Edmonton Eskimos

CFL Offensive Player of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Edmonton Eskimos) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:08:22 -0500

Final Release (2008/136)
July 8, 2008

(Edmonton) - Quarterback Ricky Ray has added another accomplishment to his long list as was named the CFL Offensive Player of the Week for his contributions in last Thursday’s game against Calgary.

Ricky Ray was the biggest star of the game that saw a total of 64 points, seven TDs and a dramatic TD catch by Jason Tucker to end the game. Ray threw for a league high 448 yards, including three TD passes. Ray completed 27 of 41 attempts for the day, a 65.8 completion percentage with no interceptions.

On the season, Ricky Ray leads the CFL with 697 yards passing, and has a QB Rating of 102.4. He is 52/78, a 66.7% completion rate.

This week’s award is now the sixth time Ray has been named the CFL Offensive Player of the Week. He has won the award once in 2002, 2003 and 2007 and twice in 2006. Ray was also named the CFL Offensive Player of the Month for August in 2002.

The Eskimos kick off their first back-to-back series of the year against the Argonauts on July 10^th at Commonwealth Stadium. Kick off is at 8:00pm.

Eskimos make roster moves

noreply@blogger.com (Edmonton Eskimos) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:05:25 -0500

(Edmonton)
The Edmonton Eskimos have signed free agent import running back AJ Harris to the active roster and free agent import running back Ron McClendon to the practice roster, the club announced today. The club also announced that import linebacker Kenny Onatolu has been moved to the practice roster.

Import linebacker Shonda Faulkner has been released.

34
AJ HARRIS
RB
(Import)
Northern Illinois
Born: August 8, 1984 – Downers Grove, IL
Height: 6’0 Weight: 225
Yrs Esks: 1st
Yrs CFL: 1st

5
RON McCLENDON
RB
(Import)
Mississippi
Born: April 2, 1981 - Ponchatoula, LA
Height: 5-8 Weight: 198
Yrs Esks: 5th
Yrs CFL: 5th
Games Played
2007: 6
CFL Career: 17
Playoffs: 0
Grey Cup: 0

The Eskimos host the Argonauts on July 10th at Commonwealth Stadium. Kick off is at 8:00pm.

Kamau Peterson on The Future of the CFL

noreply@blogger.com (Edmonton Eskimos) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:04:34 -0500

With the imminent threat of NFL takeover looming on the horizon as of late, many questions arise regarding the life and future of this league. In pondering such issues I find myself getting caught up in just what this league has meant to so many people in this country. I think of how many non-import players like myself, have been able to make a name for themselves doing what they love to do in front of their families since this league began. Or I wonder how many American players have been able to come North to a land that they probably knew very little about, only to become stars and even citizens here; some even choosing to raise family in this country. Most importantly perhaps, what this league has meant to the fans. These same fans that, despite of the CFLs secondary ranking to the country’s national pastime, still turn out in droves for their teams and crave the leagues kickoff so strongly.

The CFL itself has survived so much as a league that I really don’t have much concern for it even with the ominous threat of the NFL closing in. The players in it have always served as a direct window and testament into the soul of the league itself. In peering through that window into the players themselves, you will find one thing in common to a man, in every single player that has played up here for any length of time. In all of us you will find resilience. One must have resilience to make a way when the way is shut, as many of those that come into this league had to. Either having run out of southern options, or simply chasing a distant dream, those in the CFL know what it is to be counted out.

To me the fans passion for this league in part stems from the localization of the game itself. CFL cities have always been able to see their favourite players in the grocery stores and on the sidewalks, thus giving the players themselves a comfortable and familiar feel to them from the fan standpoint. It is this familiarity, this tangible quality that the CFL brings to the fan that has allowed it to endure through so many challenges over the duration of its inception. The country loves this game and its players because they fuse themselves into the country’s fabric. In their community work, the lives that so many of them make for themselves here in Canada outside of football; and most importantly through the passion and conviction of their play for those CFL cities in which they play. Canadian fans relate to their underdog mentality, and to their struggle to achieve against all odds. The shadow cast by the U.S. market as well as the country itself is one that Canadians have felt since achieving their independence from Britain. Yet Canada maintains…Canada endures. And the CFL will be no different, as the NFL threat bears down on them. This league’s fans are its lifeblood, and they are as resilient as the players themselves. The CFL will remain, and the CFL will endure as they have endured all before this.

This too, shall pass.

Kamau Peterson

Edmonton Eskimos Mourn Passing of Bob Ackles

noreply@blogger.com (Edmonton Eskimos) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:06:23 -0500

Final Release (2008/134)
July 6, 2008

(Edmonton)
The Edmonton Eskimo Football Club issued the following statements on the passing of BC Lions President and CEO Bob Ackles.

