Canadian Football Fanatics

Episode #32 featuring Jackson Sombach University of Regina Defensive back and CFL Prospect. Jackson and I chat about his football journey so far including growing up in a football household with 3 other brothers, Becoming a Canada west all star for the university of Regina Rams, and what it’s been like this off-season competing at the CFL combines and preparing to become a pro.If you enjoyed the episode dont forget to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and a reminder to turn notifications on so you don’t miss any of the content on the channel, you can also download episodes on Apple Podcasts!Follow on twitter @ColeMcGarvey@jacksonSoMbFollow us on Instagram ​⁠ @canadianfootballfanatics@jackson_sombach26

Episode #31 featuring Cole Virtanen STFX defensive back coach. Cole and I chat about his football journey thats brought him from British Columbia to Nova Scotia. Starting with Cole winning three provincial championships with the John Barsby football program, then playing for his hometown VI Raiders and being named a two time CJFL All Canadian. Cole decided to make the jump to USports and sign with the university of St Francis Xavier in Antigonish Nova Scotia, after his playing career came to an end in 2021 Cole began coaching for the STFX football team. If you enjoyed the episode dont forget to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and a reminder to turn notifications on so you don’t miss any of the content on the channel, you can also download episodes on Apple Podcasts!Follow on twitter @ColeMcGarveyFollow us on Instagram ​⁠ @canadianfootballfanatics@colevirtanen10

Episode #30 featuring Jordan linnen Saskatchewan Roughriders coach. Jordan and I talk about his football journey including his playing days with the University of Manitoba Bisons and Langley Rams in the CJFL, We also chat about his career as a CFL coach, being apart of the madden franchise, and helping building the GameReadyElite 7 on 7 team🇨🇦🏈If you enjoyed the episode don’t forget to follow, download, rate, and review the podcast, you can also find more of our content on the Canadian Football Fanatics YouTube channel and InstagramFollow on twitter @ColeMcGarvey@CoachJLinnenFollow us on Instagram ​⁠ @canadianfootballfanatics@whoisjlinnen

Episode #29 Featuring Matthew Peterson runningback for the University of Alberta. Matthew and I talk about his football journey including representing Team alberta and team Canada, becoming an all Canadian and Canada West player of the year for the Golden bears, and preparing to become a pro in the CFL🇨🇦🏈If you enjoyed the episode don’t forget to follow, downloaded, rate, and review the podcast, you can also find more of our content on YouTube and Instagram Follow on twitter @ColeMcGarveyFollow on Instagram ​⁠ @canadianfootballfanatics@mjp.30

On Episode #27 I’m joined by J-Min Pelley #96 for the Edmonton Elks. J-Min’s path to the CFL is a unique one, featuring time in the Canadian junior football league with the Calgary Colts and Okanagan Sun before returning home to play for the University of Calgary Dinos. J-Min was selected by the Edmonton Elks in the 2022 CFL supplemental draft and after his first two seasons with the Elks has sign a contract extension through 2025. J-Min and I talk about his football journey up until this point, dealing with adversity head on, and his mindset going forward in his pro career. I had a ton of fun hearing more about J-Min’s story, I hope everybody listening/watching enjoyed as well. Please be sure to like, comment, and subscribe on the YouTube channel. Rate, Review, and Download the episodes on apple podcast.🏈 J-Min introduction(3:00-14:55)🏈 Playing in the CJFL for the Calgary Colts at 16 years old(17:00-25:45)🏈 Moving to BC to play for the Okanagan Sun(26:00-36:40)🏈 Winning a national Championship with the U of Calgary Dinos football program(36:54-49:15)🏈 Finding a path to the CFL during a world pandemic(52:20-1:00:22)🏈Rookie season with the Edmonton Elks(1:01:55-1:11:47)🏈 The hardest thing J-Min will ever go through and how he remained so resilient through it all(1:12:45-1:23:08)🏈 Snapping the streak and building for the future in Edmonton(1:24:12-1:31:20).🏈 And much more! Hope you guys enjoyed the episode, all the support is greatly appreciated!  Twitter@colemcgarvey@J_m_i_nYouTube channelhttps://youtube.com/@C2CG?si=5TdO5on6qOnIg2Lh

