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Grey Cup Commentary

Montreal vs. B.C - 94th Grey Cup game

Comments (17)

Sunday, November 19, 2006 | 04:37 PM ET

By Jesse Campigotto

It's an event 94 years in the making. That's right, the 94th Grey Cup classic.

Of course, some are saying this year's CFL championship won't be such a classic. The West division champion B.C. Lions come in as prohibitive favourites over East champion Montreal. But don't count out Les Alouettes just yet. They've got the experience that comes with reaching their fifth Grey Cup in seven years. And since they've won the big game only once over that span, they've got the motivation of trying to avoid becoming the Buffalo Bills of the CFL.

Then again, B.C. had the league's best record, best offence and best player (wide receiver Geroy Simon) this season. Can they buck the tradition of the Grey Cup game being a close affair? Or are we headed for a Super Bowl-style blowout? All will be revealed today in Winnipeg.

Game over

Congrats to the B.C. Lions and their fans. Hope everyone at home enjoyed the game. See ya next season.

Game over

At least CBC viewers got it right: McCallum wins our Warrior of the Game.

Game over

Dickenson gets the outstanding player award, though he didn't even seem to think he deserved it. McCallum has to settle for the outstanding Canadian prize.

Game over

Always a fun scene to watch, whether it's the CFL or NHL: the traditional hoisting/passing of the Cup.

Game over

Stars of the game: McCallum (6/6 FG, 1/1 EP), Cahoon (11 rec, 137 yds), Dickenson (18/29, 184 yds; 6 rush, 53 yards).

Game over

The Montreal Alouettes: your losers of four Grey Cup games in the 21st century.

Game over

Final score: B.C. 25, Montreal 14. The B.C. Lions: your winners of the 94th Grey Cup.

Fourth quarter, 14:43

And that'll do it. Calvillo throws another incompletion, and the Lions get the ball back with 17 seconds left.

Fourth quarter, 14:36

Good chance for Montreal as Dave Stala breaks free in the back of the end zone, but Calvillo overthrows him and a diving Stala can't haul in the pass.

Fourth quarter, 14:15

Montreal is driving, but the Lions are content to let the Als receivers catch short passes up the middle. The clock is a-tickin'.

Fourth quarter, 13:17

B.C. 25, Montreal 14. On third down deep in their own territory, the Lions concede a safety so as to avoid giving Montreal good field position. Smart.

Fourth quarter, 12:40

Mark Lee informs us that Montreal's spotters saw the replay of the Edwards fumble and told Popp not to challenge.

Fourth quarter, 12:00

There it is: the second-best trophy in sports. A pair of Mounties carry the Grey Cup toward the field.

Fourth quarter, 11:30

Wow. Replays show Edwards may have been down before losing the ball. Unbelievably, Popp chooses not to challenge the call.

Fourth quarter, 10:54

Huge play by the B.C. defence. With Montreal at the Lions one-yard line, B.C. stuffs Robert Edwards, then strips him of the ball on the next play.

Fourth quarter, 6:28

B.C. 25, Montreal 12. McCallum drills a 47-yarder, tying a Grey Cup record with his sixth field goal of the night. He's booted himself into Warrior of the Game territory.

Fourth quarter, 5:03

Montreal can't get anything going after the B.C. field goal. After a short punt, the Lions will take over just inside Als territory. Good chance here for B.C. to put the game out of reach.

Fourth quarter, 4:17

B.C. 22, Montreal 12 McCallum makes what would have been his fifth field goal in five tries tonight, but Montreal is called for having too many men on the field. B.C. gets an automatic first down but can't do anything after that. McCallum then comes in to boot a shorter field goal and makes it. He's automatic tonight.

Third quarter, 15:00

A nice play by Dickenson to end the quarter, as he runs up the right sideline and avoids a tackler by diving and reaching the ball out for a first down. Dickenson has made some gutsy runs today for a guy who has been injured as often as he has. Right now he's my pick for Warrior of the Game.

Third quarter, 14:00

The Als look like a new team and, with a little more luck, could be poised to tie the game: Duane Butler just forced Smart to fumble his kickoff return, but B.C. recovered. Then Tim Strickland nearly intercepted Dickenson on the next play.

Third quarter, 13:00

B.C. 19, Montreal 12. We've got ourselves a game. Robert Edwards leaps into the end zone and manages to break the plane to bring Montreal within a converted TD.

Third quarter, 12:40

Only Hal Patterson (29) has more Grey Cup catches than Ben Cahoon (27). Who knew?

Third quarter, 8:47

B.C. 19, Montreal 5. McCallum concedes a safety, and resurgent Montreal is within two touchdowns.

Third quarter, 7:40

Great punt by Duval, who puts the ball out of bounds at the B.C. one-yard line. Montreal is looking improved all around.

Third quarter, 7:00

It seems Calvillo re-learned how to throw a spiral during halftime. He's looking much better in the second half. Maybe he was inspired by Nelly Furtado's referencing him in one of her songs.

Third quarter, 6:30

Montreal coach Jim Popp challenges the call (the first challenge in Grey Cup history) and wins. Montreal gets the ball near midfield, but it should have had a touchdown.

