Esks take on the Alouettes Halloween Night

The Eskimos (9-8) are looking to close out the '08 regular season on a winning note against the Eastern champion Alouettes (11-6) before they leave the CFL West Division behind and head to Winnipeg for the CFL East Semi-Final November 8th.

Edmonton has dropped two straight and has a sizeable "to-do" list of things that need to be corrected before they're post-season ready. Of late, the Esks have been plagued by too many turnovers, sloppy tackling and poor receiving. In short there needs to be a dramatic improvement in all facets.

Wide receiver Kamau Peterson knows it's time to put that game behind them and to find a way to get back on track. "You only get so long to dwell on it. At least I give myself so long to dwell on it and I was probably the main culprit. In the same way we don't hang on to our wins, we can't hang on to this because there is another game to play."

Edmonton's nominees for the 2008 Gibson's Finest CFL Player Awards are: Ricky Ray for the Outstanding Player Award; Kamau Peterson for Outstanding Canadian; Jason Goss for Outstanding Defensive Player; John Comiskey for Outstanding Offensive Lineman; and Tristan Jackson for both Outstanding Rookie and Outstanding Special Teams. "That's a pretty good selection right there," says Eskimo Head Coach Danny Maciocia. "Those individuals have had outstanding seasons and they're all well deserving nominations".

Notables

§ This is regular season game 1000 in Eskimo history (581-400-18...home 334-158-7...road 247-242-11). Record vs Montreal is 35-20-2 (home 22-6-0...in Montreal 13-14-2).

§ Ricky Ray needs 1 completion for 400 this season. This will be his 3rd time with 400+ completions in a season...the only Eskimo to do so.

§ The Eskimos are 2-3 on Halloween (1-1 at home). This includes a 20-8 Eskimo win in a division semi-final game against BC in 1959. Also played on Halloween in 1949, 1964, 1971, and 1976.

§ Chris Ciezki needs 2 special team tackles to tie Bruce Dickson for 1st on the Eskimo All-Time List for special team tackles in a season (25)

§ The Eskimos are 3-1 in the last 4 regular season games vs the Alouettes. Edmonton lost 40-4 on September 21, 2008.

§ Jontй Buhl needs 6 tackles for 100 tackles as an Eskimo.

§ Jason Goss needs 7 tackles for 100 tackles as an Eskimo. Goss currently has 182 tackles in his CFL career.

§ Kamau Peterson needs 9 receptions for 100 receptions this season. Only 3 Eskimos have caught 100+ passes in a season... Brian Kelly 104 in 1983, Craig Ellis 106 in 1990 and Terry Vaughn 106 in 2003.

§ Ricky Ray has 11, 300+ passing yard games this season. Anthony Calvillo has 12, 300+ passing yard games this season.

§ Ricky Ray needs 20 pass attempts for 600 this season. This will be his 3rd time with 600+ pass attempts in a season...Warren Moon was the only other Eskimo to do so (664 attempts in 1983).

§ Ricky Ray needs 287 passing yards to tie Warren Moon for the Eskimo All-Time Season Record of 5648 passing yds in a season.

The Eskimos (9-8) close out their regular season at home on Friday, October 31 against the Montreal Alouettes (11-6) at 7:00pm. Buy Eskimo tickets online at ticketmaster.ca or call 451-8000. For more information on the Edmonton Eskimo Football Club please visit our website at www.esks.com.

Brent Winter Named Burn Head Coach

BOISE, Idaho - The Boise Burn announced today that Brent Winter has been named the arenafootball2 team's new head coach.

A ten-year coaching veteran in the Arena Football League, Winter comes to Boise after seven years as Assistant Head Coach/Director of Player Personnel/Offensive Coordinator of the Los Angeles Avengers. He has also coached with the Chicago Rush (Director of Player Personnel/Special Teams Coordinator) and the now-defunct New England Seawolves (Assistant Director of Player Personnel).

Winter (40) is a West Virginia native, and played quarterback at Fairmont State College in Fairmont, WV, where he graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors Degree in Management and Marketing. He earned a Masters of Arts in Education from West Virginia University, and has coached at his alma mater, Montgomery College (Rockville, MD) and Alleghany High School in Covington, Virginia.

"Coach Winter has the extensive Arena Football background that we were looking for," said Eric Trapp, President of the Boise Burn. "He's well organized, has great contacts throughout the AFL, af2 and at the collegiate level. He should be able to recruit and lead an exciting team on the field at Qwest Arena next season and beyond."

