THE CANADIAN PRESS
TORONTO — Sunday’s storylines might as well write themselves.
We know everyone will be talking about Bo Levi Mitchell and the unbeatable Stamps, who went 15-2-1 in one of the most dominant regular seasons in CFL history; and can they finish the job?
Then there’s the 41-year-old Henry Burris, injured early in the season and benched before a late-season return, somewhere in between taking on his detractors head on through the lenses of TSN cameras.
Who else?
As the teams arrive in Toronto for the 104th Grey Cup presented by Shaw, we look at the brightest stars Sunday’s got to offer — from Burris and Mitchell to whoever else might end up making an impact. Plus, as always, a few X-factors for good measure.
Here are some names you should know:
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Kienan Lafrance stole the headlines but Henry Burris was instrumental to Ottawa’s Eastern Final win over the Edmonton Eskimos last Sunday in the snow. Now, playing in his third Grey Cup in the last four years (he’s 0-2 in the first two), Burris’ legacy might just be defined by what he does under the bright lights of BMO Field on Sunday. Know this: He’ll be relishing that underdog role. |
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He had four catches for 71 yards against Edmonton but in the end, Jackson’s nine-yard catch on second-and-nine with 2:03 left put the REDBLACKS in the Grey Cup. Those are the types of catches the East Division’s Most Outstanding Player nominee has made all season and without that one in particular, the ball’s back in the hands of Mike Reilly who maybe wins it for Edmonton. |
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It was Ellingson making snow angels in the end zone after a first-quarter touchdown against the Edmonton Eskimos last Sunday, exactly one year after making one of the biggest catches in Ottawa sports history also known as ‘clutch in the capital’. Ellingson is a big-game player and you can expect to see his name called often in the Grey Cup. |
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Last week he only had two catches for 15 yards, but the Calgary Stampeders won’t soon forget about their former receiver in Sinopoli. A University of Ottawa graduate, Sinopoli eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark this season for the second year in a row and his role is important in the absence of Chris Williams. |
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Mossis Madu was likely a big part of the game plan before exiting in the first quarter but it was keep calm and carry on for the REDBLACKS’ offence. Lafrance set the tone early with a couple of long first-half runs, then put the game away let when he refused to go down on a game-clinching touchdown with a minute to go. Also keep an eye on Travon Van if Madu can’t go. |
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All of the talk surrounds Ottawa’s 1,000-yard receivers but it was Criner who led the REDBLACKS with 88 yards on four catches in the Eastern Final, including a key first down pickup on the game-clinching drive. Criner isn’t Chris Williams but At 6-foot-3, 220 pounds, he does bring something different to the injured receiver’s spot in the offence. |
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A big talker on the field, Gavins will play a key role against a Stampeders offence that can dissect a secondary any day of the week. The 28-year-old brings speed and playmaking ability to Ottawa’s group of linebackers but his help will be needed most defending the pass. A big play wouldn’t hurt, either, against a team that makes very few mistakes. |
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For all of the talk about Henry Burris’ legacy, Mitchell is on the verge of adding yet another major career accomplishment at just 26 years old. He’s 43-7-1 all-time as a starting quarterback (regular season only) and already has a Grey Cup ring and a Grey Cup MVP honour. He could add Most Outstanding Player and Grey Cup ring No. 2 in just a matter of days. |
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Is DaVaris Daniels the best receiver in the CFL? Maybe, maybe not, but there’s an argument to be made. Daniels had 885 yards and nine touchdowns in 11 games this season while emerging as a number one option in one of the league’s top passing attacks. At 23, Daniels’ star is rising fast and he’s got a chance to do something special on a big stage on Sunday. |
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Messam was his usual dominant self in the Stamps’ Western Final win over BC, rushing for 84 yards on 14 carries. At 31 years old, the Brampton, Ont. native might be better than ever as he leads one of the league’s most potent rushing attacks. He’s a top candidate not just for Grey Cup Most Valuable Canadian but also Most Valuable Player. |
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Just like Jerome Messam, Hughes is one of those special players that seems to get better with age. The 32-year-old recorded the second-highest sack total of his career with 16 takedowns, dominating opposing O-lines and helping his team tie for the league lead in that category. Hughes could make things very difficult for Henry Burris on Sunday night. |
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Wall put the Lions to bed in the first half of the Western Final when he undercut an out route and intercepted Jonathon Jennings for a 42-yard touchdown return, and that’s pretty much par for the course for the five-year CFL veteran. After intercepting four passes, forcing three fumbles and scoring a touchdown throughout 2016, you can imagine he’ll remain a factor. |
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With Tory Harrison out, Finch provides not just a spark in the return game but a change of pace from Jerome Messam in the Stampeders’ offence. Look for him to burn his former team on Sunday after rushing for 49 yards on five carries in the Western Final — on top of returning the opening kickoff 46 yards to set up an early lead. |
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The Stamps’ secondary was in transition this season but Campbell made life easy, making a seamless move into the corner position for 18 games. The 29-year-old had three interceptions and 71 tackles and will face a critical role against Ottawa’s dynamic receiving group and the strong arm of Henry Burris. |
