SUNDAY SPORTS

Former Giants receiver Plaxico Burress is headed back to New York -- but this time to the Jets. The 33-year-old caught the game-winning TD in the Giants' 2008 Super Bowl victory, before his career derailed after he accidentally shot himself in a New York nightclub. He was recently released from prison after serving 20 months on a gun charge.

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The Regina Red Sox host Weyburn in WMBL playoff action tonight at Currie Field. The Red Sox lead the Beavers 1-0 in their best-of-5 first round series. First pitch at Currie Field is 7:05pm.

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A big day at Rogers Centre for former Blue Jays star Roberto
Alomar. The recently inducted Hall of Famer will have his No. 12 jersey retired prior to Toronto's series finale against the Texas Rangers. He is the first member in the 35-year history of the franchise to have his number taken out of circulation.

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With baseball's trade deadline only hours away, the Atlanta
Braves pulled the trigger on a deal to add some speed. The Braves acquired outfielder Michael Bourn from the Houston Astros in a five-player swap. The 28-year-old Bourn, a two-time Gold Glove winner, is hitting .303 and leads the majors with 39 stolen bases.

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Yani Tseng won her fifth major title after capturing the Women's British Open by four strokes. The top-ranked Taiwanese shot a 69 to total 16-under 272. Charlottetown's Lorie Kane closed with a 71 and tied for 43rd.

(With files from Canadian Press)

STAMPEDERS 22 ROUGHRIDERS 18

REGINA -- The Calgary Stampeders won a second-place showdown at a sold-out Mosaic Stadium Saturday night, knocking off Saskatchewan 22-18 to improve to 3-2 and drop the Riders to 1-4.

The Stamps led 3-0 after the first quarter, 13-8 at halftime and 19-15 going into the fourth quarter.  Darian Durant and Weston Dressler scored the Rider touchdowns as the club dropped to 0-3 on home field. Henry Burris scored the lone Stamps TD while Rene Parades kicked four field goals for the winners.

POSTGAME QUOTES FROM RIDER HEAD COACH GREG MARSHALL

- I just think Calgary did a little better job of taking advantage of opportunities whether it was field position or moving the sticks. We missed some tackles and dropped some passes. We missed a block where we could have had more yardage. I liked our effort, they worked together and supported one another. We just couldn’t make that one play to get over that hump. We caught a break on Weston’s touchdown and I thought we’d see some momentum but we couldn’t get going after that.

- Eddie had a great night and the frustration of the night really, probably, was typified when he boomed it down the middle. We thought we’d get it over their heads but we didn’t get a point. That typified our night. We fought all night uphill and just couldn’t get over the hump.

- That play before the half hurt us. We can’t make that mistake. Those three points they got were big in the grand scheme of things. I almost called a time out there but I trusted our offense to get the play off.

- Wes was never gonna play. I played coy I guess. If I can hide a guy, I’m gonna do it. Hugh Charles did some good things. He was impatient at times but he did a good job in the protection. We could’ve used Wes as a receiver a little better if he was in there but overall Hugh did a good job.

- I think we played well the past two weeks but unfortunately we’re 1-1. We need to play better in certain areas. I like they way they worked and competed and we’ll be better. I know people are frustrated but no more than us. It’s a long season and I stress that a lot. We can’t panic. I see us getting better.

**The 1-4 Riders visit the 0-5 BC Lions Friday night at Empire Field in Vancouver.

Don't forget to phone in your comments to the Sports Cage After Hours Hotline at 546-CAGE. The best calls will be aired on the Sports Cage on our next show on Tuesday.

RED SOX UP 1-0

Shawn Wilyman was the winning pitcher as the Regina Red Sox knocked off the Weyburn Beavers 6-5 Saturday at Currie Field to take a 1-0 lead in their best-of-5 WMBL first round series.  Game 2 goes Sunday in Regina.

LIONS OFFICIALLY ADD KORNEGAY

(Vancouver) The BC Lions Football Club announced today the following players have been added to the practice roster:
 
Tad Kornegay – DB – Fordham

The next BC Lions home game is Friday, August 5th versus the Saskatchewan Roughriders at 7:30 pm. Fans can catch all the action on the home of BC Lions football, TEAM1410 beginning the pre-game show at 5:30 pm.

GAME DAY! STAMPS-RIDERS PREVEW

CALGARY (2-2) AT SASKATCHEWAN (1-3), 7:30 PM TONIGHT
TSN, CKRM RIDER RADIO NETWORK
*Pregame coverage begins at 5:00 pm on 620 CKRM

RIDERS: HOME 0-2, VS WEST 0-1
STAMPS: ROAD 2-0, VS WEST 1-1

RIDER OFFENSE: RUSH 6TH, PASS 6TH, OVERALL 6TH
Darian Durant (884 yds, 4 TDs, 6 INTs) is the league's 6th-leading passer ... Weston Dressler (286 rec yds) leads the team and is 5th in the league ... Wes Cates (217 rush yards) is 5th in the league but is doubtful to play in tonight's game.

STAMPS OFFENSE: RUSH 5TH, PASS 4TH, OVERALL 3RD
Henry Burris (1146 yds, 6 TDs, 4 INTs) is the league's 3rd-leading passer ... Nik Lewis (299 rec yards) is 4th in the league while Joffrey Reynolds (182 rush yds) is 6th in the CFL.

RIDER DEFENSE:  RUSH 5TH, PASS 6TH, OVERALL 6TH
Barrin Simpson leads the club with three sacks while four players each have one interception to lead the club ... The Riders have the fewest sacks in the CFL (4) and have allowed the most points in the league.

STAMPS DEFENSE: RUSH 3RD, PASS 2ND, OVERALL 2ND
DBs Keon Raymond and Geoff Tisdale lead the team and league with two interceptions each ... Several Stamps are tied for the team lead with one sack each ... The Stamps have allowed the 5th-most points in the league and are sixth in sacks with five.

RIDER SPECIAL TEAMS: My favourite Rider, K Eddie Johnson, is among the league leaders in field goal percentage at 88.9% and his punting average of 42.0 is 5th ... Tristan Jackson has returned every single punt opportunity for the Riders this year with a 4.5 yard average and he has a 26.2 yard KOR average on 11 returns.

STAMPS SPECIAL TEAMS:  Rookie K Rene Parades is 5/8 on field goals and punter Burke Dales has a 45.0 average which leads the league ... Former Alouette Larry Taylor is their featured returner.

INTANGIBLES:  Both teams are minus in the turnover ratio.  The Stamps are -3 which is 6th in the league and the Riders are 7th at -6 ... The Stamps are the most penalized team in the CFL while the Riders are 5th ... The game forecast calls for sunshine and 20 degrees Celsius at kickoff time tonight with a northwest wind at 10 km/h.

RED SOX OPEN PLAYOFFS TODAY AT HOME

The WMBL regular season champion Regina Red Sox open the playoffs this afternoon at 2:00 in Regina against the Weyburn Beavers.   It's game 1 of a best-of-5 WMBL East Division showdown.  Game 2 of the series goes Sunday evening at 7:00 pm also at Currie Field.

ESKIMOS 26 ARGOS 25

The Edmonton Eskimos are 5-0 for the first time since 1980. Trailing much of Friday's home game against Toronto, the Eskimos rallied late in the fourth quarter for a remarkable comeback victory. Former Saskatchewan Huskies kicker Grant Shaw attempted a 57-yard kick into the wind in the dying seconds to win the game for the Argos, but the boot came up short. The Eskimos are the CFL's only unbeaten team while the Argos drop to 1-4.

There's no question the Argos were hosed by bizarre officiating in this game and there were several instances where iffy calls went against them.  None moreso than just before halftime when the Argos thought they stuffed the Eskimos on back-to-back goal line stands and ran out the clock.  They left the field for the break but were summoned back from the locker room for one more play, a play which resulted in Edmonton quarterback Kerry Joseph getting into the endzone.  The TSN analysts at halftime called the incident "a first".

