WOW! One of the most exciting games in CFL history took place last Sunday in Montreal.
Finally, after three days of being in hibernation, I have recovered from the Sunday-induced cardiac arrest. The thrilling, entertaining and incredibly surprising Hamilton Tiger Cats victory over the Montreal Alouettes rendered me speechless. Both teams seemed to answer each other’s major scores throughout the game. The Cats also had to deal with a horrible video review call, preventing them from a very timely turnover. Add to that one of the worst special teams disasters, unless you are a Roughriders fan, of course.
Basically, Hamilton had the chance to win with no time on the clock with a “good” field goal. Justin has been lights out all season, and the kick’s success seemed inevitable. Unfortunately, the young placeholder, Jason Boltus, forgot to signal to the long snapper to hike the ball. The result: Time Count Violation. Ugh! Five yards further from the goal, Medlock missed a long kick, sending it to overtime.
A quick strike to Williams, along with back to back “facemasking” calls against Chip Cox, had Hamilton all but in the endzone. A play later and Hamilton was on top. After strong play from the defence, including a timely sack for a loss, the Cats earned their visit to Winter-peg, err, Winnipeg.
Out west, Calgary looked very shaky at the start and Edmonton was quick to take advantage. Drew Tate’s interception was returned for a touchdown seemed to be the turning point in the contest. Edmonton took the lead, and on the veteran shoulders of Ricky Ray, they head further west to battle the Lions of British Columbia.
I must say, I was surprised by the poor attendance (though high television ratings) in both contests. In each case the attendance was only around 30,000, barely higher than regular season tilts. Edmonton was a particular surprise because they haven’t been in the postseason in a few years and haven’t hosted a home game in even longer. I guess the Alouettes have developed the Red Wings/ Braves syndrome of only showing up in later rounds. Too bad for Montreal…better luck next year!
So, on with the predictions…
My record was 1-1 last week. Let’s see if I can move to 75% with two winners this Sunday.
HAMILTON @ WINNIPEG
The Cats are hot right now. I’m taking them to win this game, provided they can stay focused and limit the mistakes they made in Montreal (ie. Chris Williams’ touchdown drop, for instance). Winnipeg’s quarterback situation is up in the air. Buck Pierce is hurt, whether he plays or not, and Brink is an unproven quarterback. Either way, they don’t equal Hamilton’s offence right now. I do acknowledge the Bombers’ defence is strong, and they must avoid turning the ball over – no freebies! The Cats are due to beat Winnipeg (going 0-3 this season), and they haven’t beaten Winnipeg in the playoffs since the 1989 Eastern Final. That’s a span of four playoff games. Hamilton 35-Winnipeg 15.
EDMONTON @ BC
B.C. is on such a role right now, and with the home crowd behind them coupled with the opportunity to play at home for the Grey Cup, they will prevail. My predicion is B.C. 32- Edmonton 20.
WHAT DO YOU THINK???
…and that’s the last word.