Eskimo President and CEO Rick LeLacheur says “ Bob was tremendously passionate about his family, the Lions, the CFL and our country and he made an indelible mark on all who knew him. The entire Edmonton Eskimo organization extends it’s deepest condolences to the Ackles family and the BC Lions on their profound loss.

Former Eskimo President and CEO Hugh Campbell says “ 47 football seasons ago I met Bobby Ackles at my first CFL game when BC played Ottawa at Empire Stadium. His enthusiasm for the game and knowledge of the League were huge factors in me eventually joining the CFL. His influence on football in Vancouver has been monumental and he’s been a CFL standard bearer throughout the last half century. All CFL fans should know that our League would not be here today were it not for the work of Bob and the foundation he helped build. My thoughts and prayers are with Kay, Scott and Steve and the entire family. I will miss my friend”.

Eskimos Win Slugfest With Stampeders In Edmonton

noreply@blogger.com (Edmonton Eskimos) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:03:00 -0500

July 3, 2008
THE CANADIAN PRESS

(EDMONTON)
Jason Tucker made a dramatic 36-yard touchdown reception with just 55 seconds left to go as the Edmonton Eskimos came back to defeat the Calgary Stampeders 34-31 Thursday night.

The Eskimos (1-1) snapped a seven-game losing streak dating back to last season and were in jeopardy of losing eight in a row for the first time since 1971.

John Hufnagel took his first loss as a head coach of the Stampeders (1-1).

Edmonton quarterback Ricky Ray threw for 448 yards in the victory.

Leading 25-17 after the third quarter, Edmonton looked to have caught a break five minutes into the fourth as Stamps running back Demetris Summers fumbled at midfield and Eskimos defensive tackle Dario Romero recovered. But they were unable to convert as Noel Prefontaine missed a 34-yard field goal attempt and the Esks settled for a single.

It proved costly. On the Stamps' next possession, Calgary pivot Henry Burris threw a long bomb to Brett Ralph. The 65-yard TD strike cut Edmonton's lead to just two points with five minutes left.

Prefontaine restored the three point edge with a punt single, but Calgary came roaring back to take their first lead of the game as Burris hit Ralph on a 20-yard strike to go up by four with just 1:38 to play.

But the Eskimos dug deep and put together a last second scoring drive of their own as Tucker made a circus catch in the end zone with just 55 seconds left.

After being held without a touchdown last week, Edmonton scored its first of the season four-and-a-half minutes into the opening quarter as Ray connected with rookie Kelly Campbell for a 32-yard score.

Edmonton was closing in on another score but lost the ball on a Calvin McCarty fumble, and Calgary's Richard Karikari recovered.

It was a big turnover as the Stamps proceeded to march 79 yards on four plays, capped off by a 15-yard TD pass from Burris to Jeremaine Copeland as time expired in the first to tie the game 7-7.

It didn't take the Eskimos much time to respond, going 71 yards on three plays to start the second quarter, including a huge 51-yard strike to Kamau Peterson. They capped the drive with Campbell's second TD reception of the contest from eight yards out for a 14-7 Edmonton lead.

Prefontaine added a pair of field goals and a punt single to give Edmonton a 21-7 lead at the half.

Calgary came back from the dressing room fired up and capitalized on its opening drive of the third, two minutes in, as Joffrey Reynolds drove in from the eight to cut the Edmonton lead to seven points.

The Eskimos added a punt single and went for more points late in the third but a strong drive fizzled in close and they were forced to accept a 10-yard field goal from Prefontaine. Calgary chipped in a three-pointer of its own to close out the quarter on a Sandro DeAngelis 24-yarder to make it 25-17 after the third frame.

Both teams are back at it next Thursday as the Stampeders travel to Montreal and the Eskimos play host to the Toronto Argos.

Notes: The Stampeders only won two road games last season (2-7) but both were in Edmonton It s been 44 years since Calgary defeated the Eskimos in Edmonton's home opener, last doing it in 1964. It looked like Calgary had sworn off playing an Edmonton home opener after losing in 1988. They waited 18 years before trying it again, losing 18-14 in 2006 Calgary defensive lineman Julian Jenkins left the game five minutes into the fourth, taken away by ambulance with a badly injured left leg On the injury front the Eskimos were without starting offensive lineman Dan Comiskey, who suffered a hairline ankle fracture in last weekend's loss to the Riders. The 36-year-old was placed on the nine-game injured list Wednesday For the Stamps, defensive linemen Funtaine Hunter (hamstring), Juwan Simpson (ankle) and linebacker Saleem Rasheed (shoulder) were all out Calgary's Nik Lewis' first quarter reception propelled him into sole possession of 10th place in Stamps history for career receptions, ahead of Willie Burden.