"I have no comment about anything except the football game," Argo coach Jim Barker said after the match.  "If you want to talke about that, talk to Mr. Cohon."

CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon fined Barker $1000 for comments criticizing officiating after the Argos' Week 4 game.

TICATS 34 ALOUETTES 26

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are on a three-game winning streak. The Ticats defeated Montreal 34-26 Friday night to tie the Alouettes for second place in the CFL's East Division. Kevin Glenn threw two touchdown passes to Dave Stala including a 58-yard strike in the fourth quarter that thrilled the crowd at Ivor Wynne Stadium. Both teams are 3-2.
(CP)

FOUR SEASONS FOOTBALL FRIDAY PODCAST

SportsCage 7-29-2011 4;09;01 PM by ridervoice

HENRY BURRIS AUDIO

The Calgary Stampeders arrived in Regina Friday afternoon, primed for Saturday night's clash with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Here's the audio of Stamps QB Henry Burris from the media session:

BURRIS by ridervoice

GREG MARSHALL PREGAME NOTES/QUOTES

The Riders host the Calgary Stampeders Saturday night at 7:30 pm. Here are some pregame quotes from Rider head coach Greg Marshall from Friday's news conference:

- RB Wes Cates will be a game time decision

- Not sure on which play Cates got injured in Montreal.

- The determining factor tomorrow will be if Cates can run.

- The late kickoff doesn't make a difference regarding Cates' status.

- Back-up back Hugh Charles will play regardless.

- More positive atmosphere around here this week as the players were feeling the pressure of the 0-3 start. That's behind us.

- It's strange to be in a position like this, facing a second place showdown given their start. It's a long season and there's lots of chances to right the ship. The Riders play Calgary four times and we'd like to get a jump on them early in the season series.

- CGY DC Chris Jones doesn't change much on defense although they've mixed and match personnel. They haven't blitzed as much as in the past. They disrupt offenses.

- On last night's Bomber game (25-20 W vs BC), you've got to tip your cap to the Bombers. They started slow and must've been drained but they rallied. Marshall was really rooting for Doug Brown to get a sack. It was good to see Brown smile after the game.

FRIDAY RODSERVATIONS

Welcome to our weekly collection of notes, quotes and observations from the week that was.  Oh yah, and photos too.   Thank you so much for the photos!  They make everybody's day.  That's where we'll start today:

Regina's Quinn Anderson poses in her favourite player's jersey out front of McMahon Stadium this week.  They're on their way to Fairmont for a family vacation.   Her Dad Aaron is a great friend of mine and sent in the photo..

It must be Father-Rider Fan week.  Dave Wilson sent this photo of his son Jesse enduring the debacle in Hamilton two weeks ago.

Broadcaster Brian Munz, wife Lindsay and new son Jack stopped through Regina last week on their way from Winnipeg to Edmonton.   Remember when Munzie got me all that Stars stuff when he was in Dallas?  I got little Jack his first-ever Rider jersey and his Dad sent me this photo.  That kid NEVER stops smiling.

And another from the blog mailbag:
Hi Rod,

We just wanted to show you a picture of our newest good luck charm. She was born just in time to get her Rider gear on and watch the Riders beat the Als!
Dave and Liz from Swift Current.

Please send me your Rider Pride pics at sportscage@620ckrm.com.
---
 
Okay now let's get down to business...
 
- There's one thing those photos show me: this football team has made us laugh, cry, get angry, and experience all other emotions over the years.  That's why you love them.  The Riders.
 
- Last night, in the span of one game, we saw why the Winnipeg Blue Bombers signed Buck Pierce and the B.C. Lions released him.   He's a marvellous quarterback, but has a very tough time finishing a game.  Kudos to the Bombers for the 25-20 win over B.C., and their 4-1 record.  It's been entertaining to watch Joe Mack and Paul LaPolice overhaul that franchise.
 
- I enjoy TSN's broadcasting tandem of Gord Miller and Matt Dunigan.  Although Gord is 90% a hockey guy, he did plenty of CFL broadcasts for TSN in the 90s.   His knowledge of the rules is remarkable given the fact he's not a full-time football broadcaster.   And Matt Dunigan gets criticized but he reminds me a lot of those NCAA football colour guys.  He's got lots of energy and great insight.   When he yells BAM! or WHACK! it reminds me of those old Batman episodes.  They do a great job together.
 
- Henry Burris and the Calgary Stampeders get into town this afternoon and will face the Riders tomorrow night at Mosaic Stadium in a 7:30 showdown for second-place.  YESSSSSSSS!  Can't wait to see Hank and interview him for my Rogers Sportsnet story which will air tonight.  And I bet YOU can't wait to heckle the Smilin' One tomorrow night.
 
"I'm trying to figure out whey they boo me," Burris told the Calgary Herald's Vicki Hall, a Regina girl.  "I didn't win the Grey Cup there.  Kerry Joseph did.  Darian Durant has taken them to two straight Grey Cups.
 
"I don't know why they haven't forgotten about me ... I know they're waiting to boo me.  But I won't boo them before they boo me."
 
*Presumably Henry is saying why is the Rider Nation so fixated on him?  He's saying his time here wasn't that memorable, in terms of success.
 
- Gene Makowsky will tie Roger Aldag for career games played tomorrow night at 271.  That's the most in Rider history.  Rider offensive line coach Steve Buratto coached both of those men, and remember's Eugene's first CFL game.
 
"His first start was against a team I was coaching in Baltimore in 1994," Buratto said this week.  "He played against some pretty good football players and mentioned that he had a pretty rugged day!  He overcame that and kept getting better and better.  You learn how to prepare for games and Gene has a way about it that are things he's taught himself over all these years."
 
- The Mack Truck Roger Aldag will join Scott Schultz and me on FOUR SEASONS FOOTBALL FRIDAY this afternoon on 620 CKRM to discuss his record falling.
 
- Happy birthday to Damon Allen!
 
- You can follow Gary Etcheverry on Twitter @coachEtch.
 
- You can follow me on Twitter @sportscage.
 
- CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon was on Winnipeg's Sportsradio 1290 yesterday on the Hustler & Lawless show.  He reported that last season 50% of games were decided in the last three minutes.  This year only 10% have been.
 
- Chicago Bears camp is underway.  I'll be checking http://www.espnchicago.com/ for the latest Andy Fantuz updates.
 
- Sportsnet's Arash Madani was on the Sports Cage yesterday and said "The release of Andy Fantuz is not imminent".
 
- Just when I thought Eric Tillman had vanished, the Edmonton Eskimo GM pops up in a Toronto Sun column written by Steve Simmons.  Eric was asked about the Eskimos' astonishing 4-0 start.
 
"It's been good, really good," Tillman said.  "There were questions about me being hired, questions about Kavis being hired, questions about Marcus Crandell being hired.
 
"I feel very fortunate.  We have a city hungering for success, a rich history, a proud tradition.  A tradition we're very respectful of.  All of us are very fortunate to be here.  This is a place that cares about its football team and wants to be successful."
 
- Are you a football fan or just a Rider fan?   If you love football, get you Regina Thunder PFC season tickets this week at Scotty Livingstone Field during the club's 2011 training camp.  They're cheap, cheap, cheap and it's great football.  The Thunder are coming off a 6-2 season and an appearance in the league championship game.
 
-  Hockey?  With the Regina Pats' hiring of Pat Conacher, that means all WHL coaching vacancies have been filled.   While not a big man, Conacher has a presence.   When he walked into that news conference at Crave on Tuesday, everyone sat up and took notice.   I envisioned what it would be like when he walks into that Pats' dressing room and that door swings closed behind him.  He'll have the players' attention for sure.  He spoke most about creating a new culture before he does anything else.  It's a big job but he appears up for it.

- The Edmonton Journal reports Craig MacTavish is poised to become head coach of the AHL's Chicago Wolves.
 
- With the coaches in the NHL and WHL all in place, now the broadcasters are moving around.  The hot rumour on the street this week is that Saskatoon Blades voice Les Lazurak will head to Winnipeg to broadcast Jets games on radio and Peter Loubardias could be in line to call Blades games (if he doesn't land an NHL job).
 
