Around the CFL: Losing ways results in some changes for Bombers

By Fred Williams Sep 9, 2006, 16:30 GMT

Winnipeg, MB - There's nothing like four straight losses to force a football coach to change his approach.

Following a 39-12 loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders last week, Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach Doug Berry has decided to change a few things for his club leading into this weekend's rematch at Canad Inns Stadium.

First, Berry admitted that the rematch was indeed a 'big one,' something he despises doing because the Bombers play 18 games during the regular season.

And Berry also had his players practice in full pads this week, something they hadn't done all season to this point.

BIG PARTY - The Toronto Argonauts have something special planned for quarterback Damon Allen.

On Saturday, prior to their rematch with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, the Argos will honor Allen, 43, for becoming the leading passer in the history of professional football. Allen broke Warren Moon's record of 70,553 yards in Toronto's 40-6 win over Hamilton at Ivor Wynne Stadium on Monday. It was the Argos' fourth straight win and the Ticats' fourth straight home loss, and fourth time in as many games the Cats failed to score a touchdown at home.

Moon will be present for Saturday's pregame ceremony at Rogers Center, along with Marcus Allen, the Argo quarterback's older brother.

As well, Damon Allen's grandson will perform the ceremonial opening kickoff.

PARKER HONORED AGAIN - Defensive back Byron Parker is certainly making the most of his chances with the Toronto Argos.

This week, Parker was named the CFL's defensive player of the week for the second time this year. That is despite having played only four games this season with Toronto. On Monday, Parker returned two interceptions for touchdowns in a 40-6 win over Hamilton, becoming the first Argo to accomplish that feat in the same quarter.

So far this year, Parker has returned three interceptions for touchdowns.

ALS STRUGGLING - The good news for the Montreal Alouettes is they're not playing this week.

The Alouettes are on a bye week, which is good considering they've lost their last four games after opening the season with seven consecutive victories. In fact, Montreal's losing streak coincides with head coach Don Matthews signing a contract extension with the club.

The Alouettes were 7-0 when he signed the deal, but have lost twice to Calgary, once to Toronto and B.C. since. This marks the first time in Matthews' five-year stint with Montreal that the club has lost four straight games.

NO SUPPORT - How bad is it for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats? Their own fans don't want to travel to watch them play.

The Ticats' fan club, called Cat's Claws, cancelled their order of about 200 tickets for Saturday's game with the Toronto Argonauts at Rogers Center. On Monday, the Argos defeated Hamilton 40-6 at Ivor Wynne Stadium.

What's more, the Ticats could be without defensive back Jason Goss for the remainder of the season.

Goss won't be in Hamilton's lineup Saturday -- the third straight game he has missed. He received the club's blessing last month to return to Texas to deal with illnesses involving his father and wife. The Ticats have since placed Goss on their suspended list.

The Ticats are reportedly aware of the details of the illnesses, but those have not bee made public.

SOPHOMORE JINX - Last season, defensive lineman Gavin Walls capped his season with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers by being named the CFL's top rookie.

But success this season has been another matter.

Walls finished the 2005 campaign with 12 sacks to finish second in the CFL. This year, though, he only has four, eight behind Saskatchewan's Fred Perry, who leads the league with 12.

Tom Canada leads the Bombers with seven sacks.

© 2006 The Sports Network