Jaime Stein
CFL.ca
The seventh week of the 2009 season was dubbed “The Ultimate CFL Weekend” because fans could attend all four games on four separate days. However, Week #7 may have been the ultimate weekend for the thrilling finishes in three of the four games.
The Edmonton Eskimos and Calgary Stampeders kicked the week off with a dramatic finish between the provincial rivals. Ricky Ray and Henry Burris put on an aerial battle for the ages in what CFL.ca columnist Matt Cauz is calling one of the greatest games he has ever seen.
The Argos and Lions exceeded expectations on Friday night when the Leos staged a remarkable comeback to sink the Boatmen in the dying seconds.
Despite the lopsided score on Saturday in Winnipeg, Montreal Alouettes’ quarterback Anthony Calvillo showed why he is still the league’s best with a 4-TD performance.
The outstanding week was capped with a nail bitter in Regina. At halftime, the game looked like a wash. The Riders led the Ticats 23-0. However, the feisty Cats tied up the game at 23-23, before eventually falling to the hometown team 33-23.
FEEL GOOD STORY
A lot of feel good stories coming out of Week #7, but the best has to be that of Keith Shologan. The defensive lineman scored his first career touchdown after the remarkable story of his family tragedy was showcased during the pre-game show. The raw emotion that Shologan displayed was enough to make any fan want to cheer for the big fella.
SHOUT OUT TO BENNY
Had a chance to sit down with BC Lions Defensive Coordinator Mike Benevides for a feature we are producing for CFL.ca when the team was in Toronto last week. We can only say nice things about Coach Benevides since he reads this column. But in all honesty, he is one of the most interesting people to chat with in the CFL. He always has great insight on players and trends in the league. Plus, he’s a local guy who takes the time to visit his parents while in Toronto – they have lived in the same house for more than 30 years.
BLOCKING BARRON
Prior to our meeting with Coach Benevides, we sat down with kick blocking master Barron Miles. Not only is he also a class act, but he is one heck of a gamesman as well. Hearing his strategy on blocking kicks was intriguing. Stay tuned to CFL.ca for a feature on how to change the momentum of a game from the master himself.
BRUCE ALMIGHTY
Ticats fans finally witnessed why Arland Bruce III will be an important addition to their team down the stretch. His spectacular touchdown catch in the second half against the Roughriders was one of the best of his CFL career. Bruce fought off a defender with one hand, corralling the ball with his other hand, while falling into the endzone for a major. A candid Bruce spoke with CFL.ca this past week about his transition to Tigertown and why fans should come to the ballpark to watch him play.
HERE’S THE KICKER
Justin Medlock’s performance on Friday night may be the first time I can recall walking out of a stadium wanting to talk about the kicking game. Not only did he hit three field goals from beyond 50-yards, but he was a perfect 7-for-7 and his kicks seem to split the uprights dead centre every time. If the Argonauts offence pulls together in the second half of the season, Medlock could be a difference maker in close games. Or he may just win games on his own – his seven field goals is the equivalent of three touchdowns.
BAGG JOB PART II
Last week I went on about Rob Bagg and the tough catch he made back in the day at Queen’s University. He once again showed why he is one of the toughest receivers in the CFL when he was plastered by Jykine Bradley, yet popped right back up. We haven’t seen this kind of buzz out of Kingston since The Tragically Hip (the Lions’ Brent Johnson notwithstanding).
GOAL LINE STAND
For the past couple of weeks I have been critical of BC’s goal line strategy. First they tried the ill-advised back-up QB sneak. That was followed by a cutesy play that was intercepted. On Friday night the Lions went old school, using bruising running back Rolly Lumbala to blast through the pile. When in doubt, hand it to the big man.
STARS OF THE WEEK #7
*****The 13th man: This week is dedicated to the fans of the CFL, especially those who ventured to four games in four cities this past weekend. Truly the Ultimate CFL Weekend.
****Ricky Ray & Henry Burris: This goes to the two QBs that produced the most entertaining offensive game in 2009 so far. If you missed this wonderful display of football you must view the highlights.
***Justin Medlock: He was one shy of the record for field goals made in a game (8), but his 7-for-7 night included three FGs beyond 50-yards, a feat that Michael “Pinball” Clemons tells me he has not witnessed in the near two decades he has been around the CFL.
**Keith Shologan: His passion for the game was exhibited on his touchdown reception, but he is also a force on the defensive side of the ball pressuring quarterbacks and stopping the run.
*Marc Trestman: This is a bit of a cumulative award, but with the story of his 3rd Down gamble, I figured this would be an appropriate time to talk about one of the CFL’s classiest individuals. Trestman treats everyone with respect and he is a winner. He is the leading candidate for Coach of the Year.
