By: Justin Boone
Rivalry Week
It’s Rivalry Week in TigerTown.
The Labour Day Classic is ready to kickoff this Monday, and the latest chapter in the Ticats and Argos storied history has an added incentive, as the winner will take hold of second place in the East Division.
With the exception of 1995, the Tiger-Cats have played on their home field every Labour Day Monday since their inception and of those 58 Labour Day Classics, 39 have been played against the Argos, with the Ticats sporting a record of 27-11-1.
This year September 1 arrives with a reality check. Wins and losses don’t matter if the club can fight and claw its way into the playoffs. With five games in September, it becomes the time for the Ticats to make their move. So Toronto, Edmonton, Winnipeg and two games against B.C. will dictate whether there will be football for Ticats fans past November 1.
It will likely take six wins in the next ten games, to break into the postseason. That would give Hamilton a record of 8-10. In the last ten years, 8-10 teams have snuck into the playoffs on a couple occasions and now wear rings because of it (See: 2001 Calgary Stampeders, 2000 B.C. Lions).
It’s not unheard of, for teams to enjoyed success after the regular season, despite sporting sub-500 records. In the last 30 years, in addition to 2000 and 2001, the 1981 Ottawa and 1997 Saskatchewan teams both made it to the Grey Cup despite 5-11 and 8-10 records, respectively. More notably, the Tiger-Cats went 6-9-1 in 1984, but still made it to the big dance.
Here’s to hoping that Ticats faithful are dancing in Montreal in late November.
The Ins and Outs
(Storylines from around the CFL)
Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing – Is anyone else surprised by the Edmonton Eskimos this year? The Esks currently sit at 5-3, one game up on the perennial powerhouse B.C. Lions, who occupy the basement in the West. Mind you only two games separate the first place Prairies from the last place pacific coast. Edmonton, who barely escaped Ivor Wynne Stadium with a win in there first meeting, will have to contend with the Tabbies again in two weeks.
Out Of The Box – It was briefly mentioned in a mailbag a few weeks back, but the CFL has now officially announced its Retro Week Initiative, which will start this year when the Argos and Bombers face off Septe
mber 12. The rest of the league will join the old school action over the next five years. Reebok, who just signed a new agreement with the league, will provide the throwback uniforms.
Kick In The Teeth – After a brief stint with the New York Jets, former Ticats kicker Mark Myers signed with Bombers this week. Head coach Doug Berry hasn’t been shy about his feelings regarding current kicker Alexis Serna, who started the season well but has played very poorly in recent weeks. However, Winnipeg has more issues that need to be addressed than just their special teams game.
Out And About – The Ticats promotional staff has been busy, spending their days and nights in the community pushing Stickin’ With The Cats. Kudos to the marketing department for that clever title. While it’s great to get your window sticker and show your support, signing up means a chance to win a trip to the 2008 Grey Cup in Montreal.
Easier Said Than Done
(Quote of the Week)
“I thought we were in this thing together. This isn’t any spot that we haven’t been in as far as record-wise, but again whatever their reasons are… I know I had the respect of the players in the locker room. When you get voted a captain by your peers, not by your coaches, that speaks volumes. I know I can still play; it’s not a matter of that.”
A very candid Orlondo Steinhauer following his release from the Argos this week. The veteran defensive back was taken back to say the least and will surely be looking to sign on with another club ASAP to show the Boatmen what a mistake they made.
Follow The Leader
(Leaders from CFL and the Ticats)
CFL Rushing – SSK Wes Cates – 124 carries, 729 yards, 7 TDs
Ticats Rushing – HAM Jesse Lumsden – 63 carries, 443 yards, 5 TDs
CFL Passing – MTL Anthony Calvillo – 208/307, 2,648 yards, 20 TDs
Ticats Passing – HAM Casey Printers – 77/121, 987 yards
CFL Receiving – Ken-Yon Rambo – 47 receptions, 722 yards, 3 TDs
Ticats Receiving – HAM Scott Mitchell – 19 receptions, 380 yards
CFL Tackling – SSK Anton McKenzie – 43 Tackles
Ticats Tackling – HAM Markeith Knowlton – 41 Tackles
CFL Interceptions – B.C. Barron Myles, SSK Lance Frazier – 4 INTs
Ticats Interceptions – HAM Chris Thompson – 3 INTs
CFL Sacks – B.C. Lions Cameron Wake – 9 Sacks
Ticats Sacks – HAM Darrell Adams – 4 Sacks
Let me know your thoughts on the week by sending your e-mails, comments, or questions to jboone@ticats.ca