- Roger Millions has reportedly let it be known he's interested in the Jets TV play-by-play job.
 
- On Thursday the Prince George Cougars announced they've hired Dan O'Connor as the Cougars Director of Broadcasting and Sales and play-by-play broadcaster.  If his name sounds familiar, it should.  O'Connor called North Battlefords North Stars of the SJHL games for the past four seasons.  He's a 26-year old product of Tsawwassen, BC.
 
- On Monday the Everett Silvertips announced they've hired Travis Huntington as their new play-by-play man.  The 28-year old product of Platteville, Colorado spent the previous four seasons calling games for the CHL's Shreveport Mudbugs.   He'll think he's died and gone to heaven.
 
- This blogger still thinks it's a joke the Edmonton Oilers hired an American for their radio job, considering American jobs aren't open to Canadians.
 
- Optimism is contagious.  See some at http://www.brewsomegood.ca/.
 
- On the Sports Cage yesterday we put out a call to restaurants to provide gift certificates to our Sports Cage guests for their appearances on the show.  For doing so you'll get free plugs on Saskatchewan's top-rated sports talk show, plus here on the blog.  No surprise the Press Box Sports Bar answered the call and provided a stack of gc's for our guests.   If YOUR restaurant wants to do the same, email the show host at sportscage@620ckrm.com.
 
- Is it possible to give one-and-a-half thumbs up for a movie?  That's what I'd give Horrible Bosses which we saw Wednesday night.  Good, not great.  However I'd suggest you go see it to see Jennifer Aniston in a role you've never seen her in before!  However quite honestly I thought I was going into the theatre to see the Jason Bateman movie where he switches lives with Ryan Reynolds.   Actors shouldn't star in two movies at the same time.
 
- The Tim Horton's at Harbour Landing is no longer a secret.  It's habitually lined up out the door.  Sigh.... Back to Starbucks.
 
 - Do you wear sunglass strings?   If so do you take abuse?  Good grief I get a ton for wearing nylon strings on my Oakleys.  If they're SO 80s, and so out of date, why can you still buy them?
 
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND AND WE'LL SEE YOU AT THE GAME
RP

BOMBERS 25 LIONS 20

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers honoured the memory of assistant coach Richard Harris by topping the BC Lions 25-20 Thursday night at Canad Inns Stadium.  With the victory the Bombers improved to a CFL East Division-best 4-1 while Wally Buono's Lions tumbled to 0-5, their worst start since 1996.

Quarterback Alex Brink threw his first touchdown pass of the 2011 season when he found Terrence Edwards for a 22-yard score with 4:16 to play, providing the winning points.  Brink came on in relief of starting pivot Buck Pierce who left the game with injury in the third quarter.

Paul McCallum accounted for the bulk of B.C.'s points going 4/4 on field goals and adding a rouge.  Running back Jamal Robertson scored the Lions' lone major.

Week 5 in the CFL continues Friday with a doubleheader beginning with Montreal (3-1) at Hamilton (2-2) followed by Toronto (1-3) at Edmonton (4-0).  Week 5 closes with the Saskatchewan Roughriders (1-3) home to the Calgary Stampeders (2-2) Saturday night at 7:30 at Mosaic Stadium.

THURSDAY SPORTS CAGE PODCAST

It was a lot of football talk on Thursday's show for Prairie Mobile Communications. Here's a selection of interviews beginning with Rider SB Weston Dressler, followed by Mike Wobschall of the Minnesota Vikings:

Weston Dressler by ridervoice

Wobshall by ridervoice

THURSDAY RIDER UPDATE

Roughriders' leading rusher Wes Cates has missed the past two days of practice and his status is in doubt for Saturday's home game against the Calgary Stampeders (7:30 pm, TSN, CKRM Rider Radio Network).  Rider coach Greg Marshall spoke about Cates and other things after Thursday's workout:

ON CATES

We're still waiting to see.  We sat him out again today, we talked and he's better.  We just felt with one more day's rest, we'd make the final call tomorrow.  If he can't go the other two guys have gotten the work (Hugh Charles and Brandon West) so either way we're prepared.

ON THE NATURE OF THE INJURY

He's injured.  You want me to draw a target?  No I'm not going to draw a target.  (*He smiled when he said this)

ON RB HUGH CHARLES

If Hugh's the guy that goes this week, we expect big things from him.  He's done a good job with limited opportunities, he's an explosive runner and is good catching the ball out of the backfield.  The area he's improved the most this year is pass protection.

ON ROTATING BACKS WITH BRANDON WEST

We'll probably do similar to what we did last week rotation-wise.  Wes got the bulk of it but Hugh got some work and whoever the two guys are, we'll continue with that pattern probably.  It was a good change-up and if we're gonna have two guys on the roster you gotta use them.  It worked out well and was a good change of pace.

ON THE STAMPS WITHOUT CB'S BROWNER AND ANDERSON

They're still playing a very similar style but you're talking about all-star calibre players.  They're going through a little but of growing pains but I don't see a whole lot of difference.  They've got some good players and I know Geoff Tisdale from Hamilton.  He's a very good football player.  It might be a little quieter in the secondary but that remains to be seen when we play.

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RIDER RB HUGH CHARLES QUOTES

ON GETTING HIS CHANCE

I've had patience the past three years.  This opportunity isn't any different.  I'm just going to take it and run with it.  I had a chance to start two games in 09 when Wes was down.  I need to get the job done.  I don't if I can make a bigger impact from then, maybe for myself.  As for the team and being a starter for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Wes is the experienced one but I can get on the roster more if I go out this week and make an impact.

ON HIS FUMBLE IN MONTREAL

That definitely lingers in your head.  It's unfortunate that happened in the wrong time of the game.  I've gotta throw it out and know there's another down to play and if I'm the starter I'll have to step up to the plate.  I knew the situation, knew we were running down the clock.  I have just have to be more conscious of hanging onto the ball.

PATS-BLAZERS TRADE

Regina, Saskatchewan – Regina Pats General Manager, Chad Lang is proud to announce the acquisition of 19 year old defenceman, Brandon Underwood, from the Kamloops Blazers in exchange for a 4th round pick in the 2012 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft.

Brandon is a 6’3” 210 pound rearguard from San Marcos, California and will be entering his 4th season in the WHL. With the Blazers last season, he played in 58 games picking up 10 assists while racking up 97 minutes in penalties.

Regina Pats General Manager, Chad Lang “We are happy to have the opportunity to add Brandon to our line-up. He will provide experience and size which are areas we were looking to address this off season.”

THE YORK REPORT

Veteran CFL Columnist Marty York

TORONTO:  The biggest loser in the Canadian Football League so far this season?

David Braley, irrefutably.

I mean, think about it.

Braley is the only dude in the CFL who has seven losses in eight games.

In fact, the two teams he owns -- the Toronto Argonauts (1-3) and the BC Lions (0-4) -- both occupy the cellars of their respective divisions and, combined, have lost seven consecutive games.

I've been wondering how Braley has the nerve to stand on the sidelines with these teams. He should be wearing a bag on his head somewhere instead of showcasing himself on the sidelines.

If I were him, I'd be:
A) Terribly ashamed.
B) Annoyed.
C) Contemplating a firing or two.

Silly as it sounds, I'm told Braley is seriously considering the idea of firing Wally Buono as the general manager and/or head coach of the B.C. Lions.

This sounds silly because Wally is the most successful head coach in the long history of the Canadian Football League. He has more wins than any coach in CFL history. He has, over the years, been described without hesitation by many astute CFL followers as everything from a CFL genius to a CFL guru to a CFL maven.

This season, however, he is none of the above. He is, as former CFL receiver Milt Stegall opined on TSN the other day, a has-been. Stegall stuck his neck out the way no other TSN type would dare and suggested that Buono be fired.

This is what happens when you jump off to the type of start the Lions have. 

Actually, the Lions haven't finished with an above-.500 record since 2008.

