Argonauts hoping to right ship vs. Bombers
FRIDAY
Winnipeg at Toronto, 5: 30 p. m., TSN: The Argos close out their 26- year run at Rogers Centre, formerly SkyDome, which began on July 12, 1989 with a 24- 15 loss to the Hamilton Tiger- Cats. Next season, they’ll call BMO Field home. The 5- 12 Bombers saw their thin playoff hopes evaporate last Friday during a bye week when the Lions edged the Argos 27- 25. Despite spending lavishly on free agents in a Grey Cup hosting year, Winnipeg will miss the postseason for the sixth time in seven campaigns. The 9- 8 Argos are trying to reverse a three- game slide at a most inopportune time. Pick: Argonauts
SATURDAY
Hamilton at Ottawa, 2 p. m., TSN: Greg Ellingson ( 919) is 81 yards away from joining Chris Williams ( 1,182), Brad Sinopoli ( 1,006) and Ernest Jackson ( 1,002) in Ottawa’s Millenary Receiving Club, brought about by the resurgence of quarterback Henry Burris as the leading MOP candidate. Burris can add an extra jewel to his crown with another victory over the Ticats ( or a loss, by fewer than six points) which would nail down first place in the East. The Redblacks, 0- 9 on the road in their inaugural season, went to 5- 4 last week following a grinding 12- 6 win in Hamilton. They’ve progressed too far too fast to trip up now. Pick: Redblacks Calgary at B. C., 5 p. m., TSN: For the third straight year, the Stampeders will close out the regular season in Vancouver. Unlike the previous two campaigns, when first place was secured, they’ll be the second seed in the West heading into the playoffs. Scheduled to face each other again in the Nov. 15 West Division semifinal at McMahon Stadium, vanilla should be the flavour of the week for head coaches Jeff Tedford and John Hufnagel. In a similar meaningless finale two years ago, Hufnagel lost two starting defensive tackles and slotback Marquay McDaniel to injuries. Fingers are crossed it doesn’t happen again. Pick: Stampeders
SUNDAY
Saskatchewan at Montreal, 11 a. m., TSN: Borrowing from Woodsy Owl, the icon of the U. S. Forest Service, the Als and Riders will be trying to gauge which players really give a hoot. In an empty game involving non- playoff teams, the value is in seeing which individuals are playing for jobs next season or merely playing out the string. For the Riders, two years ago, they were Grey Cup champions. The fall from grace has been stunning in its breadth and swiftness. Pick: Alouettes Bye: Edmonton Last Week: 4- 0 Season: 50- 27