Calgary Stampeders quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell, left, hands off to Don Jackson during the second half of a CFL football game in Vancouver, on Saturday November 3, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
I incorrectly predicted B.C. and Saskatchewan would win the CFL semifinals. While the Roughriders and Blue Bombers staged a classic prairie football brawl in brutal winter weather in Regina, Winnipeg winning 23-18, the West Coast wuzzes wet their beds in Hamilton 48-8. What a way for Wally Buono to end his coaching career.
Ottawa swept the season series against Hamilton but as Elvis sang, “…I don’t want you to be my tiger ’cause tigers play too rough…” The Redblacks will have their hands full Sunday when Hatters Connor McGough and Aaron Crawford invade the nation’s capital. I like their chances.
Hamilton ended the regular season on a three-game losing streak. The Stamps dropped three of four. Including Sunday’s victory at Mosaic, Winnipeg quarterback Matt Nichols has won his last six starts. The Bombers are hot, the hibernating Stamps are not. Should the red and white save the Bombers the expense of traveling to the Foothills City and just concede the West Final? Nope. They do stand a chance.
In the semifinal, the Bombers had their hands full against a team with no offence or starting quarterback. Furthermore, the Stampeders beat the Bombers at McMahon 39-26 in August. They lost in Winnipeg during their swoon, 29-21. Even when Bo Levi Mitchell had no centre, starting running back or seasoned receivers, the Blue and Gold had to struggle to beat him. I think Calgary dodged a bullet Sunday because they had a tough time with Saskatchewan, losing the season series. While the Riders let Andrew Harris run wild against them, the Stamps limited him to 13 yards the first game and 86 the second. To advance to the Grey Cup, they must do the same Sunday. (Roughie boss Chris Jones said his team didn’t tackle well Sunday. The Stampeders are superb tacklers).
During the regular season, Winnipeg was first in points, Calgary second. In total offence, the Stamps ranked fourth, Winnipeg fifth. Calgary allowed the fewest sacks, 27, the Bombers 36.
Calgary was ahead of Winnipeg in every defensive category but interceptions. They had 20, Calgary 19. They were tied in the giveaway/takeway category at plus-13. The teams were the least penalized in the league. The Stamps topped Winnipeg in every special teams category.
“So what?” you say. Statistics are for losers. The Bombers are on a roll, relatively healthy and brimming with confidence. Calgary isn’t the same team that ran up 12 wins against two losses. Don’t bet on it.
Calgary coach Dave Dickenson finds himself overstocked with quality receivers. DaVaris Daniels has returned from injury along with Eric Rogers. General manager John Hufnagel signed former Stamp and Roughrider Bakari Grant who has played well. Chris Matthews is a star and Markeith Ambles has come into his own. Slotback Juwan Brescacin is tough, Lamar Durant fast. The O-line is experienced. They can run with Don Jackson. If Bo is on his game, they’ll score points.
The defence led by MLB Alex Singleton, tackle Micah Johnson and corners Tre Roberson and Ciante Evans is the league’s best. Special tams coverage is superb as are kickers Rob Maver and Rene Parades.
But the Bombers are tough. They’re also hungry. The franchise hasn’t won the Grey Cup since 1990. Michael O’Shea has matured into a top-notch head coach. Strengths include the offensive line and Andrew Harris. Quarterback Matt Nichols is average and the receiving corps thin.
Defensively, the Bombers were sixth against the pass. To win, Winnipeg will have to shut down the passing game. For Calgary to come out on top, they have to stop Harris.
After losing the last two Grey Cup games, the Stampeders have been on a mission, dedicated since training camp to getting back to the big game and winning it. They are a veteran team stung by the criticism they received in October. They can’t wait to prove their critics wrong. They have a huge hurdle to overcome this weekend.
If the cowboys of summer show up on Sunday, they’ll advance to the Grey Cup for the fourth time in five years. The “Do not disturb” sign has been taken off the bunkhouse door at the Crowchild Corral. Quick Six the wonder horse is ready to run.
Would I give you a bum steer?
Graham Kelly has covered the CFL for the Medicine Hat News for 46 years. Feedback for this column can be emailed to sports@medicinehatnews.com.