"Every coach has a dream of one day being a Head Coach and I feel very fortunate that such a class organization has made the decision to have me bring this team and city a championship," said Winter.

A member of the American Football Coaches Association, Winter has also worked at Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Art Monk's summer camp, and at coaches clinics at West Virginia University and quarterback camps at Ohio University.

Winter and his wife Christina, a first grade school teacher, reside in Redondo Beach, Calif.

The Boise Burn will begin its third season of play at Qwest Arena in 2009. A schedule and more information about the upcoming season will be coming soon. Season tickets, with a variety of pricing options, are currently being offered by calling (208) 383-0080.

Comments from Jim Popp on the MOP award candidates

Montreal - With five Alouettes nominated for the East Division's Most Outstanding Player Awards, Montreal Vice President and General Manager sounded off on the value each has brought to the team this season...

MOST OUTSTANDING PLAYER: ANTHONY CALVILLO

"What an outstanding season, he was by far the most consistent performer in the CFL from start to finish. In my opinion, he's hands down the Most Outstanding Player in the CFL.

You are watching history in the making from a future Hall-of-Famer.

But even as fans watched his outstanding performance on the field, they have missed the countless hours he has put into preparing to function the new offence and balance his personal life off the field.

He is the consummate professional, a dream come true for a new head coach, and a tremendous leader.

The Alouettes' offence leads the league in scoring (570) and touchdowns (61), has scored 30 or more points 15 of 17 games, has most first downs (429), the most yards in total offence (7,484), the highest pass completion rate (69.2 per cent), leads the league in passing yards (5,633), leads the lead in TD passes (43), has thrown the fewest interceptions (13), and leads in efficiency rating at 107.2.

Congratulations to Anthony, Alexia, and their two daughters. The Alouettes know it has been a family team effort."

MOST OUTSTANDING CANADIAN: BEN CAHOON

"Ben has been Ben.

He is so good at what he does, you tend to take him for granted and expect his greatness. It is simply poetry in motion.

He has been consistently the top Canadian from the start of the season to the finish - better yet, he has been consistently the top Canadian since his career started and has deserved this award way more than he has ever won it.

Let's give credit where credit is due.

If you put a highlight tape together of his amazing catches, there is not a player in any professional football league who would have a more impressive film reel. Once again, you are watching a future Hall-of-Famer that is showing very few signs that he can't perform when it needs to get done.

Ben leads all receivers in the CFL in receptions (105), is the top Canadian in TDs scored (7), is fifth in the CFL in receiving yards (1,207), and continued to be consistent, putting up a 1,000-yard season for the eighth time.

He also set a new CFL mark for catches made by a Canadian (859) and has caught at least one pass in 108 consecutive games."

MOST OUTSTANDING LINEMAN: SCOTT FLORY

"Scott is the leader of our offensive line.

He is also a leader in the locker room, and a player rep who has put together a high level of consistent performance for many years.

Because of the performance of the entire line this season, a few players could have been nominated for this award, but the guy who is the Most Outstanding Lineman in 2008 is Scott Flory.

I know many people who think Scott should have won this award at least three times already - including myself - and this should be his year.

When the team leads in multiple offensive categories, it starts with the men up front, and in Montreal it starts with Scott Flory. The Alouettes' offence leads the league for fewest sacks allowed (18), the most points for (570), the most TDs (61), has scored 30 or more points 15 of 17 games, has the most first downs (429), the most yards in total offence (7,484), the most passing yards (5,630), and the highest pass completion rate (69.2 per cent)."

MOST OUTSTANDING DEFENSIVE PLAYER: KERON WILLIAMS*

"What a season Keron has put together.

He is an explosive player whose quickness inside has added a much-needed element to the Alouettes.

He is not only a great player, he is a great person. He never looks for credit - he just loves to play the game. He deserves the East nomination for this award.

He has led a defence that has only allowed one 100-yard rusher, is second in the CFL in sacks, is second in the CFL in points allowed, and he personally sits third in the CFL in sacks.

Keron also leads his Alouettes defensive line in tackles and is third on the team in forced fumbles.

He obviously is up against tough competition in Cameron Wake in the West, but he has held his own and deserves to be mentioned in the same breath."

MOST OUTSTANDING ROOKIE & MOST OUTSTANDING SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER: LARRY TAYLOR

"Larry is by far one of the most exciting new players to the CFL.

Since being added to the active roster, Larry has consistently been at the top of the CFL in punt returns, kickoff returns, and missed field goal returns.

