Jack Bedell
CFL.ca
BLOG #12: Stamps take it
Two fourth-quarter interceptions sealed this Grey Cup win for the Calgary Stampeders. Just when the Montreal Alouettes desperately needed to get some offence going, Dwight Anderson and Shannon James came to the rescue for the Stamps.
The first pick came on the Als’ first play of the fourth quarter when Calvillo threw into coverage while eluding a fierce Stampeder rush. The second came on an underthrown fade aimed toward Brian Bratton in the end zone that could have given the Als the lead had it connected.
Henry Burris did the rest in a magnificent, MVP-quality performance using his legs and his arm to move the Stamps downfield at will. While it was Sandro DeAngelis putting the points on the board, the yards were all due to Burris’ ability to stay away from the Als’ pressure and consistently push the ball downfield to his receivers.
For a game that started with so much promise for the Alouettes, it had to be a demoralizing loss for a team that just couldn’t get untracked in the second half.
The Stamps defence countered the Als’ quick-release passing by repeatedly batting down second-down pass attempts, and by getting Als’ receivers on the ground for short gains when the balls did come out successfully.
This game certainly wasn’t the shootout many people expected, but it was a masterful performance by Burris and Co. nonetheless. And you can throw a few props to the Stamps’ defence, too.
UP NEXT
I’ll do my best to wrap up with a few highlights from the coaches’ pressers if I can fight my way downstairs through the celebrations!
BLOG #11 Als struggle on offence
The Alouettes came out of halftime a little cold on offence, and couldn’t get anything going on their three possessions of the third quarter other than a Damon Duval punt single.
Montreal picked the a horrible time to go into a shell. Henry Burris came out firing stick throws and running very effectively off belly options. The Stamps capped a long mid-quarter drive with a DeAngelis field goal with 5:42 to go, and kicked another as time expired to head into the fourth.
After leading the majority of the game, the Als are going to have to shift gears in the final frame if they want to take this one back. With as many weapons as Burris has at his disposal, and with as aggressive a defence as the Stamps boast, the Als simply can’t have another dry spell in the fourth if they want to win the Grey Cup in their own stadium.
BLOG #10: Als looking good on offence
The Stamps started the second quarter well into a promising drive, but an unnecessary roughness penalty forced them to settle for a 44-yard Sandro DeAngelis field goal.
After a quick two and out by Montreal, Calgary was back on the throttle until Henry Burris committed the first turnover of the game with a pick to Reggie Hunt.
Calvillo and company didn’t take long to make the Stamps pay for the error, hitting on three straight quick throws for first downs to Cahoon and Watkins. Avon Cobourne capped the drive with a nice run into the end zone.
You could really sense a turn in the building when Burris was off on the ensuing drive overthrowing two balls and forcing a punt that got returned by Larry Taylor all the way back to the Stamps’ 43.
Damon Duval kicked another field goal at the three-minute warning to give the Als a 13-3 lead.
To his credit, Henry Burris got his team back in the game with a nice drive to end the half. Using his feet and his arm, Burris moved the ball with ease, capping the drive with a nice throw to Brett Ralph in the front corner of the end zone.
For a while there, it really looked like Montreal was taking control of the game and had the home crowd rocking. Burris’ scoring drive at the end of the quarter really made it a tight game again, though.
The table’s set now for a tremendous second half, and in this kind of atmosphere, anything is possible in the final 30 minutes.
BLOG #9: The First Quarter
My player predictions were looking good for the majority of the first quarter.
The Alouettes’ offence definitely looked sharp on its two drives of the quarter. Anthony Calvillo distributed the ball well, on quick outs to Ben Cahoon and Brian Bratton. The real star of the first frame, though, was Jamel Richardson who picked up some serious yards-after-catch on a couple of grabs.
Toward the end of the quarter, the Stampeders offence started showing some life after a couple of quick outs. Henry Burris is getting the ball out quickly, and Joffrey Reynolds was very effective out of the backfield as a receiver.
Calgary is starting the second quarter in Alouettes’ territory, so we’ll see how the drive turns out.
BLOG #8: Grey Cup Pre-Game
After a long walk through a pretty excited crowd, I’m finally set up in the press box. Great seats in the west end zone right behind the goal posts.
The tension is already building in the stadium, and I couldn’t be more excited for kickoff. So let’s get to it.
For the past three years, I opened the game blog with a few predictions. No reason to break with tradition now.
I’m already on record for predicting an Alouettes victory. Here’s how I think the players’ awards are going to shake out:
MVP—Anthony Calvillo
Offensive Player of the Game—Jamel Richardson
Defensive Player of the Game—Keron Williams
Best Canadian—Ben Cahoon
I’ll be the first to admit the game could easily go the other way, but I’m sticking to my guns.