And so Wally's world isn't what it used to be and it could include unemployment soon if Braley takes Stegall's advice, as I'm told he might as soon as this weekend if the Lions turn in another clunker in Winnipeg on Thursday night.

Meanwhile, Braley's other team has to take its troubled act to Edmonton Friday night to face quarterback Ricky Ray receiver Fred Stamps and the Eskimos, who happen to be the CFL's only undefeated squad (4-0).

And -- get this -- the Argos will try to pull off a miracle in Edmonton with Dalton Bell as their starting quarterback.

Needless to say, the Argos are heavy underdogs for this one.

Bell was not impressive last week, when he needed to replace starting quarterback Cleo Lemon after the latter took a shot to the mouth. The Argos had an early, 17-3 lead but Bell and the Argos were, well, dreadful, in the second half, squandering their seemingly safe advantage at home before falling 33-24 to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

I happened to notice Braley on the sidelines while the Argos were gagging.  He was grimacing. And it sure looked to me as though he was giving his general manager/head coach, Jim Barker, the evil eye.

And I don't imagine he'll be doing cartwheels this weekend, because I don't expect either of his teams to win their respective games.

Braley, as I see it, drops to 1-9 this week.

That's a serious loser.
SEE MARTY'S WEEK 5 PICKS HERE:
 http://www4.fantrax.com/newsColumn.go?id=fp8df9vmgqn57goo

CKRM WEEK 5 2011 CFL PICKS

WEEK 5 SKED

THURS: BC @ WPG
FRI: MTL @ HAM, TOR @ EDM
SAT: CGY @ SK

ANNOUNCER/RECORD/PICKS
ANDREWS 8-8: WPG - MTL - EDM - SK
REMPLE 7-9: WPG - MTL - EDM - SK

LYNCH 6-10: WPG - HAM - EDM - SK
CARTERI 6-10: WPG - MTL - EDM - SK
PEDERSEN 5-11: WPG - HAM - EDM - SK
BLAIR 5-11: WPG - MTL - EDM - SK
SCHULTZ 4-12: WPG - MTL - EDM - SK

*Winner gets a $100 gift certificate from the PRESS BOX SPORTS BAR, 909 Albert St. N., Where Legends Are Made!

WEDNESDAY PODCASTS

Despite our website difficulties at www.620ckrm.com, we were able to cobble together a podcast of Wednesday's show. Download here:

SEGMENT 1 with Stamps broadcaster Dave Rowe
SEGMENT 1 by ridervoice

SEGMENT 2 Rider Coaches Show with REC Coach Bob Dyce
SEGMENT 2 by ridervoice

MAKOWSKY SET TO TIE ALDAG'S RECORD

17-year Rider offensive lineman Gene Makowsky will tie Rider great Roger Aldag for most career games played at 271 this Saturday when Saskatchewan hosts Calgary at 7:30 pm on TSN and the CKRM Rider Radio Network.  Makowsky spoke about the feat after Wednesday's Rider practice:

MAKOWSKY:  I haven't given it a lot of thought.  I'm trying to get back to .500 here so I'm not much for individual stats or anything like that.   I guess anytime you're mentioned with Roger Aldag you're doing something right and if I can measure up to him in any way I guess it's a good thing for me.

ON THE SECRET TO LONGEVITY

I guess you have to stay healthy so I've been extremely fortunate that way.  I've had great teammates who've helped me along, a lot of great players.  This is not an individual sport by any means.  Anybody who's watched the game or played the game knows that.

ON KEEPING THE FIRE BURNING

I just love to play football and last week was a great example of that (in Montreal).  Going into hostile territory and everybody played well and very hard and we came out with the victory.  When you win there's no feeling like that.  It'll be tough to replicate that when I'm done football.  That's what I enjoy the most about the game.

ON HIS MENTORS

I don't know.  Like I said I've had a lot of great teammates and coaches.  It's a long list.  And my parents have instilled that work ethic in me.  They always worked hard and hopefully I've learned a few things from them as well.

ON HIS WIFE TAMI AND THREE SONS

Absolutely! She's a great cook and keeps the weight on during the season.  But yah there's a lot of sacrifices for a family during the season for a CFL player.  That's no different for any family but they're behind me 100% and my biggest fans and couldn't do it without them for sure.

BOMBERS TO HONOUR HARRIS

WINNIPEG, MB – The Winnipeg Football Club continues to be deeply saddened by the loss of their Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Line Coach, Richard Harris. In memory of Coach Harris, the club has announced players will wear RH stickers on their helmets tomorrow night when the Blue Bombers host the B.C. Lions. There will also be a moment of silence and a video tribute to Coach Harris prior to kickoff.
 
"There is not enough we could ever do to honour this great man," said Blue Bomber President Jim Bell. "Tomorrow night will be challenging on many fronts, but we know all of us in the Bomber family, as well as our great fans across this province, will have Coach Harris on their minds throughout the evening."
 
The Blue Bombers have also set up a Book of Memories online at http://www.bluebombers.com/. Fans can leave a condolence message or share their favourite memory of Coach Harris.

IT'S A FINE WEEK!

TORONTO (July 27, 2011) - The Canadian Football League announced today it has issued the following fines for Week Four of the 2011 regular season:

British Columbia Lions' defensive back Korey Banks for unsportsmanlike conduct ("throat slash" gesture).

Montreal Alouettes' defensive back Dwight Anderson for unnecessary roughness on Saskatchewan Roughrider Weston Dressler.

Toronto Argonauts' linebacker Ejiro Kuale for an illegal hit on Winnipeg Blue Bomber quarterback Buck Pierce (in addition to his ejection from the game).

Toronto Argonauts' defensive end Ricky Foley for public comments critical of CFL game officials.

Toronto Argonauts' head coach Jim Barker fined $1000.00 for public comments critical of CFL game officials.

In keeping with league policy, player fine amounts are not disclosed.

O'DONNELL GETS HIS NFL DEAL

FROM THE KINGSTON WHIG-STANDARD:

KINGSTON -- The Matt O'Donnell story, filled with unusual twists and turns, has a new chapter.

How long it lasts remains the big question.

A two-time all-Canadian offensive lineman at Queen's University and a graduate of Holy Cross, mountainous Matt signed with the National Football League's Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday morning, less than 24 hours after the NFL lockout came to an end.

The Golden Gaels had a hastily- arranged news conference at the Queen's Centre to announce the signing -- ending, at least temporarily, O'Donnell's interest in playing in the Canadian Football League or, yes, the National Basketball Association.

"It was definitely an ecstatic feeling," the 6-foot-10, 340- pound O'Donnell, sporting a Bengals hat, said just over an hour before flying to Cincy (OHIO?). Training camp opens in Georgetown, Ky. on Thursday.

"It's kind of hard to describe," O'Donnell added. "It was kind of like when we won the Vanier Cup (in 2009). You don't really know what to do, you just want to scream in the air."

Indeed, O'Donnell and the Gaels had every reason to celebrate as the big man became the first Canadian university player to sign as an undrafted free agent with an NFL team this off-season (the minimum salary is around US $375,000 in the new agreement, whereas Canadian CFL rookies might make Cdn $40,000-$50,000). However, O'Donnell, who played in front of important American eyes as one of two Canadians at the East-West Shrine (college all-star) Game in Florida in January, is likely to receive little to nothing at all if he does not make the team -- and all undrafted free agents face long odds.

How O'Donnell got to this stage -- remember, he already has beaten long odds (only eight ex-CIS players are currently on NFL rosters) -- is what makes his case so intriguing. The Saskatchewan Roughriders picked O'Donnell in the second round of the CFL draft in May and the lineman proceeded to tell this newspaper how excited he was to join the fabled organization.

But then O'Donnell didn't sign, opting to go to a workout with the Boston Celtics, despite not having played organized basketball since his Holy Cross days. A workout with the Toronto Raptors followed. Many speculated the hoops flirtation simply was a way for O'Donnell to avoid coming out and saying he was holding out for an NFL deal.

Washington-based agent Johnathon Hardaway and O'- Donnell insist that wasn't the case.

