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Winnipeg Free Press
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Montreal spirals while Elks spark life in Week 11
MONTREAL — The Toronto Argonauts will be playing three of their home games on the road in 2026, a necessary evil with BMO Field being used for the FIFA World Cup next year. While I understand the financial and logistical reasons behind this decision, it's hard not to feel for the Argos faithful. They're getting the short end of the stick, with their team effectively playing a 12-game road schedule compared to the usual nine. Talk about a competitive disadvantage. And it's not just any road games, either. Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS Montreal Alouettes fourth-string quarterback James Morgan will make his first career start in Thursday's game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The Argos will be 'hosting' games in three of the most hostile environments in the league: Winnipeg, Regina and Hamilton. You can already feel these raucous fan bases licking their lips, ready to cheer on their hometown team against what will feel like an intruding opponent. It's a bitter pill to swallow for a fan base that, while not the largest in the league, is passionate and deserves better. And I can't help but feel the league could have gotten more creative to achieve this goal. We've seen the B.C. Lions commit to playing two of their World Cup-affected games at undisclosed venues within the province. Why couldn't the Argos do something similar? It's been floated that they could play games in London or Guelph, or even a neutral site like Quebec City, which would have been a cool experience for all involved. But the team's owners at MLSE clearly have no interest in spending the money or taking on the significant logistical challenges that would entail. From a purely business perspective, it makes sense. It's likely more profitable to simply sell the home games to the other clubs or work out a revenue-sharing agreement that exceeds what they would generate from a home game at a neutral site. But it lacks a certain ambition, a willingness to truly invest in the fan experience and the league as a whole. It's also a missed opportunity to showcase the CFL in new, untapped markets, and you wonder if there's still time to change course. Now, let's get into what also caught my attention across the league in the latest edition of CFL Rundown. 1) I wrote earlier this week about the Winnipeg Blue Bombers signing of Demerio Houston and how it's a complex issue. But it's also an example of the CFL's unique approach to gender-based violence being on full display. Rather than taking a zero-tolerance stance and cutting a player loose following a charge, the league gave Houston the opportunity to earn a second chance. The CFL's policy, which I've covered in the past, including when the league vetted Johnny Manziel, prioritizes rehabilitation and victim support. Houston was required to undergo counselling and work with professionals. The process is designed to address the underlying issues and promote genuine behavioural change. In an age of quick-fix public relations, this approach is more difficult, but it's also more meaningful. It acknowledges that these are not simple issues and that lasting solutions require more than just a public dismissal. I hope Houston makes good use of his second chance. 2) Another tough break for the Ottawa Redblacks and quarterback Dru Brown. In a season defined by injury, Brown once again finds himself on the sidelines after taking a hit in the team's loss to the Bombers last week. It's a cruel twist of fate for a quarterback who has been the team's heartbeat and a key to their success since arriving in the nation's capital. With Brown behind centre, the Redblacks are a different team. Without him, and with Dustin Crum now taking the reins, they're just not the same. At 3-7, the Redblacks are running out of time to make a push for the playoffs. This latest blow to Brown's health feels like the final nail in the coffin for their 2025 campaign. 3) The Montreal Alouettes continue to spiral — losing in their last three games — as they look for their next trusted quarterback. Starter Davis Alexander, veteran McLeod Bethel-Thompson and now Caleb Evans are all on the six-game injured list, with Evans out for the year with a torn ACL. The revolving door under centre has put the team's playoff aspirations in trouble. Their fourth-string quarterback, James Morgan, showed flashes in relief work last week, throwing for over 200 yards and a touchdown without an interception. But relying on an unknown with limited experience and a newly signed Cameron Dukes is a recipe for disaster. The pressure now falls on the defence and special teams to carry the load until Alexander can return. 