Argonauts.ca
By: Justin Boone
Down To A Science
Last week, the switch was flipped on the largest machine ever built, a nine billion dollar science experiment, that stretches 27-kilometres underneath the French-Swiss border. That’s almost 200 CFL football fields in length.
Some physicists believe it will unlock the mysteries of how the universe was created, while others believe it could create a black hole right here on earth. Just when you thought trading Zeke Moreno was the end of the world, these scientists might actually deliver the real thing.
Taking over 10 years to create, and more than two months to power up, scientists turned their informative toy on and held their breath for a potential doomsday result. Only nothing happened, nothing bad anyways. For all the criticism they faced, the early returns are purely positive, although you can be sure as long this device is operating there will be plenty of detractors.
Maybe that’s the first lesson to be learned from this historic contraption, that while our instincts might scream at us to play it safe and go with the norm, it’s the risk takers who will be remembered and rewarded. Like Dr. Lyn Evans, who was charged with turning the key on the largest research project ever.
So slingshot yourself back to Ivor Wynne Stadium, and the Ticats current situation. GM Bob O’Billovich pulled the trigger on the biggest trade the team has been involved in since the Jason Maas experiment.
The early returns, Cornelius Anthony led the Ticats defence in tackles, and as a group the Tabbies forced five turnovers against a powerful Edmonton offence. The only downside was that the Cats themselves turned the ball over six times, but that’s another story for another day.
The point is whether you’re a scientist or a GM, you need to have the moxie to call a spade a spade when you feel the current state of affairs isn’t going to get you where you need to be. That’s when you have to go against the grain in the best interest of the future of your team.
This isn’t Obie’s first time creating a little friction as he shuffles the deck. He’s made a career of improving the teams he has signed on to and this will be no different, but just like the physics research, it’s going to take a bit of time.
That is of course if a black hole doesn’t get to us first.
The Ins and Outs
(Storylines from around the CFL)
Day In The Sun – How about Milt Stegall getting props at halftime of the NFL’s Monday Night Game. Host Chris Berman, who is notorious for shedding light on the CFL, threw in a highlight pack that featured Stegall making history by breaking Allen Pitts receiving yards mark on a 92-yard pass. Stegall is now the all-time receiving yards leader with 14,983 yards.
Out On A Limb – When the Argos traded Michael Bishop, it put to end a quarterback debate that had continued for the first few weeks of the seasons. With the arrival of new/old head coach Don Matthews that controversial ship is back out to sea. Matthews, who has never been short on bravado, awarded Cody Pickett the starting job heading into this week, putting last year’s MOP on the bench.
In The Club – Darren Flutie is the Ticats Hall of Famer on the game ticket for this Fridays Hall of Fame Game at Ivor Wynne Stadium. Darren’s brother Doug will be on hand for the weekend as he joins his brother in the Hall, along with the other members of this years class Pinball Clemons, Mike Pringle, John Bonk, and Tom Shepherd. All five men will be on hand for an autograph session prior to the Ticats kicking off against the Blue Bombers.
Have Their Work Cut Out – At this point a crossover seems inevitable, making the second place spot in the East that much more coveted by the Argos, Bombers, and Ticats, who are all within four points of each other. While the first and last place teams in the East Division are separated by a full 10 points, the West is a tight race with only four points difference from top to bottom. That could change even more this week when Saskatchewan (1st) and B.C. (4th) face off.
Easier Said Than Done
(Quote of the Week)
“Me, I’m surgical with it. I’m very still, very smooth. I glide in, I sneak in and I move out quick. I’m ready for this challenge.”
You may think he’s talking about playing defensive back and trying to make an interception, but in reality this was Lawrence Gordon’s breakdown of his Jenga game against Jykine Bradley, the first event in their Ticats Triathlon. The pair went on to compete in hockey and go-karting, in one of the most entertaining Triathlons yet.
Follow The Leader
(Leaders from CFL and the Ticats)
CFL Rushing – SSK Wes Cates – 168 carries, 1,015 yards, 9 TDs
Ticats Rushing – HAM Jesse Lumsden – 84 carries, 586 yards, 5 TDs
CFL Passing – EDM Ricky Ray – 264/396, 3,672 yards, 17 TDs
Ticats Passing – HAM Casey Printers – 110/188, 1,452 yards, 3 TD
CFL Receiving – CGY Ken-Yon Rambo – 60 receptions, 943 yards, 5 TDs
Ticats Receiving – HAM Scott Mitchell – 30 receptions, 477 yards, 2 TDs
CFL Tackling – WPG Zeke Moreno – 59 Tackles
Ticats Tackling – HAM Markeith Knowlton – 50 Tackles
CFL Interceptions – SSK Lance Frazier, B.C. Barron Miles – 5 INTs
Ticats Interceptions – HAM Chris Thompson – 4 INTs
CFL Sacks – B.C. Lions Cameron Wake – 15 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
