"This took a bit longer then I wanted to upload since I was busy getting it out. Here part two. It kinda short and probably shouldn't be split up but due to storms this morning here in Texas, I didn't want to take a chance. Here you go and hope you people enjoy it."
1996 CFL Playoffs:
Eastern Semi-finals
Cleveland Stallions vs Birmingham Fire
Stallions first playoff game was short lived as they would put out to pasture by the Birmingham Fire. While the Stallions would continue to put pressure on the Fire defense. It wasn't meant to be and they made a playoff exit. Still, they were considered the favorites for among football and sports critics and the press.
Cleveland 10 - Birmingham 21
Montreal Alouettes vs Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Montreal and Hamilton match was considered a close battle. This game would enter overtime where one touch down would win the game. Montreal would be the lucky ones and would advance to the Eastern Finals. Hamilton would once again fall short. Hamilton would fire their coach also after failing to get further than the first round.
Montreal 20 - Hamilton 14
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Western Semi-finals
Edmonton Eskimos vs Calgary Stampeders
With a revived Doug Flutie, Calgary was untouchable in the point department and here it showed and the defending Western champions were easily kicked out with a playoff loss.
Edmonton 11 - Calgary 28
Winnipeg Blue Bombers vs Saskatchewan Roughriders
In the second game, Winnipeg would fly high until they were shot down Western Riders. Winnipeg was considered the best to win but wasn’t meant to be.
Winnipeg 17 - Saskatchewan 24
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Eastern Finals
Montreal Alouettes vs Birmingham Fire
Legion Field
Attendance: 25,200
Broadcast: CBC (Canada), CBS (USA)
Fans in Legion Field were ready for a show and they got it. Montreal would put up a good fight and would do better than expected against the top team of the east. However, QB Reggie Slack was ready to outwit the Alouettes defense and would help the Fire to capture the team third trip to the finals.
Montreal 17 - Birmingham 33
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Western Finals
Saskatchewan Roughriders vs Calgary Stampeders
McMahon Stadium
Attendance: 35,029
Broadcast: CBC (Canada)
Due to a scheduling conflict on CBS part, the game was only shown in highlights on CBS networks. However, CBC would air what was the game of the year by Canadian Football fans and sports critics. Doug Flutie was playing his best out there and it showed. The two top teams in the West was showing their stuff out there. This also marked the second playoff overtime this season as the game was tied 21-21 heading to the 4th quarter. However, despite the great showing by WR Curtis Mayfield, Doug Flutie would find the endzone and help his team capture the Western Title
Saskatchewan 21 - Calgary Stampeders 27
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84th Grey Cup Finals
Calgary Stampeders vs Birmingham Fire
November 24, 1996
Ivor Wynne Stadium
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Attendance: 39,595
Broadcast: CBS (USA), CBC (Canada)
Originally planned for Baltimore Memorial Stadium, the Grey Cup game was then moved to Ivor Wynne due to what happened last year. The CFL would announce the next grey cup would be placed in San Antonio, Texas. This would upset some CFL fans but it would be settled down.
The Stampeders and the Fire would showcase their team offense and it was a touchdown bonanza. The 4th quarter came and the game was a 30-21 lead for the Fire. Doug Flutie would score a touch down to make it a 30-27 but they would fail to get the two-point conversion. By then there were 6 minutes left and the clock was against them. Despite a good showing by Reggie Slack, he would give up an interception to an outside linebacker to give the Stampeders one more chance.
Doug Flutie would get to work. The team would work their way to the Fire yard line. Despite two missteps, the Stampeders were finally the 10-yard line of the Birmingham Fire. With one minute left, The Stampeders would grab the last minute touchdown and score Calgary their first Grey Cup in years. Fans for the Stampeders finally had a reason to celebrate again in Calgary. CFL Grey Cup trophy was back with a Canadian team.
After the Grey Cup, CFL would reach a new deal with CBS and ESPN. The deal would include more games for ESPN including airing playoff games along with CBS. CBS would also help CFL by extending the deal till 2001. CBS would also fund the CFL to help them through this rough time. Including more money for expansion.
With the CFL Grey Cup behind them, the league would look for a new owner for Ottawa Rough Riders. However, the CFL would gain more headache as they would have to deal with the former owner wanting revenge and a potential owner wanting to capitalize on the football changing landscape.