4) The Edmonton Elks finally have a pulse. Indeed, the Elks have suddenly shown signs of life, reeling off two straight victories to improve to 3-6. While that record is nothing to write home about, it puts them just four points back of the B.C. Lions for the final West Division playoff spot — and with a game in hand. The switch to Cody Fajardo at quarterback has been a massive success, bringing stability and a newfound hope to a franchise that has been the league's doormat for too long. With six of their final nine games against West opponents, the Elks have a legitimate chance to climb out of the hole they've dug for themselves. On the other side of the country, the Argonauts are now 2-8 and with a West crossover team a definite possibility for the East Division, it's going to take a heck of an effort to climb back into the playoff race. 5) Speaking of the Lions, they appear to have found their rhythm. After two tough losses to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Saskatchewan Roughriders that were decided by a combined 10 points, the Leos have rattled off back-to-back victories against the Ticats and the Alouettes. The team is finally gelling under the guidance of head coach Buck Pierce, who has instilled a culture of accountability and hard work that is now translating to on-field success. With quarterback Nathan Rourke playing at an elite level and running back James Butler providing a balanced attack, the Lions offence is becoming tough to stop. I wasn't too concerned about them at the beginning of the season, but with their recent surge, you'd be foolish to count them out now. 6) It feels like I'm writing about the how good the Roughriders are every week, and for good reason — they're the class of the CFL. Their recent win over the Tiger-Cats once again proved they're on a different level, getting contributions from all three phases of the game. Quarterback Trevor Harris has been the catalyst, playing spectacularly even while missing his top three receivers. It's truly a testament to his ability and the depth of the team. However, there's one significant area of concern and that's kicker Brett Lauther. He had another poor outing this past week — missing three field goals in the 29-19 victory. The Riders have now signed another kicker, inking Canadian Campbell Fair, so it will be interesting to see if they make a change. 7) With an impressive 6-3 record, the Calgary Stampeders currently hold the second spot in the West Division, but a lot is riding on their Week 12 matchup against the Roughriders. Coming off a bye, the Stamps will have to be at their best to stop the 8-1 Riders and maintain their cushion over the Bombers. A loss to the Riders, combined with a Bombers victory, would put both teams in a tie in the standings, making the race for the West playoffs even tighter. This isn't a must-win for Calgary, but it feels like it. Either way, it's undoubtedly the game of the week. Jeff HamiltonMultimedia producer Jeff Hamilton is a sports and investigative reporter. Jeff joined the Free Press newsroom in April 2015, and has been covering the local sports scene since graduating from Carleton University's journalism program in 2012. Read more about Jeff. Every piece of reporting Jeff produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Winnipeg Free Press
06-08-2025
- Climate
- Winnipeg Free Press
Climate change antagonist of Week 9
We have reached a point where climate change is playing a direct role in the CFL's weekly schedule. This past week, two games were delayed by lightning, while a third was threatened by dangerous air quality levels from nearby wildfires. I've started to get emails from family and friends wondering about the chances of a game being stalled or cancelled. These are just the latest reminders that the CFL is not immune to the ever-changing elements brought on by a warming climate. And given the rate at which games are being delayed, it's something that we're unfortunately but likely going to have to get used to. John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Two lightning delays — in back-to-back games on Saturday — and an air quality watch dominated the CFL headlines in Week 9. John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Two lightning delays — in back-to-back games on Saturday — and an air quality watch dominated the CFL headlines in Week 9. Earlier this season, in a Week 6 matchup between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Calgary Stampeders, there was a four-hour kick-off delay followed by a postponement due to heavy wildfire smoke in Regina. It was a frustrating and confusing night for players and fans, who were left in limbo while the league worked with its independent meteorologist system to determine a path forward. This isn't an easy problem to solve for a league with significantly fewer resources than the NFL. The CFL's primary focus will always be on player safety and the financial bottom line, which means fans might not get the kind of heads-up they'd prefer. The league has protocols in place for both lightning and air