On this episode I’m joined by a former teammate of mine Nathan Cayouette. Nathan is currently a student athlete at the University of St Francis Xavier in Antingonish, Nova Scotia. Nathan and I played one season together back in 2019 with the Vancouver Island Raiders in the CJFL. We start by discussing Nathan growing up in Strathmore, Alberta, his family life, what other sports he grew up playing besides football(1:00-15:00) then we talk about his decision to leave home for Nanaimo, BC as a 17 year old, just weeks after losing his grandfather. Nathan would go on to contribute in a big way his rookie season and we relive some of his favourite memories from the 2019 season with the VI Raiders(16:30-37:00). We also chat about his decision to leave junior football after just one season, he would eventually commit to STFX but the Covid 19 pandemic had other ideas delaying his plans one whole year. Nathan now in his 3rd year at STFX has found his home away from home(38:00-100:02). Although Nathan and his X-men teammates have had nothing but success on the field over the past 3 seasons something still wasn’t right with him inside. September 2022 he would speak out about his struggles with mental health. Now Nathan uses his voice to lend a helping hand with anyone fighting the same struggle he was just over a year ago(101:45-114:40).Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to the YouTube channel. As well as download, follow, rate, and review the Apple podcast channel.Twitter@colemcgarvey Instagram@nathan_cayouette@all365in1Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/coast-to-coast-gridiron-a-football-podcast/id1669579YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@C2CG

On episode #25 I’m joined by UBC Thunderbird’s Right Tackle Theo Benedet, Theo was named a 2022 Canada West all-star and Usports All Candian. He was also awarded the JP Metras trophy for best lineman in the country, and listed as the #3 ranked prospect on the CFL scouting bureau fall edition. Theo and I begin by talking about the start of his athletic career including being a multi-sport athlete and why it’s been critical to his success as a football player(1:03-3:55). Then we get into Theo’s journey as a football player starting from the beginning. Theo grew up in North Vancouver, he played one season of football at Sentinel Secondary before having to transfer to Handsworth Secondary - due to the program folding. He would play 3 seasons for the Royals before committing to the University of British Columbia(4:28-10:26). Theo and I dive into his career at UBC, starting with his freshman year and what the transition was like to being a student-athlete in University. We also discuss what it was like to have his sophomore season cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, why the failures of 2021 and 2022 will benefit the Thunderbirds this season, and how important it was for him to return to UBC this fall(12:00-40:14). Lastly we talk about the rise of Theo’s name as a prospect and how he’s handled the attention from both the CFL and NFL levels.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to the YouTube channel. As well as download, follow, rate, and review the Apple podcast channel. Tune into our live shows every Tuesday night recapping all things NFL and after every BC Lions football game. Twitter@colemcgarvey@theobenedet71Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/coast-to-coast-gridiron-a-football-podcast/id1669579YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@C2CG

On episode #24 I’m joined by former starting quarterback(2016-2021) and current offensive coordinator for the Vancouver Island Raiders, Jake Laberge. Jake and I were teammates as well as shared the QB room for 3 seasons with the VI Raiders.We begin off the field with what Jake has gotten into since his playing days are over. Jake and another teammate of ours with the Raiders, Trevor Pelland both Co-founded the Coast To Coast VI Real Estate team(2:00-4:00). Jake and I bring it back to the start of his football career: what got him into football, his first position and some of his influences (4:30-15:20). Then we go down memory lane and relive all 5 years of Jake’s VI Raider career including Jake being named the starting quarterback as a rookie and “Coffee gate”(17:00-30:30). We also talk about winning the BCFC provincial championship in year two(30:50-47:47). Transitioning to a new head coach for the third time and Having the craziest comeback in CJFL history in year three(47:50-57:00). Injuries and heartbreak losses in year four(57:10-107:00) and having to deal with the COVID pandemic interfering with the finish of Jakes's football career(108:00-125:00). We also discuss things like should jake be considered the best quarterback in VI Raider history, what does it mean to be a raider, and why he’s still involved with the team. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to the YouTube channel. Tune into our live shows every Tuesday night recapping all things NFL and after every BC Lions football game. As well as download and review the episodes on apple podcast. Twitter@colemcgarveyApple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/coast-to-coast-gridiron-a-football-podcast/id1669579YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@C2CG