Eskimos assign two to the nine-game injured list

noreply@blogger.com (Edmonton Eskimos) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:00:07 -0500

July 2, 2008
Final Release (2008/130)

(Edmonton)
The Edmonton Eskimos have moved non-import offensive lineman Dan Comiskey and non-import Dante Luciani to the nine-game injured list, the club announced today.

The Eskimos host the Calgary Stampeders Thursday, July 3 at 8:00pm.

CFL as Canadian as you can get, folks; League shows what pride in the Great White North can do

noreply@blogger.com (Edmonton Eskimos) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:57:59 -0500

The Toronto Sun
BY JOE WARMINGTON

This is our day and this is our time!

In many areas of life, we are actually better than the rest, but the only ones who don't seem to understand this is us.

But every once in a while, I think we are about to. And on this Canada Day, with the Grey Cup proudly spending time with our brave troops in Afghanistan, it feels like we are ready.

Canadians from coast to coast are doing very well in 2008!

And don't forget the Toronto Argos' home opener Thursday is almost sold out!

The message is clear. Canada is cool!

If you surf the web on YouTube, you will find a subtle message -- sent quietly, but one that was overdue. It's nice on Canada Day when our own precious traditions, and those who are guardians of them, flex their muscles and stand up to those who would dare to invade us.

"This is our league," is the title of a new video released this week by the Canadian Football League.

And you can't just come in here and push it aside!

Of course, the stunning new video -- put together by marketing gurus Bensimon Byrne and David Rosenberg, narrated by Chris Potter, and containing the Neverending White Lights song, Always -- didn't exactly add that last part. It was just an observation from a CFL fan thrilled to see our 135-year-old league laying claim to our turf and letting the NFL understand just who and what they are dealing with. The video, which will be shown at the game Thursday -- I bet to a standing ovation -- is a brilliant and emotional history lesson on the historic league and should make any Canadian swell up with pride.

It talks about how our game is 110 yards long and 65 yards wide -- which means it's not just a bunch of big guys banging around with no action and no creativity.

Well, that's how I took it, anyway. Of course, the CFL's bright new commissioner, Mark Cohon, sees it more as a "celebration of our traditions" and a marketing approach which was thought of even before the NFL decided to play here.

"It's the fabric of the nation," he says of the CFL. "I saw a list of what people decided are the top 10 events in Canadian history and the Grey Cup was on everyone's list."

He's right. And smart!

As for the Bills coming? "Take a deep breath," he jokes. "Our league is strong."

Now, in looking at the Bills game, I have not yet been able to find a ticket for less than $179, while that same amount could almost get you an Argo season ticket package.

Interestingly, the last time the Bills leaned on Toronto, it was to take CFL legend Doug Flutie as quarterback. He used his Canadian game wizardry to take the Bills out of oblivion. Interestingly, ever since they rudely benched him, the team has not had a winning season, so it makes sense to come north of the border again for some magic.

Even though the CFL is one of the last untouched Canadian gems, there's still nothing wrong with Buffalo coming to play the Miami Dolphins Dec. 7.

However no matter what they do, it won't be Canadian. It's American and you know how Canadians have traditionally been when it comes to that. We fall for the American marketing machine every time -- hook line and sinker.

If it's American it has to be better -- when the truth is that's rarely the case. On most stuff, the quality is equal and on some things, the Canadian version is actually better. The CFL is one of those things.

The NFL is a great league, too -- but it's one with more structure, procedure, monolithic thinking and, of course, more money. Now it's hardly America's fault everybody falls all over themselves at the prospect of making it there -- even European football star David Beckham and his Spice Girl wife couldn't resist the bright lights.

But that dream is a myth. The truth: If we ever properly supported our own entertainers, our own special diversity, made our own movies and TV shows, used our own gas drilled right here, kept our stars and doctors, we'd be loud and proud like that CFL YouTube video.

Our whole country should strut like that video does. It's the greatest country in the world and, yes, there's even documentation showing hockey, football, basketball and even baseball were all Canadian inventions.

And yet the first thing a Canadian seems to do when he or she makes it south of the border is do a 100-metre dash for the U.S. citizenship office and become American. I guess they can have people like Jim Carrey, Michael J. Fox and Alanis Morissette, but on this Canada Day -- or any other -- they can't have our football league. It's ours!