quality but, as we've learned, the situation can change by the minute. It's a delicate balance between providing a safe environment and delivering on a schedule that has a direct impact on revenue. As wildfires become more common and weather patterns more unpredictable, the CFL is going to have to get used to putting player safety first, even if it means delays and postponements become a regular occurrence. The CFL Players' Association is also a major stakeholder in these discussions. Indeed, the union is heavily involved in ensuring the league makes the right call and has a joint health and safety committee to review and update policies as needed. With players' well-being on the line, the CFLPA is a leading voice in advocating for caution, making sure that a safe playing environment is always the goal. The weather may be stealing some headlines, but there's still plenty happening on the field. So, let's dive into what else has caught my attention this past week in the latest edition of CFL Rundown. 1) After stumbling through the first half of the season, the Ottawa Redblacks desperately needed a win. Facing mounting pressure at 1-6, head coach Bob Dyce's team responded with a decisive 31-11 victory over the Stampeders. While Dru Brown was solid in his return, throwing for 225 yards and two touchdowns, the defence was the real story. They suffocated the Calgary offence, forcing three interceptions and holding the Stamps to just 11 points. The game-sealing moment came in the fourth quarter when Alijah McGhee returned an interception for a touchdown, bringing the team's total turnover count to four on the night. Sean Kilpatrick / THE CANADIAN PRESS Redblacks wide receiver Geno Lewis (front right) put up 100 yards on the Calgary Stampeders Thursday as Ottawa got a much-needed win. Sean Kilpatrick / THE CANADIAN PRESS Redblacks wide receiver Geno Lewis (front right) put up 100 yards on the Calgary Stampeders Thursday as Ottawa got a much-needed win. The Redblacks' record of 2-6 is still far from ideal, but this win stops the bleeding and gives them something to build on. 2) In his first CFL start, P.J. Walker showcased both the good and the bad of his game. While his stat line — 273 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions — won't turn many heads, it doesn't tell the whole story. Walker was down a few top-end receivers, but the ones that did play dropped several catchable passes that would have easily pushed him over the 300-yard mark and made the game a lot closer. Walker showed flashes of his dual-threat ability and a strong arm, giving Stampeder fans a glimpse of his potential. With Vernon Adams Jr. expected back from his concussion, Walker will return to a backup role, but his performance created an intrigue for more. 3) It looks like the Blue Bombers have finally found their next elite returner in Trey Vaval. Since letting Janarian Grant walk a couple of years ago, the team has struggled to find a consistent threat on special teams. But in a rematch with the Toronto Argonauts, Vaval delivered a breakout performance that will have highlight reels busy for weeks. He scored two return touchdowns — a 93-yard kickoff and a 97-yard punt. Vaval seemed more relieved than anything in the locker room after the game. It was a rare but refreshing display of honesty that called to mind Jerry Rice's Hall of Fame speech, where he admitted the pressure of the game made him miserable. Vaval has now proven he belongs, and it will be exciting to see how he builds on this standout effort. 4) In another milestone moment for a future Hall of Famer, Bo Levi Mitchell surpassed Doug Flutie for ninth place on the CFL's all-time passing yards list. It was fitting that Mitchell did it in a vintage performance, engineering a late-game comeback that culminated in a third passing touchdown with under two minutes to play. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats' 28-24 victory wouldn't have been possible without some crucial mistakes from the Edmonton Elks, including a Cody Fajardo interception and a costly dropped pass by Kaion Julien-Grant in the end zone. The loss was a devastating blow for the Elks, who needed a win in the worst way. At 1-6, they may already be looking ahead to next year, while the Ticats, improving to 6-2, take sole possession of first place in the East. 5) Following the win, Mitchell had some high praise for Fajardo in his post-game address, saying the Elks pivot has been 'working his ass off' and is 'one of, probably, the most disrespected quarterbacks in the last couple of years.' It's a sentiment that rings true as Fajardo has long faced criticism, even after silencing his doubters with a Grey Cup win with Montreal in '23. While the Elks have fallen just short in both of his starts, Fajardo has undoubtedly injected life into the struggling club. It's easy to say now, but you can't help but wonder where the Elks would be right now if they had started the season with