Concordia's Warren Kean kicked nine field goals -- no need to look it up, that's a record of some kind -- in an 34-31 six-overtime win over Saint Mary's, and that may have been the only ordinary thing to happen all weekend.
(Nine three-pointers? That's a month for the New York Knicks.)
That was just the tip of an iceberg in a weekend that sort of sums up what a crazy season it's been: Calgary got their first win for Blake Nill, Mount Allison won handily to finish with multiple victories in the season for the first time this decade, and No. 2 Manitoba stayed unbeaten despite allowing 44 points and 455 passing yards to Teale Orban and the Regina Rams.
Not to mention coach Mike Morencie's Windsor Lancers finally secured a home playoff game and for once Queen's-Western didn't finish in an Arena League score. Queen's Dan Brannagan and Brad Smith even broke the "You're With Me, Leather" Hex (if you believe in such things).
One week after he missed a game-tying kick in an overtime loss to Laval, Kean atoned big time, making making a 24-yarder with 15 seconds left in regulation to tie the game 22-22. From there, he matched Saint Mary's Justin Palardy field goal for field goal in the first, third and fifth overtimes. Finally, on the sixth, Saint Mary's possession ended on an interception. Kean, on the 12th field goal try of the game -- that's a season for some guys -- coolly nailed a 33-yarder to win the game.
Like he'd been doing it all day. Which he had, actually.
OTHER BUSINESS
This always rubs the wrong way, and no, this isn't the Gaels fan in me talking. It always seems just wrong when teams are way ahead and the issue is decided and they're still passing. Queen's could have been accused of it a few times in 2002-03, the Tom Denison years, and often it sat wrong then.
Now that they've struggled for a couple seasons, Queen's may have changed its tune: The Gaels resisted the temptation to tack on another touchdown in the final minute against Western, instead calling a quarterback kneeldown with the ball on the the Mustangs' 1-yard line in the closing seconds. The issue was settled, and another TD wasn't needed, pure and simple.
Calgary went from 3rd-and-10 at its own 3-yard line to 1st-and-goal at the UBC 2. Anthony Woodson plunged over for the winning touchdown on the next play.
As best as one can figure, the only way UBC misses the playoffs is if Regina beats Alberta by 24 or more points. The Rams would have the better point differential in the head-to-head and would finish third, and Alberta would get fourth by virtue of a one-point win over UBC back early in the season.
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3 comments:
Hey Neate
I know it must be fustrating being a Gaels' fan living in the Gee Gees' back yard these days. However,you could have the grace to congratulate them on their first place finish instead of reaching to find some way to critisize them.
As for ther football gods; they are showering the Gees with more blessings than they have for many a year. Thank you fg's.
Congrats, to the Gaels for vanquishing the Purple Menace.
OttawaFan (From .ORG)
Good point. I've tweaked the comments slightly, but as I noted, there's been times in the past where it sat wrong with me when Queen's was passing late in the game, or throwing deep, when the issue was long since decided.
People -- and not just those the team you're playing that particular day -- tend to file that away.
Anyway, I'm cool with Laurier or Ottawa winning the Yates, you should know that.
You've made the comment, as have many others, that there are no more home games for Queen's. However, if all the stars and planets align properly, a mighty stretch I know, the Gaels will host the Mitchell Bowl on November 18th.
So Bill Sparrow, don't let the soccer guys and gals kill the turf at Richardson Stadium just yet!
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