EAST: Hamilton @ Winnipeg
This game was nothing like the semi-final matchup last week.
We all knew that the weather in Winnipeg would play a huge factor, and it did. The temperature at kick-off was below minus-20 with the wind chill.
All of the points scored in the first three quarters were aided by the wind.
The Bombers defence was all over the field, limiting the Ticats star running back Avon Cobourne to 28 rushing yards.
It was quite evident that Hamilton could not sustain any drives on offense. Perhaps they thought that after putting up 52 points last week against Montreal, they would do the same thing against Winnipeg.
But the Bombers’ defence has so much speed that it really eliminated Hamilton receivers Chris Williams and Bakari Grant, on top of shutting down Cobourne.
Buck Pierce played a solid game after missing a few weeks due to injury. But the first touchdown came from a pass by bacup quarterback Alex Brink to Jason Vega, a defensive end playing receiver on that particular play.
The MVP of this game was Winipeg running back Chris Garrett, who rushed for 190 yards and 1 TD. The Bombers O-line really got after the Ticats defense and they were able to run the ball at will.
This win for Winnipeg was a great way to say good-bye to Canad Inns stadium and also the last home game for one of the best defensive linemen in the CFL, Doug Brown.
Doug has been the heart and soul of the Bombers D for the last decade, but has yet to win a Grey Cup. It is fitting that he now has an opportunity to get the ring in his hometown next week in front of all his friends and family. It could make for a fairy tale ending!
As for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats…
After scoring 52 points last week against the defending champs, they were only able to score 3 points in the Eastern final.
I have to question whether they were exhausted and beat up from last week’s game. They just did not look like the same high energy team as the previous week.
This Hamilton team has been the most inconsistent team in the league this year and it finally caught up with them.
Congratulations to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, it’s nice to see another team represent the east this year.
For the Bombers…
Grey Cup week is unlike any other week. Enjoy the festivities, but don’t get consumed by it. Remember, it’s a business trip.
One more week of sacrifice could lead to a lifetime of memories.
WEST: Edmonton @ B.C.
In this game we knew that the weather would not be a factor in the newly renovated B.C.Place, where the Lions have been undefeated.
With over 40,000 fans, you could hear the crowd through your TV. The noise gave the Lions a nice home field advantage.
B.C. is by far the hottest team in the league this year, and I believe the turning point of the Lions season was when they acquired receiver Arland Bruce.
They came into this game very well rested, and it showed.
Paul McCallum, the league’s oldest player, made 4 field goals in the first half. Geroy Simon scored the 1st TD of the game with a one handed grab on a 53-yard bomb by Travis Lulay.
In a touching gesture, Simon gave the ball to long time athletic therapist Bill Reichelt, who’s son was killed in a car accident last week.
Andrew Harris had another spectacular game scoring 2 TD’s.
The Eskimos were penalized on numerous occasions, giving Lulay a few free plays which he capitalized on. They were called for 3 personal fouls in the first half, extending the Lions drives and giving them great field position.
Ricky Ray had a very tough outing. He threw 3 costly interceptions and was unable to get his team into the end zone until late in the 4th quarter.
Lulay put the game away with a 61 yard rushing TD late in the 4th quarter and B.C. now has the opportunity to win the Grey Cup at home.
The last team to do it was the Lions in 1994 against the Baltimore Stallions.
There is a nice storyline for Lions D-lineman, Brent Johnson. This could be his last game before he retires and the opportunity for him to win the Grey Cup at home is unbelievable.
Either way, Doug Brown or Brent Johnson, will be hoisting the cup next Sunday night.
My prediction: The B.C. Lions win the 99th Grey Cup in their own back yard.