NFL football is less than a week away, The 2023 campaign kickoffs this Thursday September 11th! After Jason and I announced last episode that we would be doing a weekly livestream on both of our YouTube channels every Tuesday night during the entire season, We wanted to record a NFL season preview to get you ready for Sundays! Jason and I begin the episode by doing a deep dive into our beloved Buffalo Bills, starting with our reaction to the 53-man roster being set. We discuss the makeup of each position group as well as give some stat projections for Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs, Dalton Kincaid and more. We also go through the Bills 2023 schedule and give our win-lose predictions(1:40-54:00).To finish up the episode we get into some NFL talk from a league-wide perspective including our AFC/NFC season standings, playoff predictions, and who we think will be in Super Bowl LVIII(55:20-126:40). Remember to join Jason and I every Tuesday for a ton of NFL talk this season starting September 12th! Thanks for tuning in, I hope you guys enjoy this one. Stay tuned for episode #24Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to the YouTube channel. Like and follow the Apple podcast channel. Twitter@colemcgarvey@HusseysHuddleApple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/coast-to-coast-gridiron-a-football-podcast/id1669579YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@C2CG

To begin episode #22 I give a brief podcast update, we now do two live shows a week over on the YouTube channel. The first one is the orange and blue hour talking all things CFL with my Cohost Noah every Wednesday night as well as another live show after every BC Lions game with my co-host Blake(0:35-2:00). I'm then joined by Jason, host of HusseysHuddle. Jason and I are happy to officially announce we will be co-hosting a live show together during this NFL season. We look forward to recapping all the action from Thursday, Sunday, and Monday but fair warning, we are both buffalo bills fans so be prepared for lots of Bills talk every week(2:07-17:00). To close out the epis, I'm then joined by TSN football insider Dave Naylor, who was in attendance for Nathan Rourke's impressive debut performance in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars(18:35-34:40). To close out the episode Dave and I discuss his time at St John Fisher for Buffalo Bills training camp and his expectations for the Bills entering the 2023 season (35:00-48:40).Thanks for tuning in, I hope you guys enjoy this one. Stay tuned for episode #23Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to the YouTube channel. Like and follow the Apple podcast channel. Twitter@colemcgarvey@HusseysHuddle@TSNDaveNaylor Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/coast-to-coast-gridiron-a-football-podcast/id1669579YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@C2CG

With the buffalo bills training camp starting next week, I wanted to put together an episode that would get you ready for some 2023 Bills football. I'm joined by buffalo bills beat reporter Matt Parrino, host of SHOUT! podcast and writer for syracuse.com. Matt and I talk about the biggest camp battles going into training camp for the buffalo bills. Starting with arguably the biggest talking point throughout the fanbase this offseason, who will replace Tremaine Edmunds at MLB going into the season.  Why Matt projects O’cryus Torrence to win the competition at RG as well as why he believes it's time for Kaiir Elam to get the job as CB2 over Christian Benford and Dane Jackson. We discuss what might change with McDermott taking over as defensive coordinator and why it might be the most aggressive defence in the McDermott era. Is there another level for Josh Allen and how much will the pieces brought in this offseason help him get there. To close things out Matt shares how he feels the Bills will respond to their disappointing finish to last season. Thanks for tuning in, I hope you guys enjoy this episode, Stay tuned for episode #22Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to the YouTube channel. Rate, review and download on the Apple podcast channel.Twitter@colemcgarvey@MattParrinoYouTube https://youtube.com/@C2CG

It’s rivalry week here on the podcast, my BC Lions are headed to Winnipeg to take on Noah’s Bombers in an early-season clash. We're also joined by Zach Schnitzer contributor for Bonfire Sports and JC Abbott of 3DownNation to help preview the week 3 game of the week in the CFL This week's preview is centred around the matchup of two early-season unbeaten teams. Noah and I are joined by Zach Schnitzer to preview the matchup from more of a bomber's perspective(4:53-45:19). I'm then joined by JC Abbott to talk about things from a Lion's point of view heading into week 3(45:30-113:36). I close out the episode with our weekly game picks as well as give you the PlayNow Sports bet of the week(113:50-123:00). Thanks for tuning in, I hope you guys enjoy this one. Stay tuned for episode #21Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to the YouTube channel. Like and follow the Apple podcast channel.Twitter@colemcgarvey@Nkovs95Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/coast-to-coast-gridiron-a-football-podcast/id1669579639CFL Twitter Community: https://twitter.com/i/communities/1535755350967582720