UP NEXT
I’ll be back at the end of every quarter to weigh on the action. Until then, enjoy the game everybody. You can bet I’ll be doing the same.
BLOG #7: THE FRC BREAKFAST
Hands down, the Football Reporters of Canada Breakfast is my favourite experience during Grey Cup Week. Being way down in Louisiana, I live the CFL through the writing of people like Dan Ralph, Stephen Brunt, Herb Zurkowsky and countless others. So it’s always a real treat to share their company and wit for a few hours.
This year’s breakfast certainly didn’t disappoint. I was lucky enough to draw a table with good friends Jaime Stein, Arash Madani, and Moe Khan. And it was a real privilege to meet Giulio Caravatta, Kamau Peterson, and my fellow Score.com blogger Jann Shreve for the first time in person. Couldn’t have asked for a finer group.
Director of officiating for the CFL Tom Higgins did a fine job of bringing greetings from the league in the Commissioner’s stead. It’s always a pleasure to be around Mr. Higgins’ dry humour and self-deprecating style.
As part of his speech awarding a signed game ball to outgoing FRC president Vicki Hall, Higgins recited a poem by Myrna Brooks Welch in its entirety, an impressive feat for a guy delivering a speech on a moment’s notice.
There were also a couple of fine presentation and acceptance speeches for the Hall of Fame inductions of local media members Tony Proudfoot and Herb Zurkowsky. The rib-breaking moment of the breakfast came during Proudfoot’s speech, delivered via his brand-new electronic speech device, when he had the machine express its confusion at sounding exactly like Zurkowsky.
Terry Jones and Darrell Davis, neither of whom could be in attendance this week, also sent in their congratulations and commendations via email. Both were missed in person, but their humour from a distance salved the wound a bit.
TSN Insider and Globe and Mail writer David Naylor accepted the presidency of the organization in a wide-ranging speech that managed to crack on everything from the waywardness of the CFL’s teams in Ontario, to Don Matthews, to Rich Stubler, to Eric Tillman. Just based on the energy of his election speech, Naylor looks to be the right man for the job.
Before the event came to a close, the FRC had its annual cash draw for door prizes. Of all people the Team 990’s own Moe Khan had his number called for the $200 award. In Khan Curse fashion, though, he dropped his ticket on the floor and couldn’t produce it before the emcee drew another winner. Hilarious stuff! Unless you’re Khan, that is.
UP NEXT
I’m out until getting set up at the Big O. Barring technology issues, I’ll be back during pre-game with my take on how the game’s going to go down.
I can almost hear the ball leaving the tee now!
BLOG #6: THE MONTREALS HUDDLE
Maybe it’s the cold weather driving people inside. Maybe it’s the centrality of the events down in the Grey Cup Village. Or maybe it’s just the quality of the programming at this year’s festival. But whatever the reasons, attendance and atmosphere have been phenomenal at every event I’ve checked out.
The MontreALS Huddle was certainly no exception. By the time I got down to the Molson Ex Grand Pavilion, the place was already packed and hopping. Even the coat room was jamming!
As exciting as it was to see a full house, I have to admit I was a little bummed it was too crowded/busy for me to find my good friend and fellow CFL fanatic Liz V. The Als cheer team did a fantastic job organizing the event, and I’m sure Liz was running around like crazy making the fun happen. My loss, the festival’s gain!
Speaking of the Als cheer team, they really outdid themselves putting the Hudle together this year. From the dancing, to the publicity, to the band they booked, things couldn’t have been better.
Porn Flakes rocked the house with some serious rock from the last four decades. It’s hard to beat the mood of a packed house jamming to AC/DC, Pearl Jam, and Elvis. And the Huddle was shoulder-to-shoulder, for sure.
In fact, the place was so packed, when I had to step outside to take a call, I couldn’t get back in!
Props definitely go out to the Alouettes cheerleaders and the ALs organization for throwing another great party. I can’t wait to see what they’ll lline up for Calgary next year.
UP NEXT
I’m headed to the Football Reporters of Canada breakfast this morning. It’s been my favourite event every year I’ve been to Grey Cup, so I’m pretty psyched to check it out today. If you can imagine the humour and wit involved when 50 of the best writers in the country get together for free food, you’re on your way to visualizing the scene.
Check back in a few hours to get my version of the highlights. Then I’ll be heading down to Olympic Stadium to get ready for the game.
BLOG #5: CFL FANS FIGHT CANCER
Just got in from the CFL Fans Fight Cancer Meet and Greet and Fundraiser. It was a great event for an even greater cause, and some special thanks have to go out to the guys who organized the event, particularly Randy Newman, and to everybody at www.13thman.com for hosting the event.