"The basketball opportunities and tryouts were legitimate opportunities," Hardaway said. "It was not a stalling technique. That's not the way Matt or I would do business. If we were only waiting for the NFL lockout to end, I would have just stepped forward and said we were waiting for that to happen."

http://m.thewhig.com/articledisplay.aspx?e=3231948

WINDSOR GETS U17'S

CALGARY, Alta. – Hockey Canada, in partnership with the Ontario Hockey Federation, announced Wednesday that Windsor, Ont., will host the 2012 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge from December 29, 2011 to January 4, 2012. This will mark the sixth time in the 26-year history of the tournament that it will be held in Ontario.
 
The 2012 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge will follow the same format as previous years – five Canadian entries (Atlantic, Ontario, Pacific, Quebec, West) will be joined by five international teams, with two groups of five teams. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, while the remaining three teams from each group will cross over for placement games.
 
The 27-game tournament will be centered out of the WFCU Centre, home of the OHL's Windsor Spitfires, but will feature games in partner venues. The tournament host committee is currently working with communities in the Windsor area to determine which will host satellite games. The Windsor region has successfully hosted a number of hockey events, including the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, OHL All-Star Game and CHL Subway Super Series.
 
Ticket information for the 2012 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge will be released later in the summer.
 
"The World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, as the first step of the Program of Excellence, is one of Hockey Canada's most important events," says Bob Nicholson, president and CEO of Hockey Canada. "We have no doubt Windsor will do a first-class job in hosting the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in 2012."

THE NEW COACH OF THE REGINA PATS

REGINA -- Regina Pats General Manager Chad Lang announced Tuesday the club has hired Pat Conacher as head coach.  Pat has many years of professional hockey experience as both a player and coach.  He most recently served as assistant GM/assistant coach with the WHL's Chilliwack Bruins.  Prior to his time in Chilliwack, Pat was head coach of the AHL's Utah Grizzlies and San Antonio Rampage, assistant coach of the NHL's Phoenix Coyotes, WHL's Kelowna Rockets and of the Canadian National Team.

Conacher's playing career spanned 17 seasons and was an original 4th round draft choice of the New York Rangers in the 1979 NHL Entry Draft.  He played 521 NHL games with the Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, New Jersey Devils, L.A. Kings and Calgary Flames winning a Stanley Cup with Edmonton in 1984.  He played in the WHL with the Saskatoon Blades and Billings Bighorns.

BLUE BOMBER STATEMENT ON RICHARD HARRIS

WINNIPEG, MB – The Winnipeg Football Club would like to express its deepest condolences to the family of Defensive Line and Assistant Head Coach Richard Harris, who was taken to hospital and passed away earlier this afternoon.
 
"This has struck our entire organization from the top down," said Blue Bomber President Jim Bell.  "We are all in a state of shock and first and foremost would like to express our deepest sympathies to his family.  The Winnipeg Football Club has lost not only a great coach, but an even better man."
 
Harris joined the Blue Bombers in 2006 as the team's Defensive Line Coach.  He was appointed Assistant Head Coach prior to the 2011 season.
 
The Football Club will have no further comment on this today.

WEEK 4 PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

TORONTO -- Winnipeg QB Buck Pierce, Edmonton DL Greg Peach, Edmonton K Damon Duval and Winnipeg REC Cory Watson were named the Gibson's Finest CFL Players of the Week for the fourth week of the 2011 season.

LIONS PURSUING KORNEGAY

VANCOUVER PROVINCE -- A week after he was released Tad Kornegay is still a free agent and the B.C. Lions still aren't any better than before they lost their fourth CFL game in as many starts.

It therefore should come as no surprise that coach/GM Wally Buono spoke with the 29-year old veteran defender Monday, and said he will consider making an offer to him that could have some potentially explosive effects if he eventually were to join the CFL club.

Kornegay was released last week after five seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, where he played a variety of positions.

Buono's team could also use help in a variety of spots defensively. It's the fact Buono might have to alter the team's defensive pay structure which is a potential stumbling block.

The seven-year CFL veteran had a base salary of $100,000 in Saskatchewan, and Buono has shown little appetite for signing players to similar deals under similar situations in the past.

However, acquiring a player who has performed at three different defensive positions would not only give the Lions some depth but also provide Buono the threat of possibly removing an underachieving veteran.

"There's guys we're paying good money that we're not getting good production out of right now," Buono said.  "[Kornegay] said he'd be interested. Now it's about seeing what I can get resolved."

The 0-4 Lions officially became the worst team in the league after the Riders beat Montreal on Sunday, so Buono has no option but to examine personnel alternatives.

Read more: http://www.theprovince.com/sports/Buono+Kornegay+conundrum/5159613/story.html#ixzz1TDUBNdwn

WEEK 5 TSN CFL POWER RANKINGS

1. Edmonton (4-0)
2. Montreal (3-1)
3. Winnipeg (3-1)
4. Calgary (2-2)
5. Hamilton (2-2)
6. Saskatchewan (1-3)
7. Toronto (1-3)
8. BC (0-4)

**Meanwhile read the Week 4 observations from Sportsnet.ca's Perry Lefko right here:
http://www.sportsnet.ca/football/cfl/2011/07/25/lefko_week4/

HOWDEN IMPRESSING

CORAL SPRINGS, FLA — With so much media attention focused on the recently resolved off-ice contract negotiations involving the Florida Panthers' top draft pick from last year, defenseman Erik Gudbranson, another first-rounder from the 2010 class has sort of flown under the radar.

But Quinton Howden certainly wasn't overlooked on the ice at the recent prospects development camp at Saveology.com Iceplex.

Panthers rookie coach Kevin Dineen couldn't help but notice the 6-foot-3, speedy left wing, who scored 79 points with 40 goals for the Moose Jaw Warriors of the Western (junior) Hockey League last season.

"I spent a lot of time in the last two practices taking a look at my roster, trying to figure out putting the faces to the names, and [No.] 42 kept popping out to me for a couple of different reasons," Dineen said. "I'm really excited about Quinton Howden's potential.

"He had some adversity early in life and was able to overcome that. He had a very strong year last year and I'm looking forward to seeing him against NHL talent in September."

The adversity Dineen was referring to was a 5-year-old Howden falling off his bicycle and spending several months in a 3/4 body cast after mangling his thigh bone.

Over the next two years Howden had to relearn how to walk, and the injury was so bad that doctors told his parents he would never skate again, certainly not at a professional level.

"When they told me that, that just pushed me that much harder," said Howden, 19, whose long skating strides and heavy shot seems effortless. "This has been a dream of mine since I was young. That was a big steppingstone in my life."

The determined Oak Bank, Manitoba, native eventually became the first draft pick of the WHL in 2006 and 25th overall 2010 NHL pick. He has blossomed with 153 points in 133 games over the last two WHL seasons.

He teamed with Gudbranson to help lead Team Canada to a silver medal at January's World Junior Championship, in which Howden scored the decisive goal in a semifinal victory over America. Despite the hoopla, Howden signed his entry-level deal ($3.3 million) in April, three months earlier than Gudbranson.

"I don't feel overlooked at all," Howden smiled. "This is a big step, the NHL. Me and [Gudbranson] are good buddies and laugh over everything.

"If you come to camp ready, they're going to give you a shot."

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/florida-panthers/fl-florida-panthers-howden-0720-20110718,0,7078685.story

MONDAY SPORTS CAGE PODCAST

www.620ckrm.com is down but we managed a way to salvage a podcast of Monday's show. It's in two segments, the first with coach Greg Marshall and the second with Weston Dressler. You can download them here:

SEGMENT 1 by ridervoice

SEGMENT 2 by ridervoice

RIDERS TO SEEK DISCIPLINE

The Saskatchewan Roughriders returned home from Montreal this afternoon on the heels of Sunday night's 27-24 upset victory over the Alouettes.  They also let it be known they will be seeking supplementary discipline for Alouettes DB Dwight Anderson gouging the eye of Rider SB Weston Dressler in the second half.

