Nov
Goss gets All-Star Nod
Courtesy Edmonton Journal:
Good old-fashioned hard work has paid off for Edmonton Eskimos defensive back Jason Goss.
The fifth-year pro was named to the Canadian Football League’s defensive all-star team on Wednesday, the only Eskimo to qualify.
“It’s been a hard journey to get to this point,” said Goss, a Fort Worth, Texas, native and product of Texas Christian University. “It feels like my hard work is finally paying off and I’m being rewarded for it.
“It’s a great accomplishment,” added Goss, who last week was named a West Division all-star.
“It’s my first year becoming an (West) all-star and to be named a CFL all-star right behind it is a great honour for me. But I wouldn’t have been able to do it without my team behind me.”
Goss led the Green and Gold in interceptions (five) and fumble recoveries (three) this season, and had six knockdowns. Three of those interceptions came in one game against his former team, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, in a 38-33 win on Sept. 13. Two of them were taken back for impressive touchdowns of 50 and 94 yards. He totalled 144 yards on the three picks and tied team records for interception TDs in a game and interceptions in a game.
The league-wide all-stars were selected in polling by fans, the Football Reporters of Canada and all eight CFL head coaches. The Eskimos failed to post a CFL all-star last season for the first time since 1963. The CFL offensive and special-teams all-stars will be announced today.
Meanwhile, Eskimos quarterback Ricky Ray was named CFL offensive player of the week for his 27-of-37 passing performance for 303 yards in Edmonton’s 29-21 East Division semifinal win in Winnipeg on Saturday. Ray also rushed four times for 25 yards in the win.
Fred Perry, who had five tackles, an interception for a TD and a knockdown, was named a runner-up in the defensive category. Kick-returner Tristan Jackson was also named a runner-up in the special-teams category.
PEP TALK
Players gathered for a lengthy meeting at midfield after practice Wednesday as Esks head coach Danny Maciocia discussed the importance of Saturday’s game. It was the team’s last workout at home, as they fly out today.
“This hasn’t been the ideal work week for us, coming back from Winnipeg,” said Maciocia. “We’ve got a few guys who are a little beat up; we want to make sure they have two things come Saturday — their legs, and mentally that they’re sharp. Hopefully, we can get that done in the next couple of days.”
FEELING FOR BERRY
Maciocia was upset with the firing of his good friend, Doug Berry, in Winnipeg on Wednesday.
“I was stunned, to be quite honest with you,” said Maciocia, who was on the phone with Berry during practice. “It’s mind-boggling, hard to understand and hard to put into words.
