POWER RANKINGS
1 ( 1) CALGARY
The Stampeders (13-2-1) have clinched first place overall despite losing 30-7 to Saskatchewan Friday. Calgary’s defence actually played well. Saskatchewan scored its touchdowns on a punt return, an interception return and a short run after a Stamps fumble was returned to the three-yard line. But the Calgary offence looked out of sorts, especially when Bo Levi Mitchell threw a pick-six to Duron Carter. Imperfections are showing, but Calgary’s record speaks for itself.
2 (4) SASKATCHEWAN
Yes, Saskatchewan ( 9-7- 0) is fourth in the West Division, but does anyone want to play Chris Jones’ crew right now? The Roughriders are 7-3- 0 since starting the season at 2- 4- 0. They just snapped Calgary’s 17- game home- field winning streak. Calgary has not scored a touchdown in either of its past two games against Saskatchewan. The victory in Calgary served notice that the Green and White has arrived as a toptier team.
3 ( 3) EDMONTON
Performance-wise, the Eskimos are as volatile as their head coach Jason Maas. Edmonton won its first seven games, lost the next six and has since responded with three victories in succession. Edmonton boasts league leaders in passing yardage ( Mike Reilly, 5,252) and receiving yards ( Brandon Zylstra, 1,514). Reilly’s targets also include Derel Walker ( 526 yards in six games since returning from an NFL tryout) and Adarius Bowman (coming off a 136-yard game). Bowman is 32, but some concerns about his age have been allayed.
4 ( 2) WINNIPEG
The Blue Bombers ( 11- 5- 0) are in solid shape standings-wise, but reality tells a different story. Winnipeg has lost two of its past three games with both losses coming against sub-. 500 teams. The Bombers did not score an offensive touchdown in its one victorious effort over the three- game span. Injuries are mounting, the defence has more holes than Donald Trump’s version of events and kicker Justin Medlock — upon whom the Bombers have been so reliant — is not his normally unerring self.
5 ( 6) TORONTO
The Argonauts are first in the East Division, albeit with an inglorious 8- 9- 0 record after Saturday’s 29- 28 home- field victory over Winnipeg. It is a shame only 15,532 souls showed up for the game. The Argos’ Ricky Ray threw for 423 yards and passed the 60,000 mark for his career. Anyone who enjoys sports and appreciates class should seize every opportunity to see a legend in person.
6 ( 5) OTTAWA
The Redblacks ( 7- 9-1) are coming off a bye week. They play host to Hamilton Friday and then have another bye week. If the Redblacks end up finishing first in the East, they will have three byes in a four-week span. If so, it might be time for Ottawa’s wonderful ByWard Market to be temporarily dubbed the Bye-Ward Market. Yes, that was awful. Onward …
7 ( 7) HAMILTON
The Tiger- Cats were winless in eight games when Kent Austin handed the head- coaching reins to June Jones. The Tiger- Cats have since won five of eight games. Too late.
8 ( 8) B.C.
Wondering where the Lions are? In the West Division basement. Profuse apologies to Bruce Cockburn.
9 ( 9) MONTREAL
Bring back the Expos! Montreal sports fans deserve some good news.