Fajardo as their number one option behind centre. His play has shown that he still has plenty of gas left in the tank. 6) It may be a bitter pill for some to swallow in these parts, but it's time to admit the Roughriders are the best team in the CFL. At 7-1, following a convincing road victory over the Montreal Alouettes, the Riders have proven their talent and depth across all three phases of the game. With the Stampeders losing again, Saskatchewan has created some much-needed breathing room atop the West Division. Graham Hughes / THE CANADIAN PRESS Saskatchewan Roughriders wide receiver Tommy Nield (left) celebrates his touchdown against the Montreal Alouettes on Saturday with his teammate Joe Robustelli. Graham Hughes / THE CANADIAN PRESS Saskatchewan Roughriders wide receiver Tommy Nield (left) celebrates his touchdown against the Montreal Alouettes on Saturday with his teammate Joe Robustelli. The Riders now head into a bye week, but a daunting schedule awaits them. They will face the Tiger-Cats and the Stamps again before the annual home-and-home series against the rival Bombers. It will be a truest test of their mettle but, so far, they've been up to the challenge. 7) The Alouettes are back to being in a tough spot with McLeod Bethel-Thompson at the helm. After taking a shot at the CFL on TSN panel following a decent performance the week prior, Bethel-Thompson and the Als' offence laid a massive egg at home against the Roughriders. To illustrate how bad things were, the Als got no further into enemy territory than the Riders' 46-yard line. Saskatchewan's defence was absolutely dominant, holding Montreal to a dismal 169 yards of net offence — the lowest total by a Saskatchewan opponent since 2017. Montreal's only points came from two long field goals of 56 and 54 yards. With Davis Alexander still sidelined for a few more weeks, the Als are lucky to have built up a winning record, as it might not last long if this offensive production continues. Jeff HamiltonMultimedia producer Jeff Hamilton is a sports and investigative reporter. Jeff joined the Free Press newsroom in April 2015, and has been covering the local sports scene since graduating from Carleton University's journalism program in 2012. Read more about Jeff. Every piece of reporting Jeff produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Winnipeg Free Press
24-07-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Puzzling league decisions plagued Week 7
Friday night at Princess Auto Stadium was more than just a football game. When Milt Stegall, the legendary Winnipeg Blue Bombers receiver, appeared on the TSN panel, the sold-out crowd of more than 30,000 erupted. It was a moment I won't soon forget, and one that filled me with pride for our city. Just six weeks earlier, Stegall had endured an unimaginable loss with the sudden passing of his 20-year-old son Chase. His return to CFL on TSN was his first public appearance since the tragedy, and Winnipeg — the city where he spent a decade etching his name into the franchise's history books — responded with a powerful showing of love and support. John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS The Winnipeg Blue Bombers dodged a bullet this week after quarterback Zach Collaros (8) left the game on Friday against the Calgary Stampeders with a suspected concussion. Collaros has been practicing this week but listed on the injury report with a neck injury. Prompted by a heartfelt message on the Jumbotron, the entire stadium rose to its feet. What followed was a deafening roar in a collective embrace for a man who had given them so many fond memories. Stegall was visibly emotional, tears welling in his eyes as he absorbed the blue wave of affection. He later confessed that the moment ranked among the most cherished of his entire football career. That raw emotion and genuine bond between a city and athlete was a beautiful reminder of the unique relationship that exists in pro sports, especially in a league like the CFL, where players often become ingrained in the fabric of their communities. Perhaps no one embodies that more than Stegall and his lasting connection to Winnipeg. The city showed up for him when it mattered most, holding up one of its own with unwavering compassion and respect. Over my 10-plus years as a sports reporter, it was easily one of the most memorable moments of my career. To be present for such a genuine display of empathy felt like a privilege and it is permanently etched in my mind. The moment for Milt was a powerful reminder of the human side of sports and it's in that spirit that we turn to the rest of the league. Here's a look at what else stood out this week in the latest edition of CFL Rundown. 