Grey Cup Recap,
My all-time Grey Cup moment

 

Grey Cup week has come and gone, however, the memories will last forever, as words cannot describe the emotions I had before, during, and after the game. But before I get to my Grey Cup recap, I must update everyone on the days leading up to the big game.

Last Friday morning, commissioner, Mark Cohon held the state of the address of the league to the media. As usual, Cohon totted the company line that the league’s television ratings were up, fan attendance was doing well, and that the league was on solid financial ground even during this dark economic period in the world. It was evident, that Cohon was irritated by the pressing questions of the NFL invading southern Ontario, and how it will affect the CFL. Cohon mentioned 2011 as the target date for the Ottawa expansion, and he revealed the potential idea of the Moncton, New Brunswick hosting a regular season game down the road. Overall, it seemed that the league is willing to open up their boundaries to expand, and that they will try to capitalize on the ever growing game of football in Canada. But the question remains, will Cohon be able to expand the league coast to coast?

 Leading up to the 96th edition of the Grey Cup, many football fans felt the game did not live up to expectations. But it proves that no matter who has home field advantage that it is has no bearing on the game, as the Calgary Stampeders were able to overcome the raucous Montreal crowd, and become the champions of 2008.

Early on, it seemed that the Alouettes had the upper hand controlling the game on both sides of the ball. Gradually, as the game progressed, the Stampeders were able to slow down the flow, and seize control of this duel. The halftime adjustment that turned the tide in favour for the Stampeders, was the coaching staff’s decision to allow quarterback, Henry Burris to run with the ball. It clearly showed that Alouettes were not prepared for the option run, as Burris dictated the pace that the Stamps were going to play, thus, forcing the Alouettes to play at their level. The Alouettes had opportunities to convert touchdowns inside the 20 yard line on numerous occasions, but came up short in the redzone. The run game was ineffective as Avon Cobourne was bottled up by the Stampeders defense. In hindsight, it was poetic justice for the ‘08 Grey Cup champions, as all week long they felt slighted especially at the awards ceremony last Thursday night where all the Stamps representatives were shut out, but in the end they had the last laugh as they won the ultimate prize on the Alouettes home football field.

In the post-game aftermath, the whispers of retirement was heard in the bowels of the Olympic Stadium, as to whether or not Anthony Calvillo, Ben Cahoon, or Bryan Chiu would hang up their cleats. I firmly believe that Calvillo, and Cahoon will be back. Calvillo expressed it will hinge on his wife, Alexia’s test results in January. But physically speaking, Calvillo was not banged up as in year’s past, and he could play for at least 2 more years depending on his family’s situation and how well he is feeling. Cahoon, it seems more optimistic he will come back next year, however, I think it will also depend on whether his trigger man, Calvillo is under center in 2009 to throw him the ball. The Alouettes have some pieces in place, but whether or not wide receiver, Jamal Richardson will test the NFL waters, the Alouettes will need to consider looking at obtaining depth at the skill positions especially if the likes of Cahoon, and Richardson decide to leave the organization. The one player, who might open some eyes in training camp in 2009, is quarterback, Chris Leak. He won the BCS championship in 2006 while playing quarterback at the University of Florida. His skills are well suited for the open CFL game and could flourish under the leadership and tutelage of Calvillo. He could inevitably become the heir apparent to Calvillo’s position.

Top-5 All-Time Grey Cup Moments:

5) In the ’96 Grey Cup between the Toronto Argonauts, and Edmonton Eskimos, the game was best defined by 2 moments. Eddie Brown making a fingertip catch down the sideline in the snow, and the Eskimos defense getting the short end of the stick on short yardage situation as they stopped the vaunted Argos offense but the referee ruled in-favour for the boatmen, boy, instant replay would have been ideal for that moment.

4) In the ’95 Grey Cup, the Baltimore Stallions became the first ever American franchise to win the Grey Cup as they beat Doug Flutie and the Calgary Stampeders in Regina, Saskatchewan. However, I never got to see the end of the game as my family friend’s television burnt out.

3) One summer night in 2007, my good friend, Dionne Shaffer told a bunch of us that her parents met at a Grey Cup party; from there it was poetry in-motion. Ever since that story, I always assume that there will be future couples who are meeting each other at various Grey Cup events across the nation.

2) The B.C. Lions, against all odds, defeated the heavily favoured Baltimore Stallions in the ’94 Grey Cup in what was pitted as Canada versus U.S.A.

1) Montreal’s own and Calgary Stampeders wide receiver, Jabari Arthur winning the Grey Cup, words could not describe the emotions he had on the Olympic Stadium football field as I conducted the interview with him, a priceless moment as he shared the celebrations with his family.