CFL puts on a great show

by Fran Stuchbury
November 30, 2001 - Canadian Football League (CFL)

by Fran Stuchbury

The Calgary Stampeders won the 89th Grey Cup by defeating the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, 27-19, last Sunday. Montreal's Olympic Stadium was jam packed with 65,225 fans, the second largest crowd in Grey Cup history. Fans from all the CFL teams showed up at the game, including fans of the defunct the Baltimore Stallions the only US team to win a Grey Cup.

The majority of those in attendance were rooting for Calgary, which makes sense because Winnipeg is an east division rival to the hometown Montreal Alouettes. The turning point of the game was an 11-yard blocked punt by the Stampeders Aldi Henry that was returned 11 yards for a touchdown by teammate Willie Fells giving Calgary a 24-12 lead with 9:17 remaining.

Stampeders quarterback Marcus Crandell was named the Grey Cup MVP for his solid performance. He threw for 309 yards and two touchdowns. Crandell, a journeyman quarterback, has played in many leagues including the CFL, NFL, NFL Europe and the XFL. He now has to decide if he wants to re-sign with Calgary or try to make an NFL roster during the off-season.

Winnipeg passer Kahri Jones had a decent game throwing for 286 yards and two touchdowns. He was named the CFL's most outstanding player for the year after leading the Blue Bombers to a 14-4 regular season record. Like Crandell, he faces a similar decision on whether to sign with the NFL and be a backup or continue to be a star player in the CFL.

I was at the game and it was enjoyable to watch. As an American who had grown up on football, I had to keep in mind that in the CFL they only have three downs to move the chains, not the traditional four of the NFL and colleges. Consequently, there tends to be much more punting and shorter possessions for both teams.

The different style of play, which takes some getting used to, may have been one of the reasons why the CFL's experiment with America teams last decade wasn't successful except in Baltimore.

The CFL has a good product and it is obvious that the fans in Canada are very passionate about their football, with Olympic stadium having sold out very quickly.

Ottawa is getting a team back next year, furthering enthusiasm about the league. They new franchise will be called the Renegades and they have already sold 9,000 season tickets.

As a bonus, Canadian fans are seeing players like Jeff Garcia, now quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, move up to the NFL and become superstars.

If you are ever visiting Canada, it is worth checking out a CFL game. It makes for a great experience for any football fan.

Canadian Football League Stories from November 30, 2001

• CFL puts on a great show - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury

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