Rick Moffat
CFL.ca
Anthony Calvillo has survived three straight days of heavy practice and relegates Adrian McPherson to second-string status again. Is “The Big Easy” McPherson ticked? Not one bit.
“I can’t be, I’m playing behind the greatest quarterback to ever play this game,” says the former property of the New Orleans Saints who very nearly set the Alouettes’ franchise record for most rushing yards by a QB (a distinction still held by Joe Barnes, a determined though nowhere near as graceful a runner for the Als in the ‘70s under Marv Levy).
“We have to find ways to keep Adrian on the field,” admits A.C. “We’ve had a package for the wildcat (formation) but just haven’t been able to use it since he’s been on the 9-game injured. Maybe you’ll see something in the weeks ahead.”
So Calvillo is headed to the Canadian Football Hall of Fame after his playing days are done, not CSIS because of his failure to protect team secrets!
McPherson has a dirty secret too. He’s an egregious case of resume inflation. He boldly told his high school football coach in Grade 10 that he was a quarterback. Lied through his teeth. Told coach he was gonna quit at halftime, but didn’t. The rest is a twisted history still being written and as the Ticats can attest, being straight-armed when given the opportunity.
WELCOME TO CANADA LEROY VANN
The Canadian ratio can be as baffling to CFL players as learning the 12-man game.
Alouettes kick returner LeRoy Vann holds several NCAA records set at Florida A&M and has been on the practice roster several weeks, learning the Als’ defensive playbook as well as punt and kickoff return routes. Vann, a recent cut of the San Francisco 49ers who also worked out by the Detroit Lions, will stay off the active roster against Edmonton because of concussion symptoms still being suffered by a Canadian defensive lineman on the team.
J.P. Bekasiak, the former Hamilton first round draft pick, is the latest in a series of injuries to Canadians that prevent the Als from experimenting with Vann.
“I didn’t know anything about Canada or the CFL before I got here,” says Vann, whose gold tooth filled smile flashes frequently in the Als’ room. “I didn’t even know there were 12 men on the field. If I can beat 12 guys to the endzone, not 11… that would be something.”
Yes it would. And it would present a potential threat to the job security of rookie Tim Maypray who has made the most of 2009 meteor Larry Taylor still with the New York Jets. It could also create longer odds for Andrew Hawkins, the Spike TV reality star of “Fourth and Long with Michael Irvin”. “Hawk” has patiently rehabbed a broken ankle and his season debut was overshadowed by McPherson’s offensive spark.
HOLE IN ONE SIGN OF SMOOTHER THINGS TO COME?
Damon Duval says there are many similarities between a golf swing and a kicking motion. He can only hope his shot at the Als’ charity golf tournament Monday is a sign he will find his touch on the kicking tee as much as the golf tee.
Duval smacked a hole in one. The avid duffer says mental toughness and finding the groove in golf are very similar to the kicking game. No mulligan allowed on 3rd downs though, Damon. With a field goal accuracy rate well below his career average, maybe finding the cup will bring luck and serenity back to the last CFLer to kick for the Grey Cup.
Shea Emry is finally over the hurt. He’s taken the picture off his screensaver of a golf ball teasingly close to the hole at the same tournament. Only Emry’s shot would have earned him a $60,000 gold bar provided by Birks. A divot proves the ball bounced once about two feet from the cup, went by the flag, and settled two feet the other side.
If Eskimos are crossing over the middle Sunday, they may not want to make any golf jokes within earshot of Shea.