Noah and I recap the action around the CFL in week 2. Joined once again by Guilio Caravatta to talk all things BC Lions, Guilio will be joining the pod after every lions home game this season. We start our week 2 recap, with the BC Lions' 22-0 victory over the Edmonton Elks in front of 33,000 fans at BC Place. We discuss how VA and the rest of the offence have looked thru two weeks despite some key injuries at the WR position, as well as applaud Ryan Phillips's defence for producing the first shutout for BC since 1977(:30-22:00). Then my Co-host and I recap the Toronto Argonauts' 32-14 win over their east rival Hamilton TiCats. After unveiling their 2022 Grey Cup banner in front of their home fans, the Argos and chad kelly did not disappoint. meanwhile is it too early to be concerned about the play of Bo Levi Mitchell so far this season(22:50-37:30). Next we talk about what a juggernaut the Winnipeg Bluebombers are and if theirs anybody in the CFL that can keep up with them. Despite Trevor Harris throwing 400 yards and 3Tds, it wasn't enough to beat the Bombers. Winnipeg improves to 2-0 after a 45-27 win over Saskatchewan(38:00-50:16). we briefly recap the Calgary Stampeders' 26-15 win over the Ottawa RedBlacks(50:30-52:30). To close out the episode Noah and I talk about how we did with our weekly picks as well as quickly discuss our initial thoughts of our two teams battling it out this week in the CFL! Stayed tuned for our week 3 preview episode, it's gonna be a good one🔥🇨🇦🏈Thanks for tuning in, I hope you guys enjoy this one. Stay tuned for episode #20Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to the YouTube channel. Like and follow the Apple podcast channel.Twitter@colemcgarvey@Nkovs95Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/coast-to-coast-gridiron-a-football-podcast/id1669579639CFL Twitter Community: https://twitter.com/i/communities/15357553509675827

Back at it with our second preview episode of the 2023 CFL season. Noah and I begin by discussing how the CFL can get back to its better days of having higher attendance numbers in stadiums across the league(1:00-9:40).We start our preview episode with the first matchup of week 2 in the CFL, The Calgary Stampeders travel to the nation's capital to take on the Redbacks. Can Jake Maier and the Stamps bounce back or does Ottawa come away with a win without Masoli(9:50-18:00). We preview the highly anticipated BC Lions opener against the Edmonton Elks. Can VA and the Lions put it together for a full 60 minutes vs an Elks team coming off a loss in their home opener(19:25-57:13). Dave Campbell joins us to talk about the matchup from the Elks's perspective(25:10-50:50). We then get into the Friday night matchup in the CFL this week when the Winnipeg BlueBombers travel to Saskatchewan to take on the riders in an early season battle. Can the riders slow down Zach Colloras and the bombers(57:24-107:10). Lastly we preview the defending Grey Cup champion Toronto Argonauts hosting the Hamilton TiCats. Will Bo Levi Mitchell and the TiCas spoil the Grey Cup banner unveiling for Chad Kelly and the Argos(108:00-127:10).Thanks for tuning in, I hope you guys enjoy this one. Stay tuned for episode #19Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to the YouTube channel. Like and follow the Apple podcast channel.Twitter: @colemcgarvey@NKovs95CFL Twitter Community: https://twitter.com/i/communities/1535755350967582720

Back with our first recap episode of the 2023 CFL season. Overall a pretty exciting week across the league but honestly it was just nice to have some Canadian football to watch. Let us know in the comments what you enjoyed most about having the CFL back. The episode begins with another segment of the 40-second play clock(1:00-2:56). Noah and I start talking about football with the underwhelming start to the season from a few QB’s across the CFL and the impact that can have on the league as a whole(3:30-18:00).We start our recap of week 1 with the Winnipeg Blue Bomber's 25-15 win over the Hamilton TiCats in Bo Levi Mitchell’s disappointing debut in black and gold. Overall it was an impressive performance from the bombers outside of a few uncharacteristic plays that made the score a lot closer than the game was(19:00-44:07). Then we quickly talk about the Montreal Alouette's 19-12 victory over the Ottawa Redblacks. Cody Fajardo gets a win in his first game with Montreal, while the Redblacks struggle without their QB Jeremiah Masoli(44:30-54:00). We get into the Saskatchewan RoughRiders' 17-13 win over the Edmonton Elks. The Elks lose for the 18th straight time at home after failing to punch it in from the 1-yard line three straight plays(54:10-102:15). We close our week 1 recap out with the BC Lions defeating the Calgary Stampeders 25-15 in the CFL’s season kickoff game. VA and Lion's offence was clicking early but were a little hot cold throughout the game(103:15-138:27).Thanks for tuning in, I hope you guys enjoy this one. Stay tuned for episode #17Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to the YouTube channel. Like and follow the Apple podcast channel.Twitter @colemcgarvey@NKovs95CFL Twitter Community: https://twitter.com/i/communities/1535755350967582720