1) Davis Alexander's return for the Montreal Alouettes against the Toronto Argonauts, capped by a game-winning rushing touchdown, was completely overshadowed by the very injury he was battling. It was evident early on that Alexander wasn't 100 per cent, labouring whenever he was forced to escape the pocket. While he showed off his trademark determination in delivering a comeback victory, one has to question head coach Jason Maas' decision to bring him back against a 1-4 Argos team, particularly with Chad Kelly still sidelined. Alexander re-aggravated his hamstring and now faces another lengthy stint on the sidelines. The short-term gain of a win against a struggling opponent hardly seems worth the potential long-term setback for a franchise quarterback. 2) The Argos are in serious trouble after their loss to the Alouettes, a game in which they led by 19 points in the third quarter but saw that disappear in dramatic fashion to drop to 1-5. Things don't get any easier for Ryan Dinwiddie's club, with back-to-back games against the Bombers on deck. For Toronto to even entertain playoff aspirations, particularly with the increasing likelihood of a West Division crossover, nothing less than a split versus Winnipeg will suffice. The pressure is officially on in The Six. 3) Shawn Lemon's return to the CFL, after his gambling ban was lifted, sets a dangerous precedent and seriously questions the league's integrity. It's puzzling how the CFL, seemingly dead set on keeping Lemon out, reversed course under new commissioner Stewart Johnston. And while the CFL highlighted Lemon's remorse and commitment to 'helping other players learn from his mistake,' the Alouettes' press release on his signing failed to mention he first must serve a two-game suspension for a failed drug test. 4) The Calgary Stampeders are proving to be a force, arguably in their own tier in the CFL after a dominant three-game win streak that includes two impressive victories over the Bombers and another against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. This resurgence is not only great for creating parity in the league, it's also breathing new life into Calgary's notoriously fair-weather fanbase. The Red and White are giving their supporters plenty to cheer about and that energy is vital for the CFL's overall health. Edmonton Elks, it's you're turn. Spencer Colby / THE CANADIAN PRESS Ottawa Redblacks quarterback Dru Brown (3) left the game on Sunday after he was on the receiving end of a headshot from Hamilton Tiger-Cats defender DaShaun Amos. 5) Rookie receiver Damien Alford, the No. 1 pick in May's CFL draft, is quickly making a name for himself with the Stamps. Promoted after an injury to Clark Barnes, Alford has hauled in a pair of touchdowns in each of his last two games and five across the last three. While it's a bold prediction this early, it wouldn't be surprising to see him vying for both the league's Most Outstanding Rookie and Most Outstanding Canadian awards by season's end. 6) The Bombers dodged a major bullet this week. Zach Collaros exited the first half against Calgary with a suspected concussion, putting his future with the team in seemingly serious doubt. But Collaros returned to practice this week, recovered enough from what the team is calling a neck injury. That's good news for the Bombers, who simply aren't the same without their star quarterback. Also, what's the deal with Dillon Mitchell, a key off-season acquisition that continues to be a healthy scratch? The Bombers need all hands on deck and Mitchell's talent should not be wasted on the sidelines. 7) With the Ottawa Redblacks dropping to a dismal 1-6 and not looking at all competitive in their loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Saturday, could it be the end for head coach Bob Dyce? Dyce has coached for fewer than three seasons and boasts an overall record of 14-25-1. That doesn't exactly scream job security, and while he's had to deal with injuries, notably to quarterback Dru Brown, the expectations are high and patience is low for a winner in the nation's capital. The Redblacks are on the bye week, which is usually when a change is made. 8) Speaking of Brown, he was on the receiving end of a headshot from Ticats defender DaShaun Amos that knocked him from the game and added to his injury history. Amos got a clear lane off the edge, but when making the tackle, the crown of his helmet collided with Brown's helmet, sending his helmet flying and Brown to the locker room with a suspected concussion. The play resulted in a grade two roughing the passer penalty — pushing it from 15 to 25 yards — but Amos remained in the game. If we're going to reduce the number of headshots and long-term injuries, particularly to quarterbacks, the penalty has to be severe enough to prevent more from happening. Without a proper deterrence, we're just going to see more of this. 9) The Ticats have been turning heads with four straight victories, currently in top spot in the East Division. Despite being one of the hottest teams, with a prolific offence and improved defence, the Vegas oddsmakers have the B.C. Lions favoured at home. The Lions were brought back to earth in a loss to the Riders, and still have plenty to prove given two of their three wins this year have come against the lowly Edmonton Elks. Jeff HamiltonMultimedia producer Jeff Hamilton is a sports and investigative reporter. Jeff joined the Free Press newsroom in April 2015, and has been covering the local sports scene since graduating from Carleton University's journalism program in 2012. Read more about Jeff. Every piece of reporting Jeff produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Winnipeg Free Press