He has been one of the main reasons why the Alouettes are tops in the CFL in scoring and has consistently provided the offence with good field position each week. This has become more and more apparent over the last six weeks of the season, when the opponents have refused to kick the ball his way.

Larry is obviously not only one of the top rookies in the CFL, but is the most consistent special teams player in the league. He is not only a returner, but is also on a number of cover teams. He is also an outstanding wide receiver, but has not been called on this season to show his stuff.

Here are the facts: As much as everyone talks about Dorsey, Smart, and Jackson, Larry Taylor simply has better overall numbers than those three outstanding returners.

Larry is Number 1 in missed field goal returns (three or more returns) at 39 yards-per-return (Dorsey is second at 37.4, Jackson is third at 28.4, and Smart is ninth at 15.3.

Larry is Number 1 in punt-return average (35 or more returns) at 12.3-per-return (Dorsey is second at 11.9, Jackson is fourth at 10.7, and Smart is sixth at 9.4).

Larry is third in kickoff-return average (25 or more returns) at 24.5 yards-per (Dorsey is first at 25.1, Smart is second at 24.9, and Jackson is fifth at 24.0).

As you can see, Larry is the most consistent returner in the CFL.

He also is a true rookie, coming to the CFL right out of the University of Connecticut and not first attending an NFL camp.

He definitely deserves to win one or both of these awards."

Utah's Steve Videtich A Model Of Consistency

SALT LAKE CITY - To have 1,597 points in an Arena Football League career is quite an accomplishment. However, to do so without scoring a single touchdown in a league where wide receivers are the predominant scorers is arguably even more remarkable.

Yet that's exactly what Utah Blaze kicker Steve Videtich has been able to do in his 13-year career. Videtich is first all-time in extra points made (1,048), second all-time in field goals made (182), and fifth all-time in points scored - first among kickers -(1,597). He recognizes his standing among the record books, but what he defines as having a successful career is beyond records.

"In order to be around that long you have to have sustained success. That's what I'm most proud of," he said.

Pragmatically, he probably won't end his career as the all-time field goal leader as Remy Hamilton of the Dallas Desperados has a two field goal advantage and plausibly more AFL seasons ahead of him. Still, Videtich believes overall points and extra points are in his favor.

"He (Hamilton) and I have a little battle going on with each other, he keeps asking me to retire," expresses Videtich with an amiable laugh, "I think he wants a lot of those records as well."

Despite his longevity and his well-established name in the record books, his time in the AFL hasn't always been easy.

Just last year after the first game of the season, where he missed two field goals in a one-point loss, he was cut from the team. That left him in a state of shock and confusion, but he didn't let that affect him. Instead, he continued to work hard and got the necessary surgery and rehabilitation for an injured left knee.

"One game I don't think should have been my chopping block...[but] I think in hindsight everything happens for a reason," he said.

By the ninth game of the season he was back on the team and helped jumpstart the team's surge towards the playoffs.

Said Videtich, "With everything in life you just live and learn and grow from it and move on."

There was a lot of learning and growing in Videtich's early AFL career as he made the adjustment of kicking at a smaller target. The goal posts are nine feet wide with a 15 foot high crossbar in the AFL, while at the collegiate and NFL level the goal posts are 18 Ѕ feet wide with a 10 foot high crossbar.

Videtich, who walked-on at North Carolina State University, explains that while attending college he made over 80 percent of his field goals and rarely missed an extra point, but he knew to obtain the same success rate in the AFL was impractical.

"In this league the biggest adjustment was mentally accepting that I am going to miss every now and then because it just happens," said Videtich, a two-time All-ACC First-Team selection.

His rookie year with the Florida Bobcats in 1996 proved to be a change as he went 10-for-23 on field goals and 70-for-80 on extra points. Nevertheless, by his second season with the New Jersey Red Dogs, Videtich improved respectably by going 21-for-41 on field goals and 71-for-73 on extra points in earning first team All-Arena honors and the 1997 Kicker of the Year.

Success and accolades continued Videtich's way as he earned first team All-Arena honors and Kicker of the Year in 2002 with the New Jersey Gladiators. Additionally, he earned Second Team All-Arena honors in 1998, 2000 and 2003, before arriving in Utah in 2006.

Videtich acts as if there isn't anything special to his success. However, one thing that would better explain it is his love for golf and the mental aspect he takes from it.

"The way a golf swing is (the same) with kicking a football is that it's something that you've practiced," discusses Videtich, "it's almost like you have grooved your body into making that one same motion every time."

