Folks, it’s finally here. Grey Cup Week. This is what every single CFL player has worked their hearts out for every off-season. Every training session, every film session, every critique from their coach has led to this Sunday.

Among the players that have worked so hard for Ottawa and Calgary are the obvious big names: Bo Levi Mitchell, Trevor Harris, Alex Singleton, William Powell etc… But this article isn’t about them. These players haven’t been in the mouths of commentators all week, but they are pivotal to the outcome of this game for both teams. Last year it was Cassius Vaughn with the fumble return TD to take the lead for Toronto and Matt Black with the INT to seal the game.

There’s no telling who it could be this year.

#0 Ciante Evans, DB, Calgary Stampeders

The stats won’t tell it, but Ciante Evans is one of the key cogs in this Calgary secondary. The four-year vet out of Nebraska was recently selected for his 3rd straight CFL All-Star Game, despite only having 29 tackles, 2 INTs, and 1 forced fumble. Evans plays all over the Calgary secondary and QBs avoid him at all cost.

Evans and Antoine Pruneau will lead a secondary that will be heavily depended on to shut down Trevor Harris’s hot streak.

#99 A.C. Leonard, DE, Ottawa Redblacks

The leading sack getter for Ottawa is needed now more than ever before. The Stamps have allowed the fewest sacks in the league, and they are led by one of the best offensive linemen in the league in OT Derek Dennis.

And Ottawa has only had 2 sacks in their last 5 games. While sacks are not indicative of QB pressures, two sacks in five games is an awful stat on paper.

The best way to disrupt a good QB is to get him outside the pocket and on the ground. A.C. Leonard needs to turn up the heat and lead the charge to get Bo Levi on the ground.

#25 Don Jackson, RB, Calgary Stampeders

Amid all the Bo Levi coverage and the injuries to the WR core, one thing remains: Don Jackson and the running game.

It’s cold. It’s the playoffs. It’s Canada. No matter how spectacular the air attack is, teams have to be able to run the ball in the post-season. Calgary running the ball consistently can help alleviate the pressure on Bo Levi, and the WRs and help Calgary control the clock.

#64 Evan Johnson OG, #56 Alex Mateas C, #68 Nolan MacMillan OG, Ottawa Redblacks

I said all three interior OL because they have their plates extra full this week with the league’s second leader in sacks: Calgary DT Micah Johnson. Johnson is an unbelievable force for the Stamps. At 30 years old, he’s playing the best football of his life. But Ottawa’s OL has secretly been a key to their success. Trevor Harris was not sacked during his historic 6 TD performance last game.

While Calgary is bringing the heat, Ottawa’s OL is more than up for the challenge.

Enjoy the game folks! Cherish it; because after Sunday, no more CFL until June.

About The Author P.J. Green

P.J. Green is a student-athlete and junior at Tusculum College. Green is an aspiring football coach/scout/player/media personality. Green has big goals but always wants football to be in his life no matter what. Please come at P.J. for funny hot takes.

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