I think it's safe to say that Saskatchewan Roughrider slotback Andy Fantuz has arrived. The Fantuztic one caught 7 passes for 240 yards and 3 touchdowns to lead the Riders past Hamilton 40-23 Sunday. In the process, Fantuz likely vaulted himself into contender status for Canadian Player of the Year in the CFL's West Division. I'm thinking young Jacob will be well-pleased when he unwraps his #83 Rider retro jersey on Christmas morning! It'll make a nice complement to his autographed Fantuz bobblehead, I must say.
The Riders face Hamilton at home Sunday. A win clinches a home playoff game for the green guys. Now we wait to see what, if any punishment the league hands down to the three Riders ejected from the game - linebacker Mike McCullough and offensive linemen Mike Abou-Mechrek and Jermese Jones. Or, as heard on CJME this morning, Rob Abou-Mechrek and Jermesy Jones. Yikes.
The Regina Pats took 2 of 3 games on the weekend, but experienced a scoring drought along the way. Regina edged Kootenay 2-1 in overtime Friday night, snuck past Prince Albert 1-0 Saturday, then ran out gas in Moose Jaw Sunday night, losing 4-0. The Warriors scored all their goals in the third period, to run their winning streak to four games.
I would imagine the lack of scoring punch from any players not named Eberle has to be a concern for the Pats' braintrust. It should be.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Friday, October 12, 2007
How to cram it all in?
Another action-packed weekend on the local sports scene. I was going to take the Jakester to the Pats game tonight, but we have to be at the rink at 7:30 tomorrow morning for the second round of his evaluation for Hockey Regina. Kind of an involved process for novice rec hockey, don't ya think? Anyway, I might as well get used to early weekend mornings if I'm gonna cut it as a hockey dad!
Tomorrow afternoon the Paczko boys hit the Rams game at Mosaic Stadium. With any luck I'll be able to round up a couple of post-game interviews for use on SportZone this week. That's the plan, anyway. Due to the early start to the day, we'll probably take a pass on the Pats game tomorrow night as well.
And of course, Sunday morning we return from church to watch the Riders and Ti-Cats from Hamilton. A win, coupled with a Calgary loss to Winnipeg later in the day, clinches a home playoff date for the green guys. Let the celebration begin!
And at some point this weekend I have to write a paper for my university class. Oh well, at least I can't complain about boredom!
Tomorrow afternoon the Paczko boys hit the Rams game at Mosaic Stadium. With any luck I'll be able to round up a couple of post-game interviews for use on SportZone this week. That's the plan, anyway. Due to the early start to the day, we'll probably take a pass on the Pats game tomorrow night as well.
And of course, Sunday morning we return from church to watch the Riders and Ti-Cats from Hamilton. A win, coupled with a Calgary loss to Winnipeg later in the day, clinches a home playoff date for the green guys. Let the celebration begin!
And at some point this weekend I have to write a paper for my university class. Oh well, at least I can't complain about boredom!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
I've got mine
I just bought two tickets for the long-awaited CFL playoff game at Mosaic Stadium next month. There's still an outside chance the Riders will host the West final on the 18th, but most likely it will be the West semi-final on the 11th. Either way, the Jakester and I will be there, in our usual seats in section 26, for the first home playoff game for the Riders since 1988.
And, considering the tickets just went on sale today for season ticket/flex pack holders, it wasn't too difficult to get through. Sure, I had to hit redial a few times, but it was well worth it. And the gal that took my order used to date an old roommate of mine. Small world, or what?
Funny story about the playoff game. This is the second year I've had season tickets with my son, who was born in 1999. He asked me a few weeks ago if the Riders were guaranteed to host a playoff game this year. No guarantee yet, I said - but it's looking good. His response? "I sure hope so dad. I've been waiting eight years for this!" Gotta love it.
And, considering the tickets just went on sale today for season ticket/flex pack holders, it wasn't too difficult to get through. Sure, I had to hit redial a few times, but it was well worth it. And the gal that took my order used to date an old roommate of mine. Small world, or what?
Funny story about the playoff game. This is the second year I've had season tickets with my son, who was born in 1999. He asked me a few weeks ago if the Riders were guaranteed to host a playoff game this year. No guarantee yet, I said - but it's looking good. His response? "I sure hope so dad. I've been waiting eight years for this!" Gotta love it.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Reflections on a long weekend
Gotta love a 4-day weekend! Even better if the Jakester were around, but now I'm just getting greedy.
The Regina Pats knocked off the Moose Jaw Warriors 4-2 Friday night. The Pats had this one well in hand, until Moose Jaw scored twice in the third period to make things interesting. Sunday, the Pats travelled to Edmonton and dropped the Oil Kings 6-2. The Pats had this one well in hand, until Edmonton scored twice in the third period to make things interesting. Starting to sound familiar?
On Monday, the Pats took a 3-2 lead into the third period in Saskatoon. Then, the wheels fell completely off the bus, as the Blades scored FIVE unanswered goals to take a 7-3 decision. You think the Pats coaches will be hammering home the importance of playing all three periods in practise this week? The other question is - will the players be listening?
Still, the Pats did win three in a row, and now sport a 5-3 record on the season. Things could be worse.
