This week's Friday Night Football brought us another two
thrilling games that weren't decided until the last minute. There is still no
outstanding team in the league, four teams have three wins and even
Saskatchewan, who've lost all five, look like they might beat any team on the
day.
|
Calgary
|
26
|
Ottawa
|
29
|
|
Toronto
|
27
|
BC
|
30
|
|
Winnipeg
|
3
|
Edmonton
|
32
|
|
Hamilton
|
31
|
Saskatchewan
|
21
|
The Ottawa Redblacks supporters started getting on
the backs of their players early on Friday night. The Redblacks hadn't
scored in the first quarter of any game this season and against Calgary
Stampeders they were quickly 11-0 behind. Henry Burris was failing to
connect on long passes, receivers were dropping the shorter ones and the boos
had started. Then they broke the streak. Burris capped a 9 play drive with a 24
yard touchdown pass to Ernest Jackson. From there the game became a quarterback
duel with Burris and Bo Levi Mitchell both throwing for over 300 yards. The
highlight was an 84 yard touchdown by Chris Williams in the 4th
quarter which gave Ottawa their first lead by three points. Unfortunately for
them kicker Delbert Alvarado missed a couple of chances to improve the lead and
Calgary were able to equalise with a field goal. Overtime started with a disaster
for Calgary as they turned the ball over on the first play. Mitchell was sacked
and gave up a fumble, leaving the way open for Ottawa to move into field goal
range and for Alvarado to redeem himself with the winning kick. The Ottawa
crowd were a lot happier as they left for home.
BC Lions couldn't have had a better start to their
game. Three drives brought three touchdowns, two runs and one pass, all scored
by running back Andrew Harris. Between these the Lions defence intercepted the
other Harris, Toronto Argonauts' quarterback Trevor, twice. The
determination of this Argo's team has been impressive all season though and the
momentum started to swing on the next drive when Trevor Harris connected with
Kevin Elliott for a 54 yard TD. Their defence got a grip too and there would be
no more scoring from the Lion's until they managed a couple of fourth quarter
field goals. BC's Andrew Harris finished with a combined yardage of 129 yards
with his three touchdowns, but it was Trevor who came out on top as he led his
team to a comeback win. He completed 30 of 40 passes for 340 yards and two
touchdowns.
Edmonton Eskimos had another rain soaked game on
Saturday as they hosted Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Defences were on top into the third quarter with the score at only
4-3 to the Esks. Then both teams made changes at quarterback. For the Bombers
the change was forced, Drew Willy went off
after being hit high and low while being sacked. The Eskimos change was
tactical, Matt Nichols was pulled in favour of rookie James Franklin. The game
was all Edmonton from then. Their defence came up with two interceptions, last
week's rookie find Shervin Bell hit form and Franklin threw three touchdowns
from only eight passes. Expect there to be conversations about who starts at
quarterback for the Eskimos next week.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats completed their four game road
streak with a win at Mosaic Stadium over the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Hamilton's tailback C J Gable was back from the injury that has kept him
out since the preseason and he made a welcome return the offence, contributing
135 yards rushing and another 29 from passes. For the 'Riders of course this
was their fifth straight loss, the fourth at home, and will continue to be be
the big topic of discussion in Canada. Once again they were competitive in the
game, they had a seven point lead in the third quarter but they couldn't hold
onto it. When Hamilton scored twice in the final quarter Saskatchewan had no
answer. Having lost their quarterback Mike Reilly to a third quarter injury
didn't help. Hamilton have their first home game of the season to look forward
to next week, Saskatchewan face travelling to Edmonton who've won three in a
row.
Good Read!
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