With his age creeping up on him - he will turn 37 on November 4 -Videtich knows his career is coming to an end. Thus, he began working in the Blaze front office during the off-season with the hope to one day become the general manager of an AFL team.

"[By] me doing this now makes the transition a little bit easier for when I am done playing, so I am not starting from scratch then," says Videtich.

An idealistic situation for Videtich would be to become a general manager for an expansion AFL team in North Carolina, if that day were to ever come. However, Videtich is happy in Utah with his wife and two kids and would enjoy settling here to continue his work with the Blaze.

"We love it out here. I think the weather is awesome and the pace of life is just right for what I wanted. It's not too hectic, it's not to slow," he said. "I love this organization and I would definitely want to be part of this organization for a long time."

2008 Rampage Youth Football Program presented by Wendy's Concludes

GRAND RAPIDS - In their effort to spread their passion for football to the next generation of young athletes, the Grand Rapids Rampage recently completed the 2008 Rampage Youth Football Program presented by Wendy's. Rampage players and members of the Rage Dance Team visited over 6,000 children across West Michigan, preaching the virtues of hard work, a healthy lifestyle and respect.

Rampage fullbacks Whitney Bell (Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.) and T.J. Watkins (North Augusta, S.C.), and linebackers Michael McFadden (Saginaw, Mich.) and Zach Ville (Miami, Fla.) visited 42 different youth football programs, including making stops in Allegan, Byron Center, Lowell, Grant, Grand Rapids, Newaygo, Rockford, Wayland and Zeeland. The players spoke to the children about their own experiences in professional football and what it took to succeed.

Several Rage Dance Team members also joined the program, meeting with cheerleaders in Big Rapids, Belding, Jenison and Saranac, and teaching the young dancers simple routines. As part of the Rampage Youth Football Program presented by Wendy's, the Rampage also hosted a coaching clinic for the Northern Rocket Football League, invested $4,500 in area youth football programs, and donated 200 youth-sized Spalding AFL footballs to the NRFL, the West Michigan Jr. Football League and the Grand Rapids Youth Athletic Organization.

For information on how your youth football program can be a part of the 2009 Rampage Youth Football Program presented by Wendy's, contact Ruth Lobbestael at (616) 559-1871, ext. 3047, or via e-mail at rlobbestael@rampagefootball.com.

Stamps And Lions Tangle Saturday

The Calgary Stampeders conclude the regular season on Saturday afternoon against the BC Lions at McMahon Stadium and have already assured themselves a first place finish in the CFL's West Division. The game is themed Fan Appreciation Day and Stamps fans will be saluted throughout the afternoon for their continued support of the Red and White.

Following the game, 42 lucky fans will be on the field for the Jersey Off Our Backs promotion. Each Stampeders player who participates in Saturday's game will give his autographed gameworn jersey to a randomly selected Stamps fan.

Calgary has top spot in the West Division locked up and will host either BC or Saskatchewan in the West Final on Nov. 15. The Lions currently are tied with Saskatchewan for second in the West and need to win or have Saskatchewan lose against Toronto on Thursday in order to host the West Semi-Final on Nov. 8.

The Stamps (12-5) have won three in a row and seven of their last eight games while the Lions (11-6) have won two straight and seven of their last eight. The teams face each other for the third time this season and the Stamps won both previous meetings. They won 28-18 at home in the season opener on June 26 and then 36-29 in Vancouver on Aug. 22.

Prior to the game, fans are encouraged to donate new or gently used jackets in support of the Sixth Annual Salvation Army Coat Drive. Volunteers will be positioned at each entrance gate to accept coats or cash donations for the cause. Stamps fans helped to contribute 1,300 jackets and $5,000 in cash last year, bringing the five-year total to 5,420 coats and over $8,500 raised.

Tickets are still available for this game and the West Final and fans are encouraged to call Ticketmaster at 403.777.0000 or go online to Ticketmaster.ca to get their tickets.

Gladiators Add Assistant Line Coach

CLEVELAND - Cleveland Gladiators Head Coach MIKE WILPOLT, who was named 2008 Arena Football League Coach of the Year, has added AFL veteran coach TONY FEDERICO to his staff for 2009, the team announced today. The club also announced that Line Coach LEE JOHNSON will also return for the 2009 season. Federico will serve as the Assistant Line Coach.

Federico comes to the Gladiators having spent the previous six seasons with the AFL's Colorado Crush, where he served as the head Strength and Conditioning coach since 2003. In 2007 and 2008, in addition to his strength and conditioning duties, he also held the post of Defensive Line coach with the Crush.