17-07-2025
- Climate
- Winnipeg Free Press
Top of the West crowded to start Week 7
Friday's matchup between the Calgary Stampeders and Saskatchewan Roughriders at Mosaic Stadium was supposed to be the must-watch game of the week in the CFL, with top spot up for grabs in the heavily competitive West Division. Instead, it became a frustrating, drawn-out saga, ultimately postponed due to hazardous air quality owing to northern Saskatchewan wildfires. While player safety must always be top priority, the league's handling of the situation exposed a glaring flaw in its current policy. The Air Quality Health Index was well above the required threshold of 7, hovering at a troubling 10+ in the hours leading up to kickoff. Despite these dangerous levels, the league and the CFL Players' Association — who jointly agreed on the policy — allowed the situation to drag on for hours, desperate that the skies would eventually clear. What began as a 45-minute delay quickly morphed into a seemingly endless series of postponements, pushing the final cancellation right up to 9:45 p.m. — nearly four hours after the scheduled kickoff. This prolonged uncertainty, with players stuck in limbo for as many as eight hours, presents a serious health risk. Even if the air had miraculously cleared by then, asking athletes to perform after such a lengthy period of idleness is unreasonable and unsafe. The current policy seems to allow for indefinite delays if a game hasn't officially started, and that needs to be addressed. Had the game already kicked off, a three-hour delay would have triggered an automatic cancellation, or at least given fans a reasonable expectation of what they were getting into. Common sense dictates that a similar timeline should apply to pre-game delays as well. Had the skies started to improve, the CFL said they would have been fine with warm-ups starting at 10:45 p.m., with an 11:15 p.m. kickoff. That's after 1 a.m. ET. The league has vowed to review its protocols when it comes to communicating with fans — a prudent move, as wildfires become more commonplace — but the core issue runs deeper. A more proactive approach, with a clear cut-off for pre-game delays, would have spared everyone a night of uncertainty and allowed for a much more sensible reschedule to Saturday afternoon. That's exactly what ended up happening, with the game starting at 2 p.m. the next day. The Stampeders, who had to sleep in university dorm rooms the night before, then added insult to injury with a convincing 24-10 win. Now, let's dive into the latest edition of CFL Rundown. 1) The Stampeders have continued to shift the narrative in the West. With wins against previously unbeaten teams in the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and then the Riders, it can be said with confidence that the Stamps are the best team in the CFL right now. It's an impressive resurgence for a team that had a lot of critics, me included, at the start of the year. But Calgary has proved all its doubters wrong through six weeks and are definitely a team to watch. I had mentioned a few columns ago that we would find out what the Stamps were truly made of during this current tough stretch on the schedule, which includes another date with Winnipeg this week. Given the success the Bombers have had coming off the bye, another victory over Winnipeg would only add to Calgary's serious intrigue. HEYWOOD YU / THE CANADIAN PRESS Saskatchewan defensive back Marcus Sayles (8) tackles Calgary receiver Tevin Jones (4) as he runs the football during the second half in Regina, on Saturday. The Stampeders defeated the Roughriders 24-10. Saskatchewan defensive back Marcus Sayles (8) tackles Calgary receiver Tevin Jones (4) as he runs the football during the second half in Regina, on Saturday. The Stampeders defeated the Roughriders 24-10. 2) I'm not going to say the Riders were exposed this week, as that would take away from their impressive 4-0 start. But Calgary did beat them up at times in this one, much like against Winnipeg, including taking a commanding 17-3 lead into halftime despite turnovers on its first two possessions. When Saskatchewan appeared to show some life to start the third quarter, scoring a touchdown to cut Calgary's lead to a touchdown, the Stamps answered back with an 81-yard score from Vernon Adams Jr. to rookie — and first overall pick in May's CFL draft — Damien Alford. But as much as Adams continues to find his groove, it's Calgary's defence that is carrying the load, averaging the fewest points against in the league. 