Thursday 26 November 2015

CFL Divisional Finals Review

Article by Duncan Gray


Sunday night saw the places in next weekend's Grey Cup claimed. The two form teams should make the climax to the CFL season memorable.

 

Hamilton Tiger-Cats 28 - 35 Ottawa Redblacks

The Eastern Division Final was a close game throughout which came down to a remarkable final two minutes. Trailing by seven the Hamilton quarterback Jeremiah Masoli connected with Luke Tasker on consecutive 22 yard passes. The second was one of the catches of the season, Tasker caught it in a full stretch dive in the end zone to level the score at 28 all. A minute later they TiCats had Ottawa in deep trouble, facing a second down and 25 on their own 17 yard line. Henry Burris threw a huge pass into the wind which Greg Ellingson leapt to catch just short of halfway. He avoided two Hamilton defenders and sprinted down the right hand side line for the touchdown. As the final minute played out the inexperienced Masoli couldn't produce any more magic and the Redblacks had gone from last year's worst team in the league to winning a place in the Grey Cup.
Highlights

 

 

Calgary Stampeders 31 - 45 Edmonton Eskimos

What was expected to be a hard defensive game actually developed into a quarterback passing battle as the Eskimos claimed the Western Final, the Alberta bragging rights and their first place in the Grey Cup for ten years. Edmonton's Mike Reilly passed for 370 yards and a touchdown to each of his three main targets, Adarius Bowman, Kenny Stafford and Derel Walker. On the Stampeders side Bo Levi Mitchell had 381 passing yards and two touchdowns, caught by Eric Rogers (as usual) and a receiver who stepped it up for the night, Joe West. Crucially, the Esk's defence restricted running back Jerome Messam to just 56 yards, perhaps Calgary having an improvised offensive line made it easier for them, and they were able to make the game safe with a 29 point lead by the fourth quarter.
Highlights

 

 

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