Esks kick-off home opener with free pre-game party for fans

noreply@blogger.com (Edmonton Eskimos) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:53:29 -0500

July 1, 2008
Final Release (2008/127)

(Edmonton)
Get ready to cheer until that vein thingy pops out of your neck! The Green and Gold faithful can get in the spirit before Thursday nights’ game against Calgary at the Pre-Game Party presented byBoston Pizza at Clarke Park.

Admission is free with a game ticket. The party includes a concert by Edmonton’s own Social Code, performances by the Eskimo Cheerteam, a beer garden and a Kids Zone with games and face painting.

With the Green and Go program, getting to an Eskimo game has never been easier. Two hours prior to and two hours after each home game, fans with a game ticket can ride theLRT, Park and Ride and regular transit service for free.

Event:Eskimo Pre-Game Party Presented byBoston Pizza
Where:Clarke Park (11000 Stadium Road)
When:Thursday, July 3^rd
Time:5:30pm – 7:30pm

The Eskimos host the Calgary Stampeders Thursday, July 3 at 8:00pm.

Trey Young signs with the Eskimos

noreply@blogger.com (Edmonton Eskimos) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:52:35 -0500

June 30, 2008
Final Release (2008/125)

(Edmonton)
The Edmonton Eskimos have signed import linebacker Trey Young, the club announced today.

Young played in all 18 regular season games with the Calgary Stampeders last year, recording 69 defensive tackles, eight special teams tackles, four interceptions and 3 fumble recoveries. Trey got his start in the CFL with the Stampeders in 2005 and has seen action in the last three west semi-finals.

3
Trey Young
LB
(Import)
Montana
Born: February 4, 1980 – Chicago, IL
Height: 6’0 Weight: 210
Yrs Esks: 1^st
Yrs CFL: 4^th
2007: 17
Playoffs: 3
Grey Cup: 0

Trey Young Career Numbers:

			TACKLES						TFL

YEAR	TEAM	GP	DT	ST	TT	PKD	QS	FF	NO	YDS

2005	CGY	17	47	16	63	1	2	3	1	1

2006	CGY	15	39	6	45	3	0	1	2	3

2007	CGY	18	69	8	77	2	0	1	3	7

TOTALS		50	155	30	185	6	2	5	6	11

		FUMBLE RETURNS				INTERCEPTIONS

YEAR	TEAM	NO	YDS	LG	TD	NO	YDS	LG	TD

2005	CGY	0	0	0	0	4	97	44	0

2006	CGY	2	0	0	0	2	0	0	0

2007	CGY	3	15	15	1	4	47	37	0

TOTALS		5	15	15	1	10	144	44	0

Playoffs:

			TACKLES						TFL

YEAR	TEAM	GP	DT	ST	TT	PKD	QS	FF	NO

2005	CGY	1	0	1	1	0	0	0	0

2006	CGY	1	2	0	2	0	0	0	0

2007	CGY	1	8	0	8	0	0	0	1

TOTALS		3	10	1	11	0	0	0	1

		FUMBLE RETURNS			INTERCEPTIONS

YEAR	TEAM	NO	YDS	LG	TD	NO	YDS	LG	TD

2005	CGY	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

2006	CGY	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

2007	CGY	0	0	0	0	0	39	39	1

TOTALS		0	0	0	0	0	39	39	1

The Eskimos will be hosting the Calgary Stampeders on July 3^rd at Commonwealth Stadium for the 2008 regular season home opener.

Eskimos Kickoff 2008 Season in Saskatchewan

noreply@blogger.com (Edmonton Eskimos) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:36:28 -0500

Release
June 27, 2008

(Edmonton)
Game #1

Edmonton Eskimos @ Saskatchewan Roughriders

Date:Saturday, June 28, 2008
Place: Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field – Regina
Kick-off:5:30pm
Television: TSN
Radio: 630 CHEDEdmonton (Bryan Hall & Dave Campbell)
620 CKRMRegina (Rod Pedersen & Carm Carteri)

Overview

If anyone needs extra motivation for the ’08 lid lifter, the Eskimos can flash back to October 26, 2007 when the ‘Riders snuffed outEdmonton’s playoff hopes with a 36 – 29 OT win at Commonwealth. Much has changed for both teams since that night. The ‘Riders would go on to win the Grey Cup, their first since ’89, while the Esks would miss the post-season for the second straight year. No sweeter revenge for the Esks than to start 2008 with a win inRegina over the reigning champions.