3) Indeed, the top of the West is pretty crowded with strong starts for Calgary, Saskatchewan and Winnipeg. But there's another team trying to make their case and that's the B.C. Lions, who improved to 3-3 with their win over the Edmonton Elks. The Lions look much better with Nathan Rourke behind centre and their record proves that, with the Lions 3-1 when led by their star pivot. But I'm not sold just yet, not when you consider the Lions have two of their three victories against the lowly Elks, with the other being a win over the Montreal Alouettes. A victory against Montreal would usually be impressive, but it came on a last-second field goal and with Alouettes starting quarterback Davis Alexander sidelined. The Lions host the Riders Saturday night, so let's wait until next week before considering B.C. in the top tier with the three aforementioned clubs. 4) The good times certainly didn't last long for the Elks, who dropped to 1-4 following a listless effort against the visiting Lions. Edmonton injected some life into their season with a win over the Ottawa Redblacks the week before, but any momentum from that has vanished following their performance over the weekend. With the rest of the West distancing themselves in the standings, it might be time to replace quarterback Tre Ford with Cody Fajardo. Ford has shown flashes through five games but has proven to be far too inconsistent to bank your playoff hopes on. Something has got to give and with Ford mustering just 34 passing yards before getting yanked is just not going to cut it. Fajardo came in and promptly led the Elks to a touchdown, and, while it was garbage time, it also wasn't like the Lions were just giving away points. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and if the Elks are anything, it's desperate. 5) The Hamilton Tiger-Cats trailed pretty much the entire game, but credit to them for sticking with it and trusting the process, as they took the lead for good in the final two minutes to earn a 23-20 victory over the Redblacks. And a shout-out to receiver Kenny Lawler, who continues to produce at a torrid pace, with five of his seven touchdowns coming in the last two games. While Lawler has been a top receiver in the league for years, it's interesting to note that seven touchdowns is a career high. He had hit the six-TD mark twice before, most recently in 2023. Injuries have certainly affected those numbers, as Lawler hasn't played more than 13 games in a season since the truncated 2021 campaign owing to COVID-19. GEOFF ROBINS / THE CANADIAN PRESS Hamilton Tiger-Cats' receiver Kenny Lawler has racked up five of his seven league-leading touchdowns on the season in the last two games. GEOFF ROBINS / THE CANADIAN PRESS Hamilton Tiger-Cats' receiver Kenny Lawler has racked up five of his seven league-leading touchdowns on the season in the last two games. 6) The loss to Hamilton was the latest example of Ottawa finding new ways to shoot itself in the foot. That's been the story for the Redblacks all year, but particularly over its past three games, which have included losses to Hamilton, Edmonton and Toronto. While there's still plenty of season left to play, especially for those teams in the East, the Redblacks had high aspirations this year and if they hope to hold off a potential crossover from the West, they better get their act together sooner rather than later. They have Hamilton again this week and it feels like must-win territory in the nation's capital. I predict the Redblacks get their revenge on home turf, but it will require a big game from quarterback Dru Brown. I see this being an absolute shootout. 7) Toronto is back in action this week, but quarterback Chad Kelly remains sidelined as he continues to recover from a broken leg suffered last season. Argonauts head coach Ryan Dinwiddie, seemingly tired of giving weekly updates, proclaimed a month ago that Kelly wouldn't be back until at least Week 7. That deadline will have come and gone by the end of the week, putting another spotlight on Kelly's return. The Argos have been reeling without their starting quarterback, with backup Nick Arbuckle unable to create a significant spark on offence. It doesn't help that Alexander is on track this week to return from a hamstring injury that has forced him to miss the last two games. 8) I'm ending on a personal note. We lost a good friend and colleague last year in Ted Wyman, who passed in November following a brief battle with cancer. I scribbled some words about him for a profile in our Passages section this past Saturday. Ted and the CFL season are synonymous for me, having covered the Bombers together for seven years. No one loved covering the league more and nobody had more fun doing it. On hiatus The Free Press sports editor keeps you up to date on all that's happening on the ice, the field, the court, and places in between. Jeff HamiltonMultimedia producer Jeff Hamilton is a sports and investigative reporter. Jeff joined the Free Press newsroom in April 2015, and has been covering the local sports scene since graduating from Carleton University's journalism program in 2012. Read more about Jeff. Every piece of reporting Jeff produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Winnipeg Free Press