The Green Bay Packers blew a 20-10 lead against the hated Chicago Bears Sunday night, losing 27-20. I really hate the Bears. The Pack's offense in the 2nd half reminded me of the Nealon Greene era with the Riders. U-G-L-Y. Still, the Packers are 4-1 and lead their division. Things could be worse.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders improved their record to 9-5, with a 33-21 victory in Calgary on Monday. Good thing the running game was clicking, because Kerry Joseph looked terrible throwing the pigskin. Joseph ended up with 290 passing yards, but only because his receivers did a great job adjusting to poorly-thrown passes. That's gotta stop.
On the positive side, the defence looks to be rounding back into form - thanks in no small part to the return of DB Eddie Davis to the active roster. Luca Congi missed a couple of field goals, but also made six of them! Next up, a home-and-home with the flailing Hamilton Tiger-Cats. This time, it would be prudent for the Riders to put away a struggling opponent if given the chance. Still, the Riders have won two in a row, and have almost sewn up a home playoff game. Again, things could be worse.
The Regina Pats knocked off the Moose Jaw Warriors 4-2 Friday night. The Pats had this one well in hand, until Moose Jaw scored twice in the third period to make things interesting. Sunday, the Pats travelled to Edmonton and dropped the Oil Kings 6-2. The Pats had this one well in hand, until Edmonton scored twice in the third period to make things interesting. Starting to sound familiar?
On Monday, the Pats took a 3-2 lead into the third period in Saskatoon. Then, the wheels fell completely off the bus, as the Blades scored FIVE unanswered goals to take a 7-3 decision. You think the Pats coaches will be hammering home the importance of playing all three periods in practise this week? The other question is - will the players be listening?
Still, the Pats did win three in a row, and now sport a 5-3 record on the season. Things could be worse.
The Green Bay Packers blew a 20-10 lead against the hated Chicago Bears Sunday night, losing 27-20. I really hate the Bears. The Pack's offense in the 2nd half reminded me of the Nealon Greene era with the Riders. U-G-L-Y. Still, the Packers are 4-1 and lead their division. Things could be worse.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders improved their record to 9-5, with a 33-21 victory in Calgary on Monday. Good thing the running game was clicking, because Kerry Joseph looked terrible throwing the pigskin. Joseph ended up with 290 passing yards, but only because his receivers did a great job adjusting to poorly-thrown passes. That's gotta stop.
On the positive side, the defence looks to be rounding back into form - thanks in no small part to the return of DB Eddie Davis to the active roster. Luca Congi missed a couple of field goals, but also made six of them! Next up, a home-and-home with the flailing Hamilton Tiger-Cats. This time, it would be prudent for the Riders to put away a struggling opponent if given the chance. Still, the Riders have won two in a row, and have almost sewn up a home playoff game. Again, things could be worse.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
SportZone lineup for October 1
Here's the lineup for the show. Due to the Thanksgiving Day holiday, the show will air this week and next at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, and Thursday at 3 p.m.
SportZone Guests for October 1/07
Community Co-Host – Dale West
1. A preview of the 2007/08 season for the Regina Pat Canadiens. Guests: Mike Wirachowsky (Pat C’s Head Coach) & Colin Taylor (Assistant Coach).
2. A profile of the U of R women’s hockey team. Guests: Sarah Howald (Head Coach).
3. A look back at a very successful season for the Wascana Racing Canoe Club. Guests: Tim Sweeney (WRCC Head Coach) & Riley Schnell (Paddler).
4. A profile of the Skate Regina figure skating club. Guests: Garret Gosselin & Tessa Hill (skaters).
5. A profile of the Leboldus Golden Suns high school football team. Guests: Logan Gartner (OL) & Josh Bresciani (SB).
6. A profile of the O’Neill Titans high school football team. Guests: Tanner Piper (QB) & Skylar Patterson (RB). Head Coach Jason Duczek was also scheduled to appear, but the crew couldn't find him. He was sitting in the green room (where guests usually wait), about a 3 second walk from the studio. Really quite difficult to miss, actually. Sorry Jason!
7. The Regina Thunder clinches a PFC playoff spot with a win over the Winnipeg Rifles. Guests: Harley Irwin (DB) & Ian Creaser (Receiver).
SportZone Guests for October 1/07
Community Co-Host – Dale West
1. A preview of the 2007/08 season for the Regina Pat Canadiens. Guests: Mike Wirachowsky (Pat C’s Head Coach) & Colin Taylor (Assistant Coach).
2. A profile of the U of R women’s hockey team. Guests: Sarah Howald (Head Coach).
3. A look back at a very successful season for the Wascana Racing Canoe Club. Guests: Tim Sweeney (WRCC Head Coach) & Riley Schnell (Paddler).
4. A profile of the Skate Regina figure skating club. Guests: Garret Gosselin & Tessa Hill (skaters).
5. A profile of the Leboldus Golden Suns high school football team. Guests: Logan Gartner (OL) & Josh Bresciani (SB).
6. A profile of the O’Neill Titans high school football team. Guests: Tanner Piper (QB) & Skylar Patterson (RB). Head Coach Jason Duczek was also scheduled to appear, but the crew couldn't find him. He was sitting in the green room (where guests usually wait), about a 3 second walk from the studio. Really quite difficult to miss, actually. Sorry Jason!
7. The Regina Thunder clinches a PFC playoff spot with a win over the Winnipeg Rifles. Guests: Harley Irwin (DB) & Ian Creaser (Receiver).
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