"We're gonna pursue that," revealed head coach Greg Marshall.  "That definitely was an intent to injure.  The league is making statements about certain things going on in the game and there's certainly no room for that.

"I believe Weston's okay.  His eye's a little swollen and it's bloodshot.  He'll get checked by the doctors to find out exactly where he's at.   Hopefully he's going to be okay."

Dressler said this morning that Anderson definitely stuck his fingers in his facemask and on replays, it appeared as though his thumb plunged his eye socket.

"I'm not really gonna say much about it," Dressler said.  "I can't say what I want to say so I'm not going to say anything.  It's feeling alright.  It was a little blurry throughout last night.  It's a little better today.  I'll get it checked out and make sure there's no damage done."

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THE MONDAY MORNING GOALIE

Week 4 observations from Montreal:

- The team flight home from Montreal this morning has been delayed over an hour so here's some bonus blogging. Note to Scruffy: be prepared to host today's Sports Cage on 620 CKRM if we don't make it back in time!

- Headline in today's Montreal Gazette: CALVILLO-LESS ALS DOWNRIGHT DREADFUL

- They're right, but also are just repeating what many have said since last night's 27-24 Roughrider win in Montreal; without Anthony Calvillo, the Alouettes are just another team.

- They'd better hope AC is ready by next week, when Montreal visits Hamilton.

- It's surprising the Alouettes would have a "personality" like DB Dwight Anderson on their team but that's their business, not mine.

- Anderson deliberately gouged the eye of Weston Dressler last night. Weston's left eye is very bloodshot this morning and he was quite worried since he had laser eye surgery in the off-season. The Riders need to get a photo of it asap and get the league office to investigate. That was an absolutely gutless play by a guy who couldn't cover Dressler all night. The CFL should investigate, fine and suspend, whether the Riders ask for supplementary discipline or not. After all in Week 2, the Als got rookie Rider safety Craig Butler fined for FAR less. C'mon CFL, do the right thing.

- Where was the Gatorade shower? Many were asking that question after Rider coach Greg Marshall notched his first career victory last night, but escaped being doused by his players. The fact is Dario Romero had the cooler ready to go but the Hugh Charles fumble caused a panic on the bench and the defense had to run onto the field. That brought about the onside kick and things got serious. Therefore the Gatorade shower was forgotten about.

- Marshall was presented with the game ball by his players in the locker room after the game.

- SO many people in the CFL are pulling for Greg Marshall. He's universally well-liked.

- For two reasons I'll resist the temptation to say "I told you so" despite correctly predicting a Roughrider victory. 1) My picks are usually wrong and 2) I picked Montreal on In The Huddle but felt dirty about it so on the Coaches Show a day later I went with the Green. I just can't bet against these guys.

- This improbable victory won't hurt ticket sales for Saturday's game against Calgary. For tickets call 1-877-4-RIDERS or go to www.riderville.com.

- My Minot buddy Tyler Berube was the first to mention the "G-Word" after last night's win. Grey Cup.

- I don't think the term "bandwagon" is used any more than it is in Saskatchewan.

- There was criticism of the Rider coaching staff for its age, given the much younger coaching staffs in say Edmonton, Winnipeg and even Toronto. When the Riders were losing people said the game has passed these guys by. Hey, they played for Ken Miller. 'Nuff said.

- Montreal is a great CFL town. The Peel Pub had Saturday's CFL games on every single screen in the joint. That's not always the case in eastern Canada.

- Winnipeg REC TJ Harris = Michael Irvin. Call him "The Playmaker". He looks and plays just like the 1990s Dallas Cowboys star.

- Friday's loss leaves Wally Buono with 136 career CFL losses. That ties him with Ron Lancaster for most by a coach. That's good company to be in, no matter what the record. Wally now holds the CFL record for most wins AND losses.

- Interestingly three people have coached the Regina Pats to 100 wins and 100 losses: Bob Turner, Brad Tippett and Curtis Hunt.

- It was quite the Twitter feud on the weekend between TSN's Glen Suitor and Toronto OT Rob Murphy. Murphy was highly critical of Suitor's son Jared's singing performance during Friday's Lions-Ticats broadcast. Murphy later said he didn't know it was Glen's son. Here's the exchange:

SUITOR:
@BIGMURPH56 (it's) a song about the league that has paid your salary how about a little class likely too much to ask from you!

MURPHY:
@GlenSuitor again.... I was in the other room... Had no idea anyones affiliation to the music....

- Vancouver sportswriters keep saying the Lions are off to their worst start since 2002 0-3) and 1997 (0-4). Umm, weren't they 0-7 last year? **EDIT: My bad. Alert commenters have pointed out the Lions were 1-7 to start last year. That's the hazards of blogging on three hours sleep.

- I don't care what they say about Vancouver Whitecaps televised games vs Lions games on TSN. The crowds for soccer look way better! They say they stuff fans into the right places for TV purposes, but the Lions sell more tickets. It doesn't matter! Empire Field looks better for soccer.

- The TSN panel needs a defensive player and a coach. Nothing against the current guys because they're great but they could really benefit from the addition of Daved Benefield and/or Mike Kelly.

- Great to see Vic Rauter back on TSN after a vacation to his native Switzerland. MAKE the final!

- Reginans and south Saskies: Check your change for Rider loonies because they're popping up all over the place. I got shut out at the launch of the $1 coins commemorating the Riders, but have at least a dozen now.

- Hockey note: The Dallas Stars have signed Les Jackson, their director of scouting and player development, to a two-year extension. He's my Dad's boss.

- The 2011 Baseball Hall of Fame inductions were a real treat to watch on Rogers Sportsnet. Bert Blyleven, Roberto Alomar and Pat Gillick all did tremendous jobs. Regina Pats owner Russ Parker was in Cooperstown to support his friend Gillick.

- Unfortunately the HOF broadcast was marred by too many Old Spice commercials featuring Fabio. The guy doesn't make me want to go out and buy Old Spice. Some women may want to, but likely not men. On the other hand, those Dove Haircare for Men ads with Brendan Shanahan and Kurt Warner make you want to support them.

- Don't forget All-You-Can-Eat soup & salad for $7.99 today at lunch at the Press Box Sports Bar and the $5.99 full rack of ribs dinner tonight!

THAT'S ALL FOR TODAY. TALK TO YOU AT 4:00 (I HOPE).
RP

UPSET!!!!!! RIDERS 27 ALOUETTES 24

MONTREAL -- This time it was the Roughriders who wanted it more.  11-point underdogs going into Sunday night's game, Saskatchewan went into Molson Stadium and upset the Alouettes 27-24 for their first victory of the year.  It was the Alouettes' first loss.

The Riders led 4-3 after the first quarter, 17-10 af halftime and 24-10 going into the fourth.  The big play in the game came in the second quarter when Rider DT Dario Romero knocked Montreal quarterback Anthony Calvillo out of the contest with a suspected concussion.

Eddie Johnson was 4/5 on field goals while Weston Dressler and Wes Cates scored the touchdowns.  Dressler's was a 75-yard toss from Darian Durant.  Durant rushed for over 70 yards in the contest.  The Roughriders won the turnover battle 3-1.

In relief of Calvillo, Montreal back-up QB Adrian McPherson rushed for a pair of touchdowns and threw a TD strike to Brian Bratton.

The 1-3 Riders return home Monday and face the 2-2 Calgary Stampeders Saturday night at Mosaic Stadium.

RIDER HEAD COACH GREG MARSHALL QUOTES

- It was a great victory for our guys. They kept fighting and fighting for each other. They can say whatever they want about Calvillo. He didn’t leave, we knocked him out. That’s football.

- The plane ride home tomorrow will be a lot more enjoyable. This will be great for our spirits and now we have to build on it. We’ll enjoy it for 24 hours and then get ready for Calgary. Crazy as it is, if we beat Calgary we’re in second place.

- I think the key for us now is that the guys, they can believe in the message we’ve been preaching and what we’re trying to do in all three phases. They’re seeing the formula we want for success and they can realize it and build on it.

