POWER RANKINGS
1( 1) CALGARY
The Stampeders (13-3-1) have clinched first place overall in the CFL, but they haven’t looked like frontrunners of late, suffering back-to- back losses. Nonetheless, it is difficult to place the Stampeders anywhere other than first when you consider their standing. Calgary should be a different, healthier team in the playoffs.
2( 2) SASKATCHEWAN
Chris Jones should be a mortal lock for CFL coach- of- the-year honours after guiding Saskatchewan ( 10-7- 0) to a double- digit victory total. Such a resurgence appeared to be unlikely after the Roughriders lost four of their first six games, but an 8-3- 0 stretch has ensued. The Roughriders have allowed only 19 points and one touchdown over their last two games, reaffirming Jones’ reputation as a defensive guru. Now, if only there was a comparable degree of certainty about the quarterbacking position.
3( 3) EDMONTON
It may be a surprise to see the red-hot Eskimos relegated to third. But who do they supplant? Calgary is Calgary and Saskatchewan beat Edmonton 54-31 in the teams’ only meeting to date.
4( 4) WINNIPEG
The Bombers are a banged- up lot entering the final weekend. The two keys on offence — quarterback Matt Nichols and all- purpose tailback Andrew Harris — were forced to leave Saturday’s game against B.C. The Bombers were already ravaged by injuries before that. Winnipeg ( 11- 6- 0) has lost three of its last four games and was held without an offensive touchdown in the lone victory. Gulp.
5( 5) TORONTO
The Argonauts, who are coming off a bye week, can clinch first place in the East Division Saturday by defeating the host Lions. Head coach Marc Trestman and GM Jim Popp have done a nice job despite a late start.
6( 6) OTTAWA
The Redblacks ( 8- 9-1) are the first to reach the regular- season finish line. They are now on a bye week — their second in a span of three weeks. Recreational floor hockey leagues have better scheduling.
7( 7) HAMILTON
The Tiger- Cats are out of the playoff hunt, but unlike Montreal they are showing signs of life — as evidenced by Jeremiah Masoli’s four touchdown passes in Friday’s 41-36 loss to Ottawa. Under head coach June Jones, who replaced Kent Austin after an 0- 8 start, ace returner Brandon Banks has emerged as an offensive weapon. He has had five consecutive games with 100- plus receiving yards.
8( 8) B.C.
The Lions’ plight is such that even a rare victory is exasperating. On Saturday, the Lions won 36-27 in Winnipeg with Jonathon Jennings throwing for 408 yards and four touchdowns. Where was that when the games actually mattered?
9( 9) MONTREAL
The Als look as hopeless as another Al — Al Bundy. When the Alouettes’ record dipped to 3-8-0, it was hit the road, Jacques. However, the Sept. 13 firing of head coach Jacques Chapdelaine — succeeded by GM Kavis Reed — accomplished nothing. In fact, the team regressed, as inconceivable as that notion may have been when Chapdelaine and defensive co- ordinator Noel Thorpe were sacked. Six straight defeats have ensued, stretching Montreal’s losing streak to 10.