Send in Strev

For the past several seasons, Mike Reilly has been known as the toughest player in the CFL--"tough as a two-dollar steak," as sports page columnists often write.

But now he has a rival for that title: a 24-year-old blonde giant named Chris Streveler.

All this season, Streveler has been the short yardage specialist for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. "Third down and one? Send in Strev!" And when first string quarterback Matt Nichols was knocked out of action, it was Streveler who was put in that spot.

Sunday, when the Bombers met the Calgary Stampeders in the Western Semi-Finals, they had a new QB:  Zach Collaros, whose passing was as accurate as ever. But Streveler was there, too, not only in short yardage situations, but as a companion QB who plays like a running back. An inspired move by Bombers coach Mike O'Shea and offensive coordinator Paul Lapolice.

Back to toughness: Streveler had sat out the last game, because, it was believed, he had a broken foot. But Sunday at McMahon Stadium, he was back on the frozen field, plowing through for yards, then limping back to the huddle, and running again, finally scoring a diving touchdown. It was one of the most memorable performances by an injured player since Eagle Keys played in the 1954 Grey Cup game with a broken knee.

And yes, the Bombers won, eliminating the seemingly invincible Stampeders from the playoffs.

Bombers players piled tributes on Streveler. Drew Wolitarsky called him "a beast." Collaros declared him "the toughest guy in the league."

-- Slap Maxwell.