- We’re trying to figure out personnel. That’s part of coaching. We’ve had injuries so we’ve had to mix and match but this was the right group tonight.

- Somebody made a lot of money on Pro-Line to win this weekend. It’s a great win for us. Not many teams will come in here and get a win. It’s big for us and hopefully this makes up for a couple of early stumbles.

**Don't forget to call into the Sports Cage After Hours Hotline at 546-CAGE.  We'll play the best calls on Monday's Sports Cage on 620 CKRM between 4-6 pm.

POSTGAME INTERVIEW AUDIO

MONTREAL POST GAME INTERVIEWS by ridervoice

PREGAME INTERVIEW WITH JIM HOPSON
HOPSON AT MTL by ridervoice

RIDERS-ALOUETTES PREVIEW

SASKATCHEWAN (0-3) AT MONTREAL (3-0)
5:00 PM SASK TIME TODAY, MOLSON STADIUM
TSN, CKRM RIDER RADIO NETWORK

RIDERS: ROAD 0-1, VS EAST 0-2
ALS: HOME 2-0, VS WEST 2-0

RIDER OFFENSE: RUSH 7TH, PASS 4TH, OVERALL 5TH
QB Darian Durant is the CFL's 5th-leading passer (707 yards, 6 INTs, 3 TDs).  Weston Dressler is the leading receiver (201 yards) and Wes Cates is the leading rusher (148 yards)

ALS OFFENSE: RUSH 2ND, PASS 1ST, OVERALL 1ST
QB Anthony Calvillo leads the league in passing (1038 yards, 10 TDs, 2 INTs).  Jamel Richardson is their leading receiver (276 yards) and Brandon Whitaker is the CFL's top rusher (259 yards).

RIDER DEFENSE: RUSH 5TH, PASS 8TH, OVERALL 7TH
The Riders' sack leader is Barrin Simpson (2) while Jerrell Freeman and Craig Butler lead the team with one interception each.  The team's top tackler is LB Sean Lucas (21)

ALS DEFENSE: RUSH 2ND, PASS 6TH, OVERALL 4TH
DE John Bowman leads the club with four sacks while LB Chip Cox has the team's lone interception.

RIDER SPECIAL TEAMS: K Eddie Johnson is the CFL's only perfect kicker (4/4).  He has a 43.2 yard punting average which is 4th-best.  KOR Tristan Jackson leads the league with 258 KOR yards and has a 3.9 yard average on PR.

ALS SPECIAL TEAMS:  K Sean Whyte is 9/12 on field goals with a 41.1 yard average which is 7th.  KOR Tim Maypray has a 22.2 yard KOR average and 12.1 yard average on PR.

INTANGIBLES:  The Alouettes are 3rd in the league in turnover ratio at +4 while the Riders are 8th at -8 ... The temperature calls for 24 degrees Celsius with a 30 km/h wind ... The Riders are the CFL's 4th-least penalized team while the Alouettes are 6th ... This is the final meeting of the season series with Montreal winning the opener 39-25 in Week 2 at Mosaic Stadium.

SUNDAY SPORTS

There may be a new horse entering the race to become the head coach of the Regina Pats.  Former NHL Coach of the Year Ted Nolan was spotted at the Regina Airport on Saturday.   Could he become the next head coach of junior hockey's oldest franchise?  Stay tuned.

---

The Edmonton Eskimos own the CFL's West Division. The Eskimos improved to a perfect 4-0 with a 24-19 victory over the provincial rival Calgary Stampeders. In Toronto, the Argonauts couldn't get a win for their fans in the team's home opener. The Boatmen lost 33-24 to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Sunday evening in Montreal the 3-0 Alouettes host the 0-3 Saskatchewan Roughriders.   Kickoff is 7:00 ET or 5:00 Saskatchewan time.  On our pregame show at 4:00, you'll hear from Rider GM Brendan Taman and team President Jim Hopson.  You won't want to miss that!


---

The Toronto Blue Jays can't seem to catch a break in Texas. One night after losing 12-2, the Jays blew a lead to lose 5-4 to the defending American League champion Rangers. Jays reliever Marc Rzepczynski allowed two runners on in the bottom of the ninth before being replaced by Jon Rauch, who let both Rangers score. Toronto's J-P Arencibia homered for the third time in two games.


---

The Seattle Mariners are one game away from their worst run in franchise history. The Mariners lost their 14th straight game 3-1 in Boston. That ties the team's futility record set in 1992. Elsewhere in the majors, San Francisco doubled Milwaukee 4-2, Florida beat the New York Mets 8-5 and St. Louis cruised by Pittsburgh 9-1.

---

Bo Van Pelt had a dominating day in Vancouver to take the lead at the RBC Canadian Open. Van Pelt fired a 5-under 65 to top the leaderboard heading into the final round. He's chased by Canada's Adam Hadwin who shot a 68 to trail Van Pelt by one stroke. Hadwin is trying to become the first Canadian to win the event since 1954.

---

The starting grid is set at the Edmonton Indy. Japan's Takuma Sato has the pole for the race at City Centre Airport. He's joined at the front by Australian star Will Power. It's Sato's second pole of the year. Toronto's James Hinchcliffe was the top Canadian in qualifying. He starts in the 10th spot.

---

Boxing promoter Butch Lewis has died at 65. Lewis worked with Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier and Michael Tyson during his career and was best known in the ring for sporting tuxedos with no shirt. He also promoted the infamous Tyson fight against Michael Spinks in 1988 that ended with a first-round knockout of Spinks. No word yet on how Lewis died.

(With files from the Canadian Press)

ALOUETTES MAKE CHANGES

Expect Als' head coach Mark Trestman to load up on defensive speed in the secondary and special teams allowing Paul Woldu to make his season debut against his hometown team from Saskatchewan Sunday night at Molson Stadium.   The Regina-native in his 4th season will be expected to help shut down a Roughrider team struggling with an 0-3 start.

The Als will also debut Jeraill McCuller at left tackle--the infamous 'blindside' for any quarterback.
 
A strange coincidence led McCuller to Montreal for a reunion with his former college coach, Marc Trestman.   Listen to a CJAD 1-on-1 interview recorded in the Als' lockerroom on the eve of his CFL regular season debut.
 
McCuller is starting for the injured Josh Bourke, who could not confirm to CJAD that he'd be ready for next week's game in Hamilton Friday night.

The Roughriders have some changes as well. Luc Mullinder returns to his DE spot replacing Montez Murphy. Jason Clermont moves to SB with Terrence Nunn going to WR. Tristant Jackson lines up at CB, where Tad Kornegay was last week while James Patrick returns from injury to the safety position.

Coming on the roster are LB Chris Graham, S James Patrick, DB Eddie Russ, KOR/PR Hugh Charles and DL Matthieu Boular. Going off are KOR/PR Brandon West, DB Tad Kornegay, S Craig Butler, WR Patrick Brown and DE Montez Murphy.

(With files from cjad.com)

TICATS 39 LIONS 31

Yet another setback for the BC Lions. They lost 39-31 at home to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for their fourth straight defeat. Kevin Glenn threw three touchdown passes and 319 yards to lead the Ticats, who improved to 2-2. The Lions had rallied from a 14-nothing deficit to tie the game but couldn't counter Hamilton in the dying minutes.
(Canadian Press)

FRIDAY RIDER AUDIO

The Riders held their final practice of the week Friday and will leave for Montreal early Saturday morning.  The Riders take on the Alouettes Sunday afternoon at 5:00 Sask time on TSN and the CKRM Rider Radio Network.  I won't be podcasting today's Sports Cage so you can hear what the Riders have to say here:

DB Lance Frazier:
LANCE FRAZIER by ridervoice

DC Richie Hall:
RICHIE HALL by ridervoice

HC Greg Marshall:
GREG MARSHALL by ridervoice

THE PATS NEW HEAD SCOUT

Word is Dale McMullin has been hired as the Regina Pats' new head scout, taking over from Todd Ripplinger. McMullin was the #2 man in the Red Deer Rebels scouting department behind Randy "Win A Car" Peterson.

