EAST DIVISION FINAL GAME THREAD / Nov 19 / Saskatchewan @ Toronto

[Jon Gonzo]

I too didn't like the Argos' prospects when Jones returned that punt. The Saskatchewan defence had been playing very well that entire 2nd half. But, Ricky Ray proved to capable to the task and voila the Argos are in the Grey Cup.

I would like to highlight the play of Shawn Lemon who had 3 QB sacks! What a great performance by the defence overall.

I hear yah, but in hindsight it was a blessing in disguise. That put the ball back in Ricky's hands with the perfect amount of time on the clock. As god is my witness, I texted my brother 'a blessing in disguise. Lots of RR time.' (;

[1971GreyCup]

I noticed on TV the stadium was loud when Ricky was calling plays....how many Rider fans were in attendance approximately?

I'd estimate 2,000 - 3,000 fans.

[DoubleBlue_Red]

I'd say closer to 5000 SSK fans, they had the south half of the west side.

[mchesher03]

I noticed on TV the stadium was loud when Ricky was calling plays....how many Rider fans were in attendance approximately?

what about when bridge/glenn were doing likewise? I thought it was roaring then.

[Bleeds Double Blue]

What are the chances this photo is on the front page of the Hamilton Spectator today?

Attachment 892

[AngeloV]

I'd estimate 2,000 - 3,000 fans.

That's what I would say as well.

[BATKINSON001]

What are the chances this photo is on the front page of the Hamilton Spectator today?

Attachment 892

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[Bleeds Double Blue]

Aw damn. Anyway it is the photo of Ricky Ray with tbe trophy.

[gilthethrill]

Aw damn. Anyway it is the photo of Ricky Ray with tbe trophy.

Try again Sunday night when he is holding up the Cup.

[Will]

I was speaking with my co-worker this morning. He is an Argo fan, but due to various extra-curricular activities he is unable to attend many games. However, his daughter, wife and son were at the game because the daughter was one of the junior dancers at halftime. He said that they had little or no knowledge about football, and for the first ten minutes or so felt like fish out of water. He said though that at around ten minutes into the game something clicked (he cited the atmosphere as a big factor) and they ended up having a really good time. He said that his son came home and asked his father if they could get season tickets for next year.

I hope that many others had similar experiences.

[DoubleBlue_Red]

Yesterday was the best atmosphere I have seen at BMO field for any sport. I've attended quite a few TFC games over the years and I can say that it was louder than a full stadium for TFC, especially when the Argos were on D.

[timlb01]

I was speaking with my co-worker this morning. He is an Argo fan, but due to various extra-curricular activities he is unable to attend many games. However, his daughter, wife and son were at the game because the daughter was one of the junior dancers at halftime. He said that they had little or no knowledge about football, and for the first ten minutes or so felt like fish out of water. He said though that at around ten minutes into the game something clicked (he cited the atmosphere as a big factor) and they ended up having a really good time. He said that his son came home and asked his father if they could get season tickets for next year.

I hope that many others had similar experiences.

Great story. I met two people that told me it was there first game. One guy was carrying a sign. It was great to see and what a great atmosphere.

[R.J]

For anyone who wants to watch the game again: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2DYjX9idOQ


Loved seeing Trestman's reaction on the Fajardo touchdown - I don't think I've ever seen him so amped.

[paulwoods13]

Man, what a game and what a day. Oddly enough, my own experience seems to have been quite different from many of those on this board. I never felt cold (despite fighting a cough that has persisted for 11 days -- and I feel like absolute crap today) and I never felt we were not going to win. My first thought after Jones scored was "there's tons of time left for Ricky." The only time when my heart was in my throat was on the pass to Wilder, which seemed to be in the air for about five minutes. The absolute elation from that, and from the throw to Edwards, and the Fajardo keeper, and the Owusu-Ansah strip/recovery, was up there with just about anything I've ever felt at any sports event.

I tweeted yesterday morning that it felt like the 1982 Eastern Final, when a team that had been bad and disappointing for too long finally got the opportunity to go the Grey Cup. Instead, though, it ended up more like the 1983 Eastern Final, when it all came down to moments of intense drama -- and explosive joy -- at the very end.

And for those who think we can't win the Cup if we play like that against the Stamps, I offer this reminder: seven first downs. That's all we managed in the 1991 Grey Cup. Yet thanks to a superb (and underrated) defence, excellent work by our "backups" on special teams, and a courageous, clutch QB, we won that game, by 15 points.

[gilthethrill]

Man, what a game and what a day. Oddly enough, my own experience seems to have been quite different from many of those on this board. I never felt cold (despite fighting a cough that has persisted for 11 days -- and I feel like absolute crap today) and I never felt we were not going to win. My first thought after Jones scored was "there's tons of time left for Ricky." The only time when my heart was in my throat was on the pass to Wilder, which seemed to be in the air for about five minutes. The absolute elation from that, and from the throw to Edwards, and the Fajardo keeper, and the Owusu-Ansah strip/recovery, was up there with just about anything I've ever felt at any sports event.

I tweeted yesterday morning that it felt like the 1982 Eastern Final, when a team that had been bad and disappointing for too long finally got the opportunity to go the Grey Cup. Instead, though, it ended up more like the 1983 Eastern Final, when it all came down to moments of intense drama -- and explosive joy -- at the very end.

And for those who think we can't win the Cup if we play like that against the Stamps, I offer this reminder: seven first downs. That's all we managed in the 1991 Grey Cup. Yet thanks to a superb (and underrated) defence, excellent work by our "backups" on special teams, and a courageous, clutch QB, we won that game, by 15 points.

So glad you did not break any glass at your house ala 1984 Eastern Final...

[argolio]

Where there any injuries to be concerned about? I did not notice anything significant.

Also what happened when Chad Owens was hurt and did not have to come off the field and they scored the TD???? What the heck happened there? Argo bench did not even protest or get upset.

Rider trainers didn't come to check on him as far as I could tell. I think it was commercial break, Owens was just lying down for a breather, and it was a premature P.A. announcement.

I suffered a minor injury, but I don't think any Argo player had anything beyond bumps and bruises.

People watching on TV don't realize how much the wind and wind gusts were playing havoc with both offences. Plus the Argos went into the wind in the long 2nd and 4th quarters. A few extra checkdowns and not abandoning the run despite limited production probably helped us in the end. If there were some extra clock stoppages, the Riders would have had more time left following the Fajardo TD.

In the end, cool-as-ice Ricky Ray overcame the trends of the first 57 minutes and produced the winning drive in crunch time. That's what great players do.

[rdavies]

I never felt we were not going to win. My first thought after Jones scored was "there's tons of time left for Ricky."

I thought the same, it was almost unfortunate for them that he ran it back. They had some MO going and Bridge could have killed the clock with a touchdown drive, they were in 3down territory.

[argolio]

I thought the same, it was almost unfortunate for them that he ran it back. They had some MO going and Bridge could have killed the clock with a touchdown drive, they were in 3down territory.

Special teams or defensive TDs that late in the game usually destroy the opponent's will. Makes this win even sweeter.

[rdavies]

Special teams or defensive TDs that late in the game usually destroy the opponent's will. Makes this win even sweeter.

Didn't bother me at all, there was too much time left and even with the wind a FG could have tied it.

[rdavies]

Aw damn. Anyway it is the photo of Ricky Ray with tbe trophy.

Photo Johany Jutras