The view from the press box, in the first Basement Bowl we've seen in these parts since the Reinebold Era. Don't let the standings fool you -- the loser tonight is the worst team in the Mild West.
You see, if the Stamps win this one they've got the season sweep, and that's good enough for me ... That had to be the easiest drive in since 12,210 took in the snowbound playoff game back in '88. Should be busier after the game, though, as Team Under-achievement hits the express lane out of town.
NIGHTMARE START: Nice hand for Khari Jones from the 200 or so in attendance during the introductions. Nightmare start for No. 17, though, as he fumbles the first two times he touches the ball. One results in Elfrid Payton getting an easy sack, bringing him one step closer to the league's career record. Someone up here suggests that was pre-arranged. I think he was kidding ... Calgary punter Clinton Greathouse is finding out what a real wind is like. The rookie just hit a 17-yarder against the breeze. Maybe the Stamps should just get Jones to throw a deep interception on third down ... Charles Roberts has certainly come to play. Think he'll make his flight back to California?
TRIVIA ANSWER: Down 10-0, the Stamps are on Winnipeg's goal-line when fullback Randy Bowles, the "other guy" in the Khari Jones trade, drops the ball. Last time he did that he was in a Bomber uniform -- and wasn't seen again for three months ... Want to know who's got the most to play for tonight? Anybody on the verge of becoming a free agent. When it's time to negotiate, big plays are big plays, no matter when they happen. Still on the topic, can't help but notice how well Joe Fleming is playing on the Bomber D-line ... Kamau Peterson makes a nice touchdown grab, and it's (yawn) 17-3 Bombers. I've seen more spectator enthusiasm in the Home Depot checkout aisle.
REMINISCING: Halftime now, and I just saw former Bomber boss Cal Murphy, now a scout with the Indianapolis Colts, arguing with retired CFL supervisor of officials, Neil Payne. Some things never change ... Actually, Kindly Cal was having a good laugh, along with his old boss, Paul Robson, the Mad Dog. Which raises the question: Can anyone other than Murphy deliver a Grey Cup to this town? In case you're scoring at home, that's 14 years, now -- the second-longest championship drought in this team's modern-day history. What is this, the curse of Tommy Burgess?
TEE HIM UP: I'm sure Jim Daley has forgotten more about football than I'll never know, but that doesn't mean I have to agree with his approach to Tee Martin. The way I see it, the much-ballyhooed quarterback should be getting his CFL feet wet in this second half. Why not give the fans a look at the guy you've been so impressed with in practice? ... There goes Khari Jones, escaping the Bomber rush, rifling a TD pass to Wayne McGarity then celebrating in the general direction of the Winnipeg bench. That had to feel good ... Late third quarter now, and Jones is picked off by Eric Carter, who goes in for the TD. We've seen that all too often -- not usually accompanied by cheers, mind you.
RIPPED OFF: Payton should be on the verge of history, if it weren't for the asinine rule that negates a sack when the quarterback fumbles the ball. Wake up, CFL ... Roberts, tackled for a big loss, just kicked Scott Coe. Looks like he wants to make sure he makes that flight by leaving the game early ... Kamau Peterson just delivered the hit of the year, knocking himself out cold while leveling Nate Terry. And the Bombers level the Stamps, 37-16, to finish 7-11 on the year. The final play, fittingly enough, a Khari Jones sack. Only this time, it isn't the Grey Cup. Not even close.