Danny Maciocia wasted little time in overhauling his staff, bringing in the likes of Noel Thorpe, Mike Kelly, Ronnie Vinklarek andDon Wnek – all with CFL experience; promoting Rick Worman to Offensive Coordinator and adding the recently retired A.J. Gass as a defensive assistant. On the player personnel side Maciocia was no less active, landing CFL free agents – Jason Maas, Dario Romero and Garrick Jones to bring much needed experience and character. In separate deals, Maciocia traded for CFL All-Stars Fred Perry, Jordan Younger, Noel Prefontaine and Brock Ralph. Maciocia pulled off a draft day coup by swapping first round picks with Calgary and acquiring veteran centre John Comiskey, younger brother of Dan, and promising receiver Kevin Challenger.

Canadian talent was significantly upgraded as the work of Dan McKinnon, Ed Hervey and the scouts paid dividends at the draft table. With the exception of first round pick Greg Wojt (OL-Central Michigan) who has still college eligibility remaining, the remaining five players in the ’08 Draft class are on the club’s 53 man roster to start the season.

A few well publicized fights garnered headlines, but the real news from training camp ’08 was the intense daily battle for jobs. Unheralded rookie Tristan Jackson locked up a spot as the Esks kick returner with a pair of pre-season TD returns. Damien Anderson, the former Arizona Cardinal and late addition in ’07 held off some stiff competition to earn the starting running back job.

New coaches and players aside, the fate of the Esks’ season rests squarely on the shoulders and arm of Ricky Ray. The Esks all-time leader in pass completions and yards suffered a season ending shoulder separation on September 28 against Toronto and Edmonton would go on to drop the final six games. Ray didn’t go under the knife and thanks to a rigorous off-season rehab program, the sixth year CFL veteran is now back in top form.

Notables

· Jason Tucker needs 1 TD receptions to tie Tom Scoott for 2^nd in TD receptions in Eskimo history (58).

· Ricky Ray needs 2 TD passes to tie Tom Wilkinson for 3^rd in career TD passes in Eskimo history (129).

· Shannon Garrett needs 7 tackles for 600 defensive tackles in his career.

· The Eskimos have won 3 season openers against Saskatchewan and have lost 5 to them.

· For 2 of the 3 season openers won, the Eskimos have gone on to the Grey Cup final.

· The Eskimos are 36-22-1 for season opener games.

· Edmonton Sun Sports Columnist Terry Jones is as old as the Eskimos. He turned 60 years old on Wednesday, June 25.

The Eskimos host the Calgary Stampeders on July 3, 2008. Buy Eskimo tickets online at ticketmaster.ca or call 451-8000.

Eskimos add pair to practice roster

noreply@blogger.com (Edmonton Eskimos) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:35:18 -0500

Final Release (2008/122)
June 24, 2008

(Edmonton)

The Edmonton Eskimos announced that import defensive lineman Joe Anoai (pro: An-uh-way-ee) and import linebacker Shonda Faulkner have been added to the practice roster.

JOE ANOAI

(Import)

Georgia Tech
Born: May 25, 1985 – Pensacola, Florida
Height: 6’3 Weight: 280|
Yrs Esks: 1^st
Yrs CFL: 1^st
Acquired: Signed as a free agent in June 2008
Career: Signed as an undrafted free agent with the Minnesota Vikings in early 2007. Injured prior to training camp and later released.
College/Personal: A three-year starter, Anoai ended his career at Georgia Tech with a total of 108 tackles ( 61 unassisted, 47 assisted), 29.5 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, three passes broken up and four fumble recoveries. He earned first-team all-ACC honors in his senior year as he helped the Jackets hold eight opponents to one offensive touchdown or less during the season. He was ranked 9^th in the nation in pass efficiency defense and 20^th in rushing defense that same year. Anoai comes from a family of professional wrestlers in the WWE, including his brother (“Rosey”) and cousin (“Rikishi”) His father (“Sika”) and uncle (“Afa”) wrestled as the ‘Wild Samoans” tag team. He majored in Management.

SHONDA FAULKNER

(Import)
Indiana State
Born: October 6, 1983 – Poukeepsie, New York
Height: 6’1 Weight: 215
Yrs Esks: 1^st
Yrs CFL: 1^st
Acquired: Signed as a free agent in June 2008
College/Personal: Played a total of 22 games with the Sycamores during his three years at the school. He recorded a career total of 180 tackles, 14 tackles for losses, four sacks, one pass broken up and one interception. He was born inKingston, Jamaica to Albert Faulkner and Joan Brown.

The Eskimos open the 2008 CFL regular season in Saskatchewan, Saturday, June 28 (kickoff 5:30pm) . Edmonton hostsCalgary Thursday , July 3 (8:00pm kickoff).