Well, We've made it thru another long offseason and now it's time to play some football! Noah and I are super pumped to be hosting the pod for the first time during the season, you can expect a ton of CFL-specific content from us all season long. We'll be posting two episodes per week, Previewing and recapping the week that was in the CFL. Noah and I start the episode off by giving our season predictions for the West/East division including playoffs, who we think will capture the 110th Grey Cup and who we think might bring home some major awards like MOP, MODP, MOC, COTY, and ROY. Kicking off the 2023 campaign in Calgary, Noah and I discuss our thoughts on the season opener between the Veron Adams lead BC Lions and Calgary Stampeders. Our 2nd matchup of the week is arguably the game of the week When the powerhouse Winnipeg Blue Bombers travel to Hamilton to take on the new-look Ticats in Bo Levi Mitchell's regular season debut in the hammer. The 3rd game of the week is a battle of unknowns when an Ottawa RedBlacks team without starting QB Jeremiah Masoli battles the Jason Mas and Cody Fajardo reunion in Montreal. We wrap things up with maybe the most interesting matchup of week 1. Winless at home since the last weekend of the regular season in 2019, the Elks look to bring the fans of Edmonton a well-deserved win vs a Saskatchewan Roughriders team looking to right the wrongs of failing to make the playoffs in a year they hosted the Grey Cup. Thanks for tuning in, I hope you guys enjoy this one. Stay tuned for episode #17Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to the YouTube channel. Like and follow the Apple podcast channel.Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/coast-to-coast-gridiron-a-football-podcast/id1669579639CFL Twitter Community: https://twitter.com/i/communities/1535755350967582720

Took a little time away before the start of the CFL season but we're back with episode #15! On this episode, I’m joined by BC Lions radio colour analyst Giulio Caravatta to get an update on the team following their 2023 training camp and two preseason games. Giulio and I begin with the impressive showing from starting quarterback Veron Adams Jr in the Lion's preseason tilt vs Calgary, then we move on to the RBs and what to expect after a quiet showing in the two games, we await a decision on the competition at LG between David knevel and Andrew Peirson, we wrap things up offensively with the number of weapons in the WR room. Defensively we discuss how hard it will be to choose who's active on game days, as well as how much of an advantage it can be for the Lions if their Canadian talent continues to make an impact on that side of the ball. We finished things up by praising BC Lions owner Amar Doman for the job he's done since buying the team in August 2021. June is here and the season is less than a week away! Get excited, we’ll be doing a ton of CFL content this year!Thanks for tuning in, I hope you guys enjoy this one. Stay tuned for episode #16Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to the YouTube channel. Like and follow the Apple podcast channel.

On episode #14 I’m joined by the 9th overall selection in the 2023 CFL draft, Francis Bemiy. Francis and I discuss his football journey up until this point.Francis grew up in Montreal, Quebec, where he began playing football in the 9th grade. Francis decided after 2 years of high school football in Canada he would move to California for a better opportunity to finish his high school career. After being ineligible to play for the University of Connecticut, Francis would find a home for 5 years with the University of Southern Utah. Francis would go on to play in almost every game during his time at Southern Utah and be a key contributor to the DL rotation. After finishing his university career in the fall of 2022, Francis started preparing to hear his name called in the 2023 CFL draft. Francis is very excited to get out to the beautiful province of British Columbia for the first time and begin his professional career with the BC Lions. Thanks for tuning in, I hope you guys enjoy this one. Stay tuned for episode #15 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to the YouTube channel. Like and follow the Apple podcast channel.