coach, a fine man and a great person. My sympathies and prayers are with his family and friends.

Good luck Bombers - it may be hard but you can win this one for Richard.

 

[talloola]

Pretty good football game tonight, either team could have won it for the deceased coach, as he was
with the lions for 4 years, and there was lots of sadness in the lion camp after this news, and it
was talked about on team 1040, and the respect for this man was obvious.

I thought Lions played a decent game, the play that made the difference for me was the dropped ball on
the return for the lions, led to a touchdown for bombers.
And those sacks on Lulay were hard to watch, I was so happy when lions returned the favour on pierce
a couple of times, and of course, like always, he didn't get through a complete game, I'm sure glad
lions don't have him any more.

Eve though lions can't find a win, now 0 an 5, they still don't look like an awful team, outside of the
edmonton game, they have been in all the games.

They'll just have to keep fighting for their first win, the mistakes are getting fewer and fewer, the
young guys are getting valuable experience, and with buono at the helm, his strength and character as
a great coach, will keep them from sagging, and they will march ahead and look toward the next game
and their first win.

GO LIONS GO

 

[Mowich]

Pretty good football game tonight, either team could have won it for the deceased coach, as he was
with the lions for 4 years, and there was lots of sadness in the lion camp after this news, and it
was talked about on team 1040, and the respect for this man was obvious.

I was very moved by the story that Wally told about his belief that Richard saved his life when he prevented members of the team from dousing him with cold water after their win. As Wally stated, no one but he and his wife knew about the heart problem so Richards' intervention was truly prescient.

I thought Lions played a decent game, the play that made the difference for me was the dropped ball on the return for the lions, led to a touchdown for bombers.

I thought the game could go either way last night, talloola - never counted the Lions out. But I have to give credit to the Bomber defense - they came up big for the team and Doug Brown made good on his promise to win this won for Richard Harris.

And those sacks on Lulay were hard to watch, I was so happy when lions returned the favour on pierce a couple of times, and of course, like always, he didn't get through a complete game, I'm sure glad lions don't have him any more.

There were so many sacks in last night's game that I lost track of the count on either side - Purolater came out good last night. As you know, I have questioned the fact that Buck Pierce is still playing, time and again. However, that pass to Denmark for the 82 yard TD on the opening play of the second half was a thing of beauty.

Eve though lions can't find a win, now 0 an 5, they still don't look like an awful team, outside of the edmonton game, they have been in all the games.

They'll just have to keep fighting for their first win, the mistakes are getting fewer and fewer, the young guys are getting valuable experience, and with buono at the helm, his strength and character as a great coach, will keep them from sagging, and they will march ahead and look toward the next game and their first win.

GO LIONS GO

I can never count the Lions out of any game - the potential is always there. It just wasn't their night - too much emotion and momentum on the Bomber's side.

Montreal plays Hamilton tonight in Ivor Wynn - kick off time is 3:30 PST. Following that game, the Argos take on the Edmonton Eskimos.

Just realized that I was remiss in not adding that the missed interference call on Geroy Simon could have made all the difference to the score and the win. With only 2:04 left in the game, #46 of the Bombers should have been called for the interference penalty - it was right in front of the officials for pete's sake! The penalty would either have been half the distance to the goal line or 15 yards, either of which would have put the Lions within scoring territory. The missed call meant a turn-over on downs for the Lions giving the Bombers the ball and the ability to use up the clock.