There is nothing finer than the Riders beating the "Evil Empire" AKA the Edmonton Eskimos. I have many memories of the Riders losing in Edmonton; in fact way too many memories of big losses. Seeing the Riders totally dominate in their house is as satisfying as its going to get.
With the exception of the mop up time with the "B" team of both squads late in the 4th quarter, this was as a complete victory for the Riders as its gets. This one wasn't even close - all facets of the game - offense, defense and special teams dominated the Eskimos. Dominated so much that one would think the respective records (7-1 vs 3-4) were reversed.
By the time the 4th quarter started the Riders lead 40-7. Fresh off of throwing two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns in the 3rd quarter, Mike Reilly; arguably the best QB in the league this year, looked like a rookie. That he was pulled for James Franklin was no surprise. Jason Maas and the Esks coaching staff finally showed him some mercy.
The Riders are for real and are back in the playoff race in the West.
Saturday, August 26, 2017
Monday, July 31, 2017
The Catch
As I was listening to the pregame show on CKRM and TSN's panel prior to the Riders vs Argos game on Saturday, both media outlets spent a lot of time talking about Duron Carter. The theme was the same - when is he going to part of the Rider's offense and start utilizing his immense talent?
Well if this wasn't a breakout game for him nothing will be. He was dominating and perhaps spurred on by the trash talking that he is known for. Or perhaps, it was "the catch."
In a "did I really see what I thought I saw" moment, the one handed catch (after leaping into the air to get it) will go down for me as the best catch I have ever seem a Rider player make. Every time I watch the reply, I wonder how he did it. What incredible concentration (and timing on the jump!!) to be able to pull that down - let alone the significance of that catch being the turning point in the game.
It tied the score at halftime and gave the Riders the momentum going into the 3rd Quarter.
Even better was what happened afterwards. He gave the football to Paige Hansen - whose battle with leukemia as a kid received a high profile in SK media due to the delays in her receiving treatment in 2006. This after keeping a pregame promise to give her a touchdown football. That Carter didn't know Paige's health history/situation also adds another cool dimension to the story.
A catch for the ages, but an even better release!
Well if this wasn't a breakout game for him nothing will be. He was dominating and perhaps spurred on by the trash talking that he is known for. Or perhaps, it was "the catch."
It tied the score at halftime and gave the Riders the momentum going into the 3rd Quarter.
Even better was what happened afterwards. He gave the football to Paige Hansen - whose battle with leukemia as a kid received a high profile in SK media due to the delays in her receiving treatment in 2006. This after keeping a pregame promise to give her a touchdown football. That Carter didn't know Paige's health history/situation also adds another cool dimension to the story.
A catch for the ages, but an even better release!
Monday, June 26, 2017
Mosaic Stadium 2.0
With great anticipation I await the opening of the new Mosaic Stadium in Regina. As I can't be at the game I will be watching on TSN. The opening ceremonies are said to not disappoint and I am sure all will be proud of what has been accomplished.
This stadium got done because of solid leadership from the province, the City of Regina and the board of directors of the Riders. It was finished on time and on budget, which shows that large scale projects can be managed through the P3 concept and taxpayers are getting full value for their money. At the same time, the user facility fee that will be paid by the fans who attend Rider games and concerts makes sense - user pay has merit and in this case necessary to bridge the gap on a $100M shortfall.
I have seen the stadium from the outside on numerous trips to Regina over the past two years and followed progress on the webcams. It is an impressive facility and for those that I have spoken to who have been given tours (or been to a test event), the inside is even more impressive. No more long lineups for bathrooms, more choices for concessions, wider concourses and individual seats - and a great view from every seat at that.
The design of the roof is innovative and futuristic looking. It's designed to keep the wind out and the noise in. I can just imagine the crowd noise when the team takes to the field for the first at the home opener. It's gonna be loud!
The team will come around and I believe they will be better in 2017 than last year. Making the playoffs is achievable with their opening day roster, so once again it will come down to injuries and depth. The last the the team wants is to lose all of their goodwill and excitement as a result of the new stadium.
The Riders have become Canada's team whether you like it or not. It is only fitting that they play in the country's best stadium. And in my mind the stadium is an indication of the new Saskatchewan - a football team that can achieve sustained success and a province that now believes in itself now in more "what can be" as opposed to "that would be nice."
This stadium got done because of solid leadership from the province, the City of Regina and the board of directors of the Riders. It was finished on time and on budget, which shows that large scale projects can be managed through the P3 concept and taxpayers are getting full value for their money. At the same time, the user facility fee that will be paid by the fans who attend Rider games and concerts makes sense - user pay has merit and in this case necessary to bridge the gap on a $100M shortfall.
I have seen the stadium from the outside on numerous trips to Regina over the past two years and followed progress on the webcams. It is an impressive facility and for those that I have spoken to who have been given tours (or been to a test event), the inside is even more impressive. No more long lineups for bathrooms, more choices for concessions, wider concourses and individual seats - and a great view from every seat at that.
The design of the roof is innovative and futuristic looking. It's designed to keep the wind out and the noise in. I can just imagine the crowd noise when the team takes to the field for the first at the home opener. It's gonna be loud!
The team will come around and I believe they will be better in 2017 than last year. Making the playoffs is achievable with their opening day roster, so once again it will come down to injuries and depth. The last the the team wants is to lose all of their goodwill and excitement as a result of the new stadium.
The Riders have become Canada's team whether you like it or not. It is only fitting that they play in the country's best stadium. And in my mind the stadium is an indication of the new Saskatchewan - a football team that can achieve sustained success and a province that now believes in itself now in more "what can be" as opposed to "that would be nice."
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