Third quarter, 6:30

Dickenson is brought down from behind by R-Kal Truluck (probably the greatest handle in CFL history) and fumbles the ball. Chip Cox scoops it up and runs it into the end zone, but the officials had blown the play dead, calling Dickenson down. Tough break for Montreal.

Third quarter, 2:40

CFL defensive player of the year and CBC Warrior of the Year Brent Johnson brings down Calvillo for his first sack of the game.

Third quarter, 1:00

Sorry Nelly, but if you ask me, the real Man-Eater in Winnipeg tonight is Adriano Belli (3 tackles, 1 sack).

Halftime

You asked, so I'll tell: in the first half McCallum made field goals from 34, 35, 24 and 30. Duval missed from 42 and made from 43. Also, reader Simon says the game is on NASN in merry *old* England, and not, as I wrote, NESN in less-merry *New* England.

Halftime

As Woody Boyd would say, Nellynellynellynellynellynellynellynelly....

Halftime

B.C. 19, Montreal 3. McCallum makes it 4-for-4. This 16-point lead could be insurmountable if the Montreal offence keeps playing the way it is and the B.C. defence keeps playing the way it is.

Second quarter, 14:20

Buried deep in his own territoy, Calvillo skips a wounded duck of a throw in front of a receiver. The Als QB hasn't looked sharp tonight.

Second quarter, 13:45

Play-by-play man Mark Lee informs us we're less than two minutes away from Nelly Furtado. I know I'm fired up.

Second quarter, 13:18

B.C. 16, Montreal 3. A Duval field goal puts the Als on the board. By the way, Cahoon has 67 yards receiving.

Second quarter, 13:00

You gotta love Ben Cahoon, who just made his fourth catch of the night. I know he doesn't look the part of an elite wide receiver, but it's about time everyone stops being surprised every time he makes a play. The guy has been an excellent receiver for a long time.

Second quarter, 12:00

One thing the Montreal defence has done well: contain Geroy Simon, who has only two catches for 21 yards.

Second quarter, 10:35

The Als offence finally gets something going, but Damon Duval misses a 47-yard field goal.

Second quarter, 7:00

On a punt return, Cobourn gets clotheslined by Floyd, his opponent during the pre-game trash-talk fest.

Second quarter, 6:10

Total yards: 192-45 in favour of B.C. And the Lions have the ball.

Second quarter, 5:00

One last thing about some comments sent in earlier: The CFL's website offers a web cast of the game (for a fee), and reader Simon W. says NESN out of New England is simulcasting CBC's coverage.

Second quarter, 4:13

B.C. 16, Montreal 0. Ian Smart runs the ball left, turns on the jets and flies in for a TD.

Second quarter, 3:20

Forgot to mention this when it happened, but McCallum pinned the Als inside their 5-yard line with a 51-yard punt out of bounds. He's our early MVP.

Second quarter, 2:40

The good news: The Als get their first first down. The bad news: it comes at their own 15.

Second quarter, 1:00

Reader Dee asks if the Grey Cup game is available in the U.S. I don't think so, unless you're close enough to Canada to pick up the CBC. But props for a) knowing the Grey Cup exists, and b) using the Canadian spelling for Grey.

First quarter, 15:00

The score is still close, but the Als are not looking well. They've yet to pick up a first down.

First quarter, 14:15

B.C. 9, Montreal 0. McCallum is 3-for-3.

First quarter, 13:10

Our first turnover of the night: Anthony Calvillo is sacked and fumbles in his own territory. Big opportunity for B.C.

First quarter, 13:00

We just got another look at that pre-game shouting match, courtesy of CBC's Mic'ed Up feature. The most amazing thing about the exchange: no f-bombs were dropped. I couldn't believe it when it was shown live, but upon further review, it's true.

First quarter, 12:26

B.C. 6, Montreal 0. Another McCallum field goal. Maybe B.C. isn't racking up points like many though, but they're moving the ball well and coming away with points.

First quarter, 12:00

Montreal's Adriano Belli sacks Pierce before unleashing an awkward and strangely disturbing celebration. It looked like he had about four different dances planned and couldn't decide which one to use, so he just mixed in all of them.

First quarter, 9:50

Jarious Jackson comes in to convert a third-and-inches. All three B.C. QBs have now seen action tonight.

First quarter, 6:38

Nothin' doin' for the Als on offence so far. They're forced to punt for the second time in two possessions.

First quarter, 4:49

B.C. 3, Montreal 0. The Lions settle for a Paul McCallum field goal.

First quarter, 4:30

B.C. fans needn't fret. After all, their backup (Buck Pierce) may be the second-best QB in the league. If you're a Ticats fan, that's just not fair.

First quarter, 3:50

As Lions fans hold their collective breath, oft-concussed QB Dave Dickenson scampers up the middle for a first down.

First quarter, 2:06

Two plays, two first downs for B.C.

First quarter, 1:04

An incompletion and a throwaway adds up to a two-and-out for the Als on their first possession.

First quarter, 0:05

The game-time wind chill: minus-7. The best part is that everyone is relieved that the Winnipeg weather is "co-operating."

