Inside the CFL: Another rendition of the Duelling Dickenson’s

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on October 12, 2023.

sports@medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews

Last weekend was a time of celebrations and showdowns – for first place in the West Division, a chance for the Roughriders to end a four-game losing streak and clinch third place, and the Argonauts were celebrating their 150th anniversary. So who showed up for these monumentis occasions?

The B.C. Lions and Winnipeg Blue Bombers staged an epic battle for first place, playing at a high level of intensity from the beginning to the end of overtime. The old dogs on the block, trailing by 10 points with two minutes remaining, again found a way to overcome adversity and hang on to first place. Despite the 34-26 score, the defences were magnificent, the Leos during the first half, the Bombers the rest of the way. Vernon Adams Jr.’s offence had 270 yards through the first 30 minutes, but only 53 thereafter.

Meanwhile in Toronto, with greats like Ricky Ray, Pinball Clemons, Rocket Ishmail, Matt Dunigan and others in attendance to celebrate 150 years during which the team won 18 Grey Cups, the latest last year, the double blue took on Edmonton. The week before with first placed clinched, the Argos rested quarterback Chad Kelly For the birthday bash, Kelly and his teammates showed up and gave their best against the lowly Elks.

The next night at Mosaic Stadium in Regina, they honoured the late George Reed before kickoff. It was also the Plaza of Honour game, the inductees being the 2013 Grey Cup champions. If that wasn’t enough incentive or inspiration, by beating the visiting Hamilton Ti-Cats, they for all intents and purposes would sew up third place. Sorry, not enough. The team that never misses an opportunity to miss an opportunity lost 38-13 to the visitors.

After the fiasco, Rider coach Craig Dickenson said, “Very disappointed. I’m embarrassed. It’s embarrassing when you lose like that, when you have so much to play for. I did not see that coming at all. A tough loss, probably the low point in my time here. I’m shocked by it.”

He admitted the team had lost their mojo and had no spark. In contrast to the mediocrity at Mosaic, the Winnipeg-B.C. contest most certainly lived up to its advance billing. Unlike the Riders, they gave everything they had, they never gave up, no quit in them. No spark? No mojo. That’s on the coach.

His confidence comments were intriguing. He said, “We haven’t been the same since the Banjo Bowl. (Bombers 51, Riders 6). That loss really hurt our confidence in such a way that it’s hard to get it back.” He then added:”But we still have a chance.”

Indeed they do. Third place is still within their grasp. That could be decided by the Duelling Dickenson’s at the Crowchild Corral on Friday night.

Said Dave Dickenson about his 4-11 Stampeders. “We’re in it, we’re alive.” If they beat Saskatchewan they will win the season series. But to overtake the Green and White for the final playoff spot, they will still need one more victory against B.C. or Winnipeg while the Riders lose to Toronto. Saskatchewan can clinch the coveted post season position without winning another game.

Compared to their division opponents, neither team shows much energy. Dave Dickenson also talks about his team lacking confidence and a sense if urgency, believing a win could set off an impressive run.

Calgary is third in the West in sacks made and surrendered, the Riders have given up the most and recorded the fewest. Jake Maier is third in the CFL in passing yardage, second in time of possession and second-down conversions. But they have the worst red-zone percentage. The fact Maier can play so well between the 20-yard lines, indicates to me the offensive co-ordinator isn’t calling the right plays in deep. Dave Dickenson must start calling the plays. Saskatchewan is no better in the red zone. Maybe no one will win. A tie would be appropriate.

Both teams are winless since the Labour Day weekend. Although his team has two fewer wins than brother Craig’s, nobody speaks of the Stamps in apocalyptic terms. Maybe it’s indifference, maybe Calgarians don’t care. Nobody believes Dave’s job is on the line if they miss the playoffs. I haven’t heard anybody suggesting Craig will be back next year, unless they make it to the Western Final.

Graham Kelly has covered the CFL for the Medicine Hat News for 51 years. Feedback for this column can be emailed to sports@medicinehatnews.com.