Federico has also spent time contributing his talents to the strength and conditioning programs of the University of New Mexico, Cleveland Browns, Stanford University, San Jose State University, and University of Southern California. He has served as a Strength Coach at Triple Crown Sports, where he has played a major role in developing an athletic performance center by marketing, writing, and implementing programs to clients of all age and skill levels.

Johnson spent the 2008 season as the Line Coach with the Gladiators. Under his guidance, the offensive line paved the way for fullback MARLION JACKSON to rush for a league-leading 356 yards and tied for the league lead with 23 rushing touchdowns.

Johnson has spent seven seasons in the AFL. He began his AFL coaching career in 2000 as defensive coordinator with the Carolina Cobras. He spent four seasons with the Colorado Crush before joining the Austin Wranglers for the 2007 season.

The Cleveland Gladiators are set to embark on their second season in Cleveland in 2009. Season and group tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling the Gladiators at 216.685.9000. Get ready to rock The Q and Roll With the Gladiators!

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Tony Federico

Assistant Line Coach

Tony Federico enters his first season with the Cleveland Gladiators and seventh in the Arena Football League. Federico will serve as the Assistant Line Coach, responsible for working with both the offensive and defensive lines. He will also assist with the strength and conditioning of the team.

Prior to coming to Cleveland, Federico served as the Strength and Conditioning Coach with the AFL's Colorado Crush since 2003. During the 2007 and '08 seasons, he also served as the Defensive Line Coach for the Crush.

Throughout his career, Federico has held leadership positions in strength and conditioning at several prominent institutions. Most notably, Federico was the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Colorado State University, where he oversaw the design and administration of the weight and conditioning programs for all CSU varsity athletes and worked with the school's head trainer in the rehabilitation of injured players.

Federico has also spent time contributing his talents to the strength and conditioning programs of the University of New Mexico, Cleveland Browns, Stanford University, San Jose State University, and University of Southern California. He has served as a Strength Coach at Triple Crown Sports, where he has played a major role in developing an athletic performance center by marketing, writing, and implementing programs to clients of all age and skill levels.

Federico earned a bachelor's degree in physical education from the University of Colorado and a master's degree in physical education from USC. He is also a certified instructor of Krav Maga, an Israeli self-defense method.

A 1978 graduate of Northglenn High School in Northglenn, Colo., Federico was named first team All-State as a prep running back, earning a scholarship to the University of Colorado before transferring to Fort Hayes State.

Federico and his wife, Erin, have three sons - Tony, Johnny, and Jeremy.

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LEE JOHNSON

Line Coach

Lee Johnson enters his second season as line coach with the Cleveland Gladiators and eighth in Arena Football. In 2008, Johnson's offensive line paved the way for fullback Marlion Jackson to rush for a league-leading 356 yards and tied for the league lead with 23 rushing touchdowns.

Prior to coming to Cleveland, Johnson spent the 2007 season as the defensive coordinator of the Austin Wranglers, where he worked under current Gladiators offensive coordinator and Wranglers head coach Brian Partlow.

Before Austin, Johnson spent four seasons with the Colorado Crush, serving as defensive coordinator in 2003 and as the special teams and defensive line coach from 2004 through 2006 under Head Coach Mike Dailey.

He began his AFL coaching career in 2000 as the defensive coordinator for the Carolina Cobras.

Before joining the Crush, Johnson served as an intern with the Denver Broncos in 2002 under then defensive coordinator Ray Rhodes and defensive line coach Jacob Burney. He spent the 2001-2002 seasons with the Berlin Thunder of NFL Europe as the defensive line coach, helping guide the team to two World Bowl titles. Johnson began his coaching career as the defensive line coach for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League in 1997 and was promoted to defensive coordinator the following season.

Prior to coaching, Johnson was a standout linebacker and defensive end at the University of Missouri, where he earned All-Big Eight honors in 1988. He was a member of the Washington Redskins in 1990, when the team won Super Bowl XXV. He also played in the World League of American Football, which became NFL Europe before folding prior to the 2006 season. Johnson finished his career in the AFL, playing three seasons with the Tampa Bay Storm and Charlotte Rage, including an ArenaBowl championship with the Storm in 1993. He also played in Des Moines, Iowa in 1993.

A native of St. Louis, Johnson says his father, a disabled veteran and former boxer whom he calls "Champ," has been the biggest influence on his life. Johnson's younger brother, Mario, played defensive line on the same team at Missouri and went on to play with the New York Jets, New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns. Johnson is married and resides in Winder, Georgia.