Moments to kickoff

This could be a first: The fans just booed the Snowbirds for arriving late for their post-anthem flyover. Tough crowd.

2 minutes to kickoff

Some heated pre-game jawing at midfield between B.C.'s Otis Floyd and Montreal's Avon Cobourne, among others. Good job by the on-field cameramen of capturing the exchange from up close.

5 minutes to kickoff

I can't substantiate the comment below about Tom Brown, but thought I'd post it anyway. If it's true, best wishes to him.

8 minutes to kickoff

To reader Josh, who asked via the comment feature whether he can get this game on his computer:: not that I know of, but you can follow the action on this game blog (not nearly as good as watching the game, I condede). Also, the CFL website does a live gamecast if you want to see running stats.

15 minutes to kickoff

The CBC panel weighs in with a split decision. Flutie and Jones are calling Montreal, while Millington, Frers and Friedman say British Columbia will take the Grey Cup. I'll jump in with the majority.

20 minutes to kickoff

As alluded to earlier, oddsmakers have installed B.C. as an eight-point favourite. Seems a little low. On the other hand, everyone and his brother (or at least me and my brother) are predicting a B.C. blowout. Always a red flag.

30 minutes to kickoff

You'll never believe this, but it's really cold in Winnipeg this evening. The low for tonight is minus-10 celsius. For pre-game warmups a lot of guys are wearing those thin hood things under their helmets to keep warm. Nothing says Grey Cup in Winnipeg like those thin hood things.

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Comments (17)

Mavis L Williams

I am watching the Game on star choice ...way in the logging roads in BC .....Way to go BC Lions now we have to watch the Canucks win the Stanley Cup....

Yahoo

Posted November 19, 2006 09:28 PM

Fan in California

Go Lions Go!! Looks like the Lions are going to cash in after a great year - great to see!

From...a big CFL fan in California.

Posted November 19, 2006 08:57 PM

Steve F

I've got NESN on my cable and they're showing an outdoors show. I'm listening to the game on CJAD on the web. And its starting to get interesting

Posted November 19, 2006 08:37 PM

Peter

You are right about having a CFL team in Halifax with a regional name.

Pick a name

1. Atlantic Storm

2. Maritime Marauders

3. Halifax Roughriders

Posted November 19, 2006 08:37 PM

Jason

Edmonton

With McCallum kicking like this, I'd like to see B.C. go for some longer TD passes in the second half.

Posted November 19, 2006 08:01 PM

John Carser

Toronto

Who thought of that opener in a church with someone pretending to be a preacher and giving a "forecast" of the game??!! I must say that was very poor in taste. I walked into my family room and couldn't believe my ears/eyes!! I am very upset at the choice for "entertainment" made. What is next?...Let's see what else/who else we can make FUN of??!! I do not usually speak up, BUT enough is enough.

Posted November 19, 2006 07:59 PM

Greg

vtown

yeah ... same thing happened here ... tvu player just stopped their broadcast for some reason ... and the paying thingy you do on the cfl website ... check your bandwidth before you get dooped into that :S

Posted November 19, 2006 07:51 PM

Simon W

No no no! Not NESN in New England. NASN (North American Sports Network) in OLD England, eh?

Posted November 19, 2006 07:47 PM

martin

toronto

Furtado! Holy Nelly!

Posted November 19, 2006 07:47 PM

Ron MacGillivray

I'm wondering if you will ever see the C.F.L. team in Halifax N.S.ang have a real coast to coast Grey Cup?Even a Grey Cup game there would be a start.What are the powers to be afraid of Success! Yours truly Ron E.MacGillivray.

Posted November 19, 2006 07:46 PM

Dave

The local TV stn WTZT had the CFL on all season and had the Conf Championships on last week. Today, they have Andy Griffith and Grouch Marx and some other off the wall shows. You'd think ESPN wud have it.

Posted November 19, 2006 07:41 PM

Jason

Edmonton

Can you post the distances of all the field goals scored and missed in the 1st half?

Posted November 19, 2006 07:36 PM

Frank Paul

MedicineHat,Alberta

I think Montreal is going to have to play like they did in 05,it was that Montreal team that made me worry...that they were goin to take the cup.B.C. has there game in high gear and i would be very surprized if they lose.

Posted November 19, 2006 07:06 PM

Matt

Yes, Cahoon is getting manhandled, but when he is, he's giving up hoping for the flag. Play through it.

Posted November 19, 2006 06:50 PM

Simon W

Watching CBC coverage on NASN in England. Looks like BC all the way already. Surprised no TDs yet going into the 2nd.

Posted November 19, 2006 06:49 PM

steve

go lions go,in case no one knows former Lions great Tom Brown is in hospital recovering from a stroke,Please if you can send get well wishes to him.Not many players accomplished what he did.Please let him know his fans wish him a speedy recovery.does an1 remember what he did or what awards he won?GO BC GO,YES HE WILL BE WATCHING THE GAME.....THANKS

Posted November 19, 2006 05:52 PM

Josh

the crappy weather here knocked out the cbc channel is there any way to get the game on my computer

Posted November 19, 2006 05:46 PM