Nov
Trestman, Calvillo clicked since day 1
Courtesy Montreal Gazette:
Marc Trestman, who has coached and mentored some of the game’s greatest quarterbacks – a few while they were in college – said the Alouettes wouldn’t be in this weekend’s Grey Cup if not for Anthony Calvillo.
“From Day 1, he has transcended our locker room and given us hope. He’s the X-factor,” Trestman said during a media briefing yesterday at Olympic Stadium that officially launched the championship-game week. “What A.C. accomplished allowed us all to be here. He’s the guy flying the plane; it doesn’t work on auto pilot. He’s the reason we’re here.
“It starts with his preparation. He puts the time in and he’s a low-maintenance guy,” added Trestman, an offensive co-ordinator with four NFL teams who has worked with the likes of Rich Gannon, Steve Young, Jake Plummer, Scott Mitchell and Bernie Kosar. “He sets an example for all.”
Under Trestman’s direction, Calvillo enjoyed one of his finest seasons, passing for 5,633 yards and a career-high 43 touchdowns. Calvillo’s the East Division nominee as most outstanding player. That he accomplished this at age 36 while his wife was completing a year-long battle with cancer, makes things more astounding.
Calvillo, for his part, intimated Montreal might not have advanced to Sunday’s title game against Calgary if not for Trestman. Trestman, in an ingenious display of knowledge and respect, asked for the input of many veterans last winter when devising the team’s playbook.
“That was crucial,” Calvillo said. “He was open to hearing what we had to say, since he was new to the league.
“He has brought a lot to our team and the mindset of the club,” added Calvillo, who has played under Dave Ritchie, Charlie Taaffe, Rod Rust, Don Matthews and Jim Popp since signing with the Als as a free agent in 1998.
“He’s the first coach I’ve actually seen who has brought a personal side, which you don’t often see,” Calvillo said. “Even something like standing in line for the national anthem to show respect. To Americans, I took it for granted. But, if not for the CFL, where would I be? Where would a lot of Americans be?”
Despite his impressive statistics, Calvillo was quick to deflect attention from himself. He realizes the part he played, but said the entire offence contributed, especially the line, which improved its protection.
“There’s got to be people around me,” he said. “There’s lots of great talent that put us in position to win.”
Although the Als and Stampeders finished first in their respective divisions, Calgary (13-5) had the better record while competing in the tougher West Division. The Stamps won both games against Montreal this season, as well. Offensively, Calgary scored 16 fewer points, but also allowed 36 less.
However, the Als’ experience could well turn the tide in their favour. Montreal has been to five Cups this decade. A core group of veterans remains that have played in at least three or four of those games. The Stamps, conversely, haven’t made it to the title game since 2001. Offensive-lineman Jeff Pilon and quarterback Ben Sankey are the only remaining players from that team, although a few others have played in the Cup. for other teams.
