SEPTEMBER 27, 2005

THE CADRE ¢ I]

SPORTS

CFL Roundup: Fight to the Finish

Josh Lewis Reporter

Labour Day is behind us and that means the CFL is heating up. Going into the stretch drive, the Toronto Argonauts and B.C. Lions, last year’s Grey Cup finalists, have commanding division leads. With the two byes all but locked up, the fiercest battles will be for second and third place in each division.

B.C. Lions

Don’t count on that undefeated streak continuing much longer. Lions quarterbacks have been sacked a CFL-high 49 times and, as Dave Dickenson told the Vancouver Sun last week, it’s taking its toll. Meanwhile, Casey Printers has been on the shelf since Aug. 27 with a shoulder injury. If Dickenson goes down, the Lions will fall back to earth and fast. Prediction: 14-4, 1 in West

Calgary Stampeders

The Stamps have made a marked turnaround this season after the Matt Dunigan disaster last year. Standout QB Henry Burris, acquired from the Riders last winter, has re-energized the team and rookie Jason Gesser has filled his shoes admirably since Burris’ hand injury two weeks ago. This team finally has the potential to make some noise. Prediction: 9-9, 4 in West (crossover to 3" East)

Edmonton Eskimos

The Eskies began the season by welcoming all-star pivot Ricky Ray back into the fold. Ray led Edmonton to the 2003 Grey Cup and has picked up where he left off, leading the CFL in several offensive categories. The Eskimos have also shone on defense this season and have posed the only realistic threat to the Lions in the West. Prediction: 11-7, 2" in West

Saskatchewan Roughriders

The Riders have been a Jekyll-and- Hyde team so far. Expected to contend for the West division title this year, Saskatchewan got off to a slow start and currently sits at 6-6. Marcus Crandell took the helm at QB several weeks ago, however, and has righted this sinking ship quickly. Saskatchewan is peaking and anything could happen in the playoffs.

Prediction: 10-8, 3'1 in West

Winnipeg Blue Bombers

The Bombers weren’t given much ofa chance this year and for good reason. The team got off to a horrid start and although they’ ve improved slightly, they aren’t going to get anywhere without an experienced pivot. Running back Charles Roberts has shone as usual, but no man is an island.

Prediction: 6-12, 5“ in West

Continued on page 17

Boyd: Big Season Ahead for Men’s Rugby

Liam McKenna Sports Editor

Trevor Boyd feels good about the upcoming rugby season.

The men’s Panthers pulled offa tight victory over Mount Allison last weekend with a 13-12 win from a last minute try and convert. But Boyd said that didn’t shake his vision of the team at all.

“We have a lot of veterans that are looking to turn things around this year,” said Boyd. “I feel we have the best team that we have in a while.”

It certainly seems that way. With a mix of veterans, such as the 4th year Boyd, combined with exciting rookie talent such as scrum half Mike Deighan, who won player of the game last weekend, the men are looking forward to their big game next weekend versus UNB. But it won’t be an easy task at all.

“They’re a good team all over,” said Boyd, when asked about his opponent’s strengths. While Boyd says coach Aaron Carr and his staff probably won’ttry to put their focus primarily on the backs or the forwards, Boyd knows ° where he thinks UPEI can gain the upper hand. “Hopefully, we’ ll be more fit than they will.”

Fitness in rugby is a skill comparable to skating in hockey or serving in volleyball - itis an integral part of the game which oftentimes is the deciding factor. Boyd says the team this year is fit and up to the challenge posed by the University of New Brunswick squad, who is reigning champ five years

“This game could very well determine how our season is going to go,” said Boyd. “It’s really important to us.”

When asked if he still found inspiration in playing for UPEI after all these years, Boyd responded, “Now more than before even. The boys are really pumped up for this game, for this season. When you’ ve got a lot of talent on your team, it really makes you want to represent the school and stuff.

“We’re really excited.”

Cadre Players of the Week

Just when they though t

eir ten games last weekend, his first two of

memorable week could not get any _ the season. Anstey’s offensive flair has

more complete, Ryan Anstey and and Janelle Blanchard have been named the Cadre’s Players of the Week, coming off of highly successful weekends in men’s and women’s soccer respectively.

The acclaimed paper’s awards come after both footballers also won awards from UPEI, AUS, and CIS for their outstanding play.

Anstey, a fifth year, had anose for the net which saw

him score six out of the team’s total

put him in the running to become UPEIL’s all-time leading goal scorer, his 34 just short of the mark of 37 set by Scott Neil from 1981-1984. Anstey will, in all likelihood, break the mark this season. Blanchard, not to be outdone, also contributed heavily to the offensive output of the ladies Panthers on the same weekend. Blanchard scored five goals out of her team’s eleven, including four in a 7-0 victory over Moncton. Congratulations to the Cadre players of the week!