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Football night in Canada
REDBLACKS defensive back Antoine Pruneau answers questions after the game. PHOTO: ARTY HURST
Last Friday night was a perfect night for football. The skies were clear about an hour before the game as we entered Frank Clair Stadium, at the TD Place Field at Lansdowne Park in Ottawa. I recommend two things before you go to a game there: get your tickets now, and park early. The game was sold out, and the scalpers had a field day.
It is always a good idea to get to the game early. You have certainly heard that from me on many occasions. For a football game, it is mandatory. It takes a while for players to stretch for the game. Quarterbacks and receivers work on their timing. Linemen push and shove each other to try to get a good feel for the game. Punters and place kickers send booming efforts into the sky, from both ends of the field, to test the conditions. It is all about preparation.
The final result was in doubt until the last minute of the game. The Ottawa REDBLACKS moved down the field in their final possession, with a long pass to their wide receiver, Greg Ellingson. He hails from Tampa, Florida, and attended Florida International University. This is his third year in the CFL, his first with Ottawa. He caught almost a dozen balls in the game, and was the first star pick for Arty and me. His best play, however, was not a catch but a block. He steamrolled an Alouette defender with a crushing downfield block to help set up a touchdown for the REDBLACKS.
His teammate, Patrick Lavoie, scored on that same drive. We listened to the after-game commentary on the Ottawa sports radio station. Lavoie was thrilled with his contribution. The announcers criticized his post-touchdown celebration. Lavoie noted that he does not get into the end zone often. His last major score was in 2012, when he was playing for the Alouettes. He played his university football in Canada for the Laval Rouge et Or, capturing two Vanier Cups in the process. He hails from the Gaspé area, and promised to come up with a better shuffle after his next TD.
Henry Burris, the Ottawa quarterback, is the consummate professional. He chatted with several members of the Alouettes as he worked out before the game. He has seen his share of onrushing linemen in the CFL. A native of Oklahoma, he began his Canadian career in Calgary in 1998. He celebrated his 40th birthday in June. After the game, he joined the throng of fans on the field to celebrate the victory. All of the Ottawa players came out of the dressing room to join the fans. They signed autographs, spent time with family and friends. Many of the Canadian players met with former teammates from their university days. One fine party.
Both quarterbacks were outstanding. Rakeem Cato was at the helm for the Alouettes. The Florida native played in the Big South Conference for the Marshall Thundering Herd, and is in his rookie year for the Montreal squad. He did throw two balls that he regretted. The first was snagged by the Ottawa cornerback Brandon McDonald, snuffing out an Alouette drive. The second was picked off by Antoine Pruneau, a linebacker. I spoke with Pruneau after the game. It was the first interception of his career, in his sophomore season with the REDBLACKS. He was thrilled with the victory. “It was so good for us to get that win. It gives us momentum heading into the heart of the season.” Then he turned to another scribe and spoke French. He hails from Montreal, and attended university there.
It is certainly a bilingual affair. All announcements are given in both official languages, and many of the players on both of those teams are fluent in French and English. A good thing.
Many of the media played up the fact that Michael Sam was playing his first professional game. A defensive end, Sam was a controversial draft pick to the NFL in the United States when he declared that he was gay. He was unable to crack the roster in the NFL, and signed with the Alouettes as a free agent. He was used sparingly by Montreal, and did not lay a hand on Burris.
The REDBLACKS emerged from the game with a 4-2 record, thus completing one third of the schedule. They wrap up the season in early November. Playoffs continue until the Grey Cup game on November 29. That date was chosen because I celebrate my 70th birthday on that day. Thought you needed to know that.
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