What a crazy ending to the game. If you have not seen the ending you should watch it, because words simply cannot describe it!

It is still hard to believe. I was watching the game with my family, and when Castillo missed the field goal I thought, “It’s over.” I went up stairs to continue to make supper and the thought came to me, maybe I should go back downstairs and watch the end…anything can happen. And did it ever happen!

Most people are familiar with a “Game Ball.” It goes to a player who played exemplary football; someone who went above and beyond. Fewer, are familiar with the “Jock,” an award that often goes to an idiotic, or underperforming play.

The Bombers did enough to be in the game and give themselves a chance to win. However, it was not stellar performance for all Bomber players.

It looked like the Bombers game plan was to begin with throwing the ball. In fact, their first 5 offensive plays were pass plays. As a result, Oliveira did not get many touches and did not have great yardage. I do not believe that will be a recipe for success in the post-season. Collaros will need to play good, like he did this game, but Oliveira also needs to be invited to the party.

As I mentioned in my article leading up to the game, the receivers would need to have a good game. While there were a couple of dropped passes, the receivers were making catches. My one issue is the Illegal procedure penalties on the Bombers, and the offensive pass interference. You just cannot have those types of penalties in the playoffs.

With that, let’s get to the Game Ball.

Game Ball
The honorary Game Ball goes to the wind! No question about it!

The second honorary Game Ball goes to Lucky Whitehead. I said that it would ne nice if our special teams were actually special.

You could also give the Game Ball to Collaros for knifing the ball in there, or Lawler for some fabulous catches, or Demski for his touchdown and his other catch in stride. Or, you could give the Game Ball to O’Shea for taking the wind in the 4th…although there was no way he could have known how great a decision that would be – that turned out to be a very smart choice!

The actual Game Ball may cause some controversy as I am giving it to Castillo! Yes, he missed a 49 yard and a 61 yard field goal…but his longest is 60, so this was a stretch. Then he came back and made a field goal for the win. Sure, the wind was at his back, but it was also raining like crazy – some replays show that better than others.

It takes some type of athlete to miss a potential game winning field goal, have the immediate emotion of that, and 3 plays latter get another chance. Yes, the second attempt was from closer, but like I said it was pouring rain. A bad snap, a bad hold – and the holder did have to readjust the ball – or a slip by Castillo, which are all possible with a downpour and wind, and Castillo misses again.

He had to silence his own mind, step up (he had already missed 2 in the game), and hit it good. For doing all of that, and making sure the Bombers host the Western Final, Castillo you get my Game Ball.

Jock
There were a number of contenders for this award…but winning solves everything. It sure looked like Ford had a good interception early in the game, even on the reply. But the Bombers and O’Shea decided not to challenge. How about O’Shea not going for 2 in the third quarter to potentially tie the game? Did you like that call? O’Shea could have been in the running for the award.

As previously mentioned, Castillo also had his chances to win the Jock, but made the last one so all is forgiven.

How about the lack of a run game, or the lack of being able to get pressure on Montreal’s quarterback. Do you want to give a player or a coach the Jock for that? Even when Davis Alexander came in at quarterback he still went 7/9 for 100 yards. For Winnipeg to be successful in the playoffs they are going to need to stop the run and defend the deep shot.

On the other hand I did not really see anything from Montreal that would warrant one of them the Jock. So in an unprecedented move, as opposed to making a reach so that I can hand one out…nobody gets the Jock.

Let me know who would get your Game Ball and Jock in the comment section wherever you are reading this.

And make sure to watch all the highlights from the game!

What do you think?

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