The McPherson person

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 23/10/2009 (5831 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Strap them to a chair and inject them with a truth serum and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers would likely admit they have their fingers crossed Anthony Calvillo takes a breather this weekend and rests his tender calf.

After all, the Montreal Alouettes quarterback — a certain first-ballot hall of famer — has used the Bombers as his own personal plaything over the years with a 20-7 record against Winnipeg and 56 touchdowns against 18 interceptions.

But here’s the thing: The Bombers didn’t exactly make life miserable for Travis Lulay of the B.C. Lions last week as he came off the bench to rally the visitors to a huge win. And in Adrian McPherson the Alouettes have a potential future star.

It’s just that the Florida State product never gets on the field as Calvillo does his Energizer Bunny impersonation year after year after year.

"Obviously they have different characteristics, but we’ve got to take the same approach," said Bomber cornerback Keyuo Craver. "They still have the same system. They still have the same receivers… it’s just a different quarterback. We can’t take them lightly."

Craver, perhaps more than anybody on the Bombers, can give the most accurate scouting report on the 26-year-old McPherson — the only high-school athlete ever to be named Mr. Football and Mr. Basketball in Florida, back in 2000. Craver, who spent the last two years in the Arena League, came across McPherson in a number of indoor games.

"He’s a mobile guy, a big guy and a great athlete," Craver said. "He’s not as experienced as Calvillo so hopefully we can try and mix up a couple of things. There’s a respect factor for Calvillo, but McPherson gets paid, too."

Calvillo missed his second day of practice on Thursday but head coach Marc Trestman told the Montreal Gazette the veteran will dress and could still see action in Saturday’s game here. The Als, at 13-2, don’t have a game that affects their season until the East Final on Nov. 22.

"I think A.C. playing is still viable," Trestman said. "I’m not using deception. He says he feels better. And we’ve got two more days."

If McPherson gets the call, it would be his first CFL start. He was dynamic in relief of Calvillo in last week’s win over Hamilton, completing 10 of 11 passes for 110 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.

"Calvillo’s not really a run threat when he’s out there," said Bomber linebacker Siddeeq Shabazz. "His game is to pitch it out there to his guys. McPherson is a big, strong quarterback who can use legs. It’s the difference between an athletic threat vs. an experienced guy who has so much knowledge.

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"Either way we’ve prepared hard all week. This is our biggest game of the season."

BLUE NOTES: Kelly confirmed Thursday what is hardly a surprise: Troy Westwood will handle the punting chores Saturday vs. the Alouettes… RB Fred Reid, SB Terrence Edwards and WR Brock Ralph all resumed practising Thursday… Kelly said he considered inserting QB Casey Bramlet in the game against B.C. last week but "Michael (Bishop) can be lightning in a bottle, too, and all of a sudden he starts winging that thing in there." His advice to Bishop this week to get his completion average up. "Throw it to the guy with the same coloured jersey on. That’s about as scientific as you can get."

ed.tait@freepress.mb.ca