It was definitely fun to put some faces to all the forum posters like ArgoDave and GreyCupGarry I’ve run across on-line for years. Also nice to hear the famed Argo Notes band. The Argo’s cheerleaders were in the house as well, making for a raucous environment.
With as many people as there were in attendance, I’m certain the group will have a sizeable donation for the Calvillo Family Room project at Cedars. I would definitely consider the 50/50 draw a success since I came away with a hat and a shirt myself!
Add to all the fun the chance to watch the Vanier Cup on a big-screen TV and my very first bowl of poutine, and there was a giant smile on my face walking back to the hotel, for sure.
For anyone who couldn’t attend this afternoon’s event but would still like to contribute to a wonderful cause, please check out the Cedars website at http://www.cedars.ca/cedars/en/news_and_events/events#event_279
UP NEXT
I’m heading to the MontreALS Huddle tonight, one of my favourite all-time parties. Check back in the morning to get a full report of what I ran into.
BLOG #4: THE GREY CUP BUZZ
Had a great morning! I slept in a bit after a late night, a Montreal tradition I hear, and got the chance to walk through some of the Christmas Day Parade crowd on the way down to the Grey Cup Village to check out the Calgary Pancake Breakfast.
Seeing the happy faces on all the kids made me miss my three back home in Louisiana, but it also forced me to stop whining about the cold wind and enjoy myself!
There’s definitely a ton of Grey Cup gear being sported around town. If you can judge “buzz” by the number of shirts and hats people are wearing, I’d say there’s some serious buzz happening. Every third person I passed on Rue Ste-Catherine on the way down to the Village had some kind of Grey Cup or Alouettes gear on. Put a smile on my face, for sure.
This is my fourth Grey Cup writing for CFL.ca, and while I’ve done my best to hit the highlights of the festival each year for my blog, but there have been events each year I’ve missed for one reason or another.
The Calgary Pancake Breakfast has been something I’ve circled every year on the schedule, but I’ve never been able to get to it. In Vancouver and Winnipeg, transportation issues kept me away, and weather got in the way last year in Toronto.
No way I was missing the pancakes again this year!
Let me tell you, the scene did not disappoint. By the time I fought through the parade crowd to get down to the Grey Cup Village, the line was already a quarter mile long, but I don’t think anyone minded.
There were tons of Alouettes and Stampeders fans geared up and having a good time, offering plenty of shelter against the wind. There was also some good country music by the famous .20/.20 band to keep your feet moving while you queued up.
Charley Horse and Ralph the dog were on hand taking pictures with kids (grown-ups,too, actually!). And there were plenty of cowboy hats in the vicinity.
By my unofficial count, the Stamps fans were outnumbered by Als fans. Even so, Calgary fans still managed to win the shout off for which team was going to win the big game.
When it was my turn to step up to the plate, I was very grateful for the good cakes and sausage. In Louisiana, we like to add plenty of butter and cane syrup to the mix, but it was definitely a tasty breakfast in any case. And the experience is something I recommend for everybody.
UP NEXT
This afternoon, I’m headed to an event that’s very dear to my heart—the CFL Fans Fight Cancer Meet and Greet at Winston’s bar on Crescent St. The party starts at 1PM, and will feature a 50/50 draw and raffle with all proceeds going to the Calvillo Family Room Project at Montreal’s Cedars Hospital.
Come by for a good time and a good cause if you get the chance. I’ll have a full report of the event this afternoon, so please check back later.
BLOG #3: WEST PRACTICE
I wouldn’t characterize it as night and day, but there’s certainly a difference in team personality between the Alouettes and the Stampeders. Where the Als seemed a little subdued moving from drill to drill this morning, the Stamps were pretty boisterous
Not to say Calgary didn’t get good work in during their Friday afternoon practice, but they definitely found ways to sneak some good fun in.
Whether it was Nik Lewis hopping around doing a little body-bucking with his teammates, or Jojuan Armour doing a little chest thumping during calisthenics, or the whole team letting loose some Braveheart-style battle cries as they gathered for team drills, there was a ton more chatter and shenanigans going on than I saw when he Als were working.
Calgary’s ringleaders seem to be Lewis, Dwight Anderson, and Armour. Armour, though pulled off the funniest moment of the day when he broke into the “We wore short-shorts” jingle to tease DBs coach Corey Chamblin for the lack of coverage his practice gear afforded.
Henry Burris got plenty of work in on the Stamps goal-line package, looking sharp in all drills. He did pique my interest at one point, however, when he appeared to jam his thumb on a botched exchange with Joffrey Reynolds. Have to wait to see if that moment had a little foreboding to it.
I kept a close eye on Brandon Browner, too. His sporting a pretty good limp, but is moving well enough to make me sure he’ll be able to play his game Sunday.
