Fans Trash Talk, Soak Up Atmosphere as Excitement Builds for Grey Cup

Lynch, the former Northern Illinois star in his rookie season with Eskimos, scored on a third-down play in a 20-degree chill. Quarterback Mike Reilly’s three-yard pass to Akeem Shavers for the two-point convert erased a 20-18 advantage.

Sunday marks Ottawa’s first participation in the Grey Cup since 1981, when the Riders lost 26-23 to the Eskimos.

“Win, lose or draw, I was going to follow coach Jones”, said Watkins, a four-year vet in his second season with the Esks.

Milo, who started with Saskatchewan in 2011, says his journey this season has made him appreciate how special the Grey Cup experience is.

“Honestly, every single game I play every single football we play with is small amounts different”.

The game-winning drive was aided by two pass interference calls on Ottawa.

“You know what a year ago, when it was in BC, the room filled up and everyone was really busy”. Edmonton dispatched Calgary in the West finale to reach the CFL title game for the first time since 2005.

“As soon as coach Jones got here it became a very contagious work ethic, a contagious sense of what his vision is and where he wanted us to go”, said Sherritt. Obviously, after that kick here, the 53-yarder (on the last play of the game to beat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers), the team started to bring me in and everyone was a lot more comfortable with me.

“These guys, they rejuvenated my whole career”, said the seven-year veteran, who’s been good on 24 of 26 field-goal attempts. “That’s how it transpired”. Chris Milo missed the PAT on the second Ottawa major. Justin Capicciotti led the Redblacks with 12 sacks to finish third overall.

Ottawa took a 13-0 lead halfway through the first quarter on Henry Burris’ 3-yard touchdown pass to Patrick Lavoie and a 7-yarder to Earnest Jackson. Grant Shaw also added a 69 yard single in a quarter dominated by defence. The 40-year-old was nothing short of brilliant this year, registering a league-record 481 completions while being the leading passer (5,703 yards).

“We had opportunities to turn the tide and we just didn’t make the plays, whether it was me missing a throw or making a play or something”, Burris said. “I believed if we were able to accomplish that, we would at least get the buy-in from the players and the players would feel comfortable enough to not only stay but recruit others to come”. “We’ve been over the game plan numerous times and it’s time to get on the field and put it all to work now”.