Meanwhile we're also hearing former Pats assistant coach Shaun Sutter will replace McMullin with the Rebels.

FRIDAY RODSERVATIONS

We've got much more than random thoughts today in the final column of the week.  You may actually learn something because we have plenty of football and hockey news.  Here we go:

- From Vancouver we get word this morning that 35-year old Kelly Bates is coming out of retirement to help out the 0-3 Lions.  Bates announced his retirement on the Sports Cage with us this spring and joined the Lions coaching staff shortly thereafter.   However the Humboldt product is putting the pads back on as the Lions' 7th offensive lineman for at least the next month.

- Can a return of CKRM analysts Scott Schultz and/or Matt Dominguez to the 0-3 Riders be expected?

- Schultz and I will broadcast Four Seasons Football Friday in the Sports Cage today live from Currie Field from 4-6 pm.  The Regina Red Sox welcome the Yorkton Cardinals tonight at 7:05 pm.

- We're also taking the show on the road to Estevan August 25 when Onrait and O'Toole broadcast TSN's Sportscentre live from the Energy City as part of the Kraft Celebration Tour.  Kelly Remple will be with me on-air that day.

- Since I get asked once per day, here's the latest on the Regina Pats coaching situation: NOTHING.  Hopefully when something happens, you'll read it here first.  The last I spoke with the club was Wednesday and nothing has been offered.

- Great question from Mitchell Blair on his blog:  Which comes first, a Rider win or a Pats coach?

- The hot rumour in Dub circles is that Mike Fraser and Doug Gasper are being interviewed for the Pats head scouting job.

- We learned on Thursday that Marlon Martens is the first-ever voice of the WHL's Victoria Royals.  Martens is a B.C. native who called Lethbridge Hurricanes games from 2005-2007.  He's a good guy.

- Huge news out of Winnipeg where the Winnipeg Sun reports the Winnipeg Jets have awarded both their television AND radio broadcast rights to TSN.  That means CJOB, the voice of hockey in Winnipeg forever, is left out in the cold.  I don't have to tell you what that means for one of our closest friends, Brian Munz.  Apparently TSN put significant pressure on to get the rights and in the case of their radio station SportsRadio 1290, wrote the biggest cheque.

- TSN is taking over everything in this country, much like ESPN in the States.  ESPN is worth more than the entire NFL, and more than the combination of the NBA, MLB and NHL.  Pretty sure TSN is worth more than the CFL.

- Now to the Rider news.  Rider coach Greg Marshall received considerable criticism for his post-game comments in Hamilton where he stated he won't be delivering fiery pregame speeches to inspire his football club.  He clarified those comments this week:

"I made a statement after the game that I think people took wrong as far as it's not up to me to deliver a Knute Rockne speech," Marshall said Wednesday.  "The point I was trying to make was that there's lots of things that occur during the week in meetings, on the field, in one-on-one meetings with the players, where you're trying to get your message across that week and what we're trying to accomplish.

"When I was a player, when you're sitting there five minutes before kickoff, if I'm sitting there waiting for some magical words from the coach to get me ready to play, it's too late.  That's what I was trying to get across, not that it's not my job to prepare them physically and mentally and get their psyche in the right place."

- Every coach has his own style.  Ticats colour commentator John Salivantis was on Al Bruno's staff for the 1989 Ticats, who lost 43-40 to the Riders in the Grey Cup.  Coach Sal told me last week Bruno didn't have a sniff when it came to ratio and let the coordinators put together the game plans.  Bruno's strength was motivating the men and steering the ship on game day.  Hey, whatever works.

- Pats play-by-play broadcaster Dan Plaster pointed out this week that the Riders' 0-3 start is good for business.  He's noticed 5,000+ hits per day to this website (making it Canada's most-read blog) and tons of calls and texts to the Sports Cage.   He's right but prolonged losing will be very bad for business.  When people turn off their radios at halftime, that's terrible for our sponsors.   When people give up on this team, they'll stop following it.

- Time for a win.

- Time for a Bob Hughes column.

- We've been through far, far worse times than this.  Thinking back to the Roy and Danny era, the team never had a losing record between 2003-2006 but the gong show off the field was embarrassing.  Remember when Shivers got fired and Danny Barrett ordered a bunch of "RS" stickers be made for the players' helmets?  Good grief.  They never ended up wearing them in games thankfully.

- Rider V-P of Football Ken Miller has been busy on Twitter this week:  "Greg has met with team leaders, and position players have met with position coaches," Miller wrote.  "Solutions have been formulated.  Now we must act."

- Rider DE Luc Mullinder had a message for fans on Twitter after last week's game in Hamilton:  "If you're jumping off the bandwagon, just know that you're not welcome back on it when we turn this around...CAUSE WE WILL TURN THIS AROUND."

- Eddie Johnson punted nine times in Saturday's loss in Hamilton.  It got me thinking about what's the Rider or CFL record for punts in a game.  Former Rider Martin Fabi holds that distinction with 18 punts in a game.  Sorry to say but the Riders are nowhere near rock bottom.

- Dave Dickenson .... Hall of Famer?   I vote yes.  His brother Craig did as well on 620 CKRM's Rider Coaches Show this week.  We can provide plenty of evidence why he should be inducted.

- An interesting thing occurred to me this week.  Former Rider QB Steve Sarkisian, who's now the head coach of the Washington Huskies, spent three seasons with the Riders from 1997 to 1999 and had three play-by-play broadcasters; Geoff Currier, Steve Brown and me.

- Sarkisian was on Sportsradio 950 KJR in Seattle last week and their producer called me for some play-by-play clips of "Sark" with the Riders way back when.   As always he needed them NOW, and I couldn't get the tapes in time because they're in my parents' basement in Milestone.

- Darius Rucker is black?   I had no idea until I saw him perform at Craven on Sunday.

- Hey apparently I'm not the only one living under a rock.  Darian Durant overheard me talking in the airport about the Katy Perry concert and said "Who's Katy Perry?".   I couldn't believe he'd never heard of her so I Googled her on my Prairie Mobile BlackBerry Torch and showed D.D. her picture.   "Nope," he maintained.  "Never heard of her OR seen her."

- Those NDP attack ads on our Premier are something else.

- What a novel concept at Rogers Centre:  selling beer in the aisles.   The Brandt Centre and Mosaic Stadium should do the same.  You know Molson would love it.

- I see all these diets that say you have to cut out beer in order to lose weight.  Just ask yourself this:  how many fat alcoholics do you see?

- Westjet has taken The Score off of their satellite programming lineup and gone with TSN and TSN2.  That's bad news for The Score.   Rogers Sportsnet has never  been offered on there, which is a farce.

Admit it, you LOVE the Rider Pride fan photos just as much as me!

Blog mailbag:

Hi Rod,

Love the blog! Keep up the great work.
Here's a picture of me and my husband David on our recent trip to London, England. It's taken in front of Tower Bridge.
We took our Rider flag through Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England.
Take care,
Tanya & David Hornung

Show your Rider Pride and send me the pics!  sportscage@620ckrm.com

Hi Rod

This weeked the Regina Pacers won the Bantam AA Tier ll Provincial title in Saskatoon with a great come from behind win over the Saskatoon Cardinals.
It was a complete team effort with great pitching performances from Kyle Maier,Brett Keller, Dante Lemieux, Anthony Rus & Jordan Bourassa, Key hits from Lucas Yanko, Devon Lipsuis, Ayden Gelowitz & Troy Treslan propelled the team throughout the weekend.Dryden Kalisnikoff & Rylan Lucyk led the team in stolen bases.Gelowitz & Isaac Ziegler braved the heat sharing Catching duties through all 5 games. Dante Lemieux voted Provincial Game MVP.
thanks
Toula

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OKAY I'M OUTTA HERE.  DON'T FORGET TO CATCH TODAY'S PRESS BOX SPORTS BAR FRIDAY LUNCH BUFFET FROM 11 AM - 1 PM! SEE YOU IN THE CAGE AT 4.
RP