Head Coach John Hufnagel and Defensive Coordinator Chris Jones did a great job of drilling teaching points, so Stamps fans can relax any fears of the team losing focus amidst the hoopla. The Stamps’ practice was nothing if not on point.
It had to be, though, considering the deafening artificial noise running through the PA system for most of the practice. If you didn’t focus in that noise, you’d lapse into dementia!
Watching both teams practice today, there was no doubt this is going to be one heck of a tilt between two talented, well-coached teams.
Kick it off already!!!
UP NEXT
I’ll be heading to the Pro Players party tonight, and then to the Calgary Pancake Breakfast tomorrow morning. Check back around lunch time Saturday to see how it all went.
BLOG #2: QUICK HITS: EAST PRACTICE
If I had to describe the Montreal Alouettes’ Friday Practice, it would most likely be efficient. It was certainly very professional. Almost subdued, actually.
With head coach Marc Trestman observing everything from within 10 yards of the action, players and coaches moved crisply from drill to drill. Besides the piped-in crowd noise, there was very little in the way of barking or banter.
Probably my favourite thing about watching team practices is the chance to see players perform who don’t usually see the field or who practice secondary or tertiary roles we never get to see as fans.
One player who popped for me was Als’ reserve receiver S. J. Green. On several passes from Marcus Brady, Green displayed some nice hands and used his size very well to secure catches in tight coverage. Watching Green run routes, it’s hard to believe he can’t get on the field. It really speaks to the quality of the Alouettes’ receiving corps that he’s been held off the roster so often this season.
I also got a chance to see reserve pivot Brad Banks run a few routes lined up as a wideout. Banks ran a couple of pretty fades, but never came up with a ball.
Return teams saw a good bit of work, against a variety of coverages. Damon Duval even worked on a couple of squib kicks and an on-sides attempt. Watching the players work kicking drills, you really get an appreciation of Montreal’s team speed and attention to detail.
That attention to detail definitely extended into the media scrum that followed practice. To a man, the Als conducted themselves with great decorum, answering questions patiently and completely avoiding some of the horseplay I’ve seen teams engage in to entertain themselves during these interview sessions.
Listening to Coach Trestman answer questions in his post-practice presser, it’s clear where the team takes it cue. Trestman is certainly an impressive, intelligent man.
UP NEXT
Check back in a few hours to get my notes from the Stamps’ afternoon workout.
BLOG #1: SALUT MONTREAL!
After a long day of traveling, complete with a three-hour delay on the tarmac in Atlanta, I finally made it to town late Thursday. And even despite the hassles of international travel, I have to admit my first day Grey Cup excitement has been pretty outstanding already.
It was truly a day of firsts. My flight delay was salved by my first-ever meeting with a CFL player’s parents. I was lucky enough to be seated next to the parents of Alouettes back-up pivot Arian McPherson. I don’t have enough space here to say how gracious and welcoming they were. Speaking with the two of them about the successes and experiences of their son made a long trip seem like a hop, skip, and a jump. Truly wonderful people, those two.
As soon as I hit the ground, I was treated to my first-ever smoked meat sandwich courtesy of the Team 990’s host extraordinaire Moe Khan. It was a meal I could’ve hid my head behind, and I can’t think of a better way to jump start the week.
Then I capped the night with my first in-studio appearance on the Team 990’s Midnight Snack. After appearing weekly on the show via telephone, I had a wonderful time talking CFL on air and face-to-face with the show’s hosts Khan, Trex Griffin, and Nick Russo. I also got to talk a little Xs and Os with Jabari Arthur of the Calgary Stampeders.
Nice way to get the party started.
FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS
My alarm blared pretty early after a late night on the radio, but it was worth it getting up in time to catch Commissioner Cohon’s State of the League address. In the four years I’ve been covering the Grey Cup for CFL.ca, the Commissioner’s address has been one of my favourite moments of the trip.
It’s always great to hear good news about the league, and this year was certainly no exception.
Commissioner Cohon delivered a slough of numbers to highlight the growth of the CFL. From increases in national sponsorship revenue, to increases in attendance, to ballooning TV ratings, and on and on, it would be hard to come away from the Commish’s address feeling anything other than inspired.
Commissioner Cohon also delivered some promising news on the progress of the goal to bring football back to Ottawa by 2011. There was even some talk of playing regular season games in the Maritimes once seating increases in the possible venues. That’s heady stuff. And it really speaks well for the state of the league nowadays.
I’ve seen Commissioner Cohon deliver his address twice now, and he’s sent me away a firebreathing fan both times. The league just couldn’t ask for more in terms of being a leader and an ambassador for the game.
UP NEXT
I’ll be taking in both teams’ practices at the Big O this afternoon. Check back a little later to get my take on how the squads looked.
Jack B. Bedell is a Professor of English at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana and has followed the CFL for nearly three decades.