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
CFL Rundown: Stamps in the mix after dominant win over Bombers
While Week 5 in the Canadian Football League delivered some incredible action, it was impossible to ignore the ugly incident that marred the otherwise exciting finish between the B.C. Lions and Montreal Alouettes. The focus should have been on a nail-biting one-point decision for the Lions, capped by a game-winning field goal with zeroes on the clock. Instead, it was overshadowed by a bizarre and violent post-game melee near the Alouettes' locker room — reportedly sparked by B.C.'s Kemoko Turay and Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund from Montreal — involving several players and several punches thrown. Simply put, this is a black eye for the CFL. There's no place for this in professional sports, especially not in a league that prides itself on sportsmanship and community connection. To their credit, the CFL has recognized the seriousness of these actions, particularly when it comes to head shots. They've recently vowed to crack down on violators, including stiffening rules this season for offenders caught throwing punches — even those that don't connect. For those that do, regardless of whether it's an open hand or closed fist, it's an automatic ejection. This proactive stance was championed by the CFL and the CFL Players' Association as vital for player safety and to maintain the integrity of the game. However, a post-game scrum like the one witnessed Saturday night directly undermines this progress. Graham Hughes / THE CANADIAN PRESS B.C.'s Sean Whyte (right) celebrates his walk-off game-winning field goal on Saturday with his teammates. How Stewart Johnston handles discipline over the ensuring melee post-game between the Lions and Montreal Alouettes will be the new CFL commissioner's first big test at the helm. Graham Hughes / THE CANADIAN PRESS B.C.'s Sean Whyte (right) celebrates his walk-off game-winning field goal on Saturday with his teammates. How Stewart Johnston handles discipline over the ensuring melee post-game between the Lions and Montreal Alouettes will be the new CFL commissioner's first big test at the helm. Given the seemingly countless number of jabs and shoves that were exchanged, the league now faces a crucial test. Commissioner Stewart Johnston needs to take a hard stance against this behaviour with meaningful disciplinary action. This isn't just about punishing individuals; it's about setting a clear precedent that this behaviour won't fly. The integrity of the CFL, and the safety of its players, demands nothing less. Now, let's get into the latest edition of CFL Rundown. Jeff McIntosh / THE CANADIAN PRESS The Calgary Stampeders limited Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Brady Oliveira (right) to just 4.3 yards per carry in Thursday's game, down from his season average of 7.3 yards per carry. Jeff McIntosh / THE CANADIAN PRESS The Calgary Stampeders limited Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Brady Oliveira (right) to just 4.3 yards per carry in Thursday's game, down from his season average of 7.3 yards per carry. Jason Franson / THE CANADIAN PRESS Edmonton Elks quarterback Tre Ford (left) was solid in the team's first win of the season against the Ottawa Redblacks on Sunday, going 15-for-17 in passing for 212 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Jason Franson / THE CANADIAN PRESS Edmonton Elks quarterback Tre Ford (left) was solid in the team's first win of the season against the Ottawa Redblacks on Sunday, going 15-for-17 in passing for 212 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Winnipeg Blue Bombers 16 vs. Calgary Stampeders 37 Hamilton Tiger-Cats 51 vs. Toronto Argonauts 38 B.C. Lions 21 vs. Montreal Alouettes 20 Ottawa Redblacks 33 vs. Edmonton Elks 39 Week 6 Schedule: Friday, July 11: Calgary Stampeders at Saskatchewan Roughriders – 8:00 PM CT Saturday, July 12: Ottawa Redblacks at Hamilton Tiger-Cats – 6:00 PM CT Sunday, July 13: B.C. Lions at Edmonton Elks – 6:00 PM CT 2025 CFL Standings: East Division 1. Montreal 3-2 2. Hamilton 2-2 3. Toronto 1-4 4. Ottawa 1-4 West Division 1. Saskatchewan 4-0 2. Calgary 3-1 3. Winnipeg 3-1 4. B.C. 2-3 5. Edmonton 1-3 Jeff HamiltonMultimedia producer Jeff Hamilton is a sports and investigative reporter. Jeff joined the Free Press newsroom in April 2015, and has been covering the local sports scene since graduating from Carleton University's journalism program in 2012. Read more about Jeff. Every piece of reporting Jeff produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
