October 27th marked the first time ex-Rider quarterback not only returned to Regina for the first time but set foot in the stadium some believe Darian Durant helped bring to fruition. Rider fans learned Darian will be a father in the next few months. We saw him be somewhat gracious while receiving fans at the game. What didn't sit with some members of Rider Nation was Doubles pregame interviews where he said he deserved recognition. It's tough. Over the past 11 years I've been a big Durant supporter and I've written about that here. I'll admit that I've had hard feelings since Game One in Montreal. I'll also admit that there likely were emotions on his side as well and he "may" be excused for some of his behaviour. I don't honestly know if I would have stood for an ovation prior to Fridays game or how I would have felt but I know I do not think of Darian the way I did prior to his trade.
Maybe some day I'll be over the break up.
Rider Nation isn't known for getting over things easily and as a proud member I sadly am no different.
October 27th was also the date set to see the Wes Cates...er, West Gates of Taylor Field be demolished. Living in Saskatoon makes seeing these things challenging so at 12:55pm I tuned in to cjme radio's facebook page where it was being streamed live. It didn't happen on time and it kept being pushed back but then shortly after 2pm the horns sounded and with a creaking thud and a cloud of dust down it came...bowing for the last time. My blue eyes clad in green eyeliner may have teared up just a little. Rider Nation couldn't help but think of all the great things that have happened there. Seeing Paul McCartney's concert in 2013 was an amazing experience while it may be shadowed by that other big event in 2013. Things move on, life changes and while it's sad to see Taylor Field go it will also be exciting to see a new neighbourhood spring up. Will houses be built on the 55 yard line? What will the name of that street be? And how cool would it be to tell that story!
The Riders find themselves at 10-7 and even though I am the supporter that I am - I only pegged it as a 9-9 season so man, am I happy! We do seem to find ourselves thanking our high school math teacher because all the football math scenarios boggle the mind and make those blue eyes glaze over.
Here are the different ways Week 20 in the West may play out:
2) If Bombers win and Eskimos win - Bombers finish 2nd & Eskimos 3rd & Riders head east
3) If Bombers lose and Eskimos win - Eskimos finish 2nd & Bombers 3rd & Riders head east.
I was remiss in mentioning in last weeks Conspiracy Theory blog that there is a contingent of fans who believe the CFL wants it to be a Redblacks and Roughriders Grey Cup in Ottawa in Canada's 150th year. Had you told me this in July or even August I would have rolled my eyes...but here at the end of the season it doesn't seem so far fetched! Does the CFL want it? Well, there's no denying that would be one heck of a story. In order for my Riders to make it to the Grey Cup they'd have to secure 3rd Saturday Nov 4th then beat both the Blue Bombers and Stampeders to win the West. The same thing goes here and a month ago I wouldn't want that scenario but it seems both teams are faltering and well...it could totally play out that way! OR once again, my watermelon is on too tight. At any rate, no one can deny Saturday's game against the Edmonton Eskimo's in Regina will be a BIG one.
I have renewed my season tickets. It seems section 126 Row 5 is stuck with me and my cowbell. I love the sight lines. I love being 5 rows removed from the field. I love being so close to the Riders tunnel. I love everything about my seats and the people who sit around me. I'll love being there one last time in the 2017 CFL season to cheer my Saskatchewan Roughriders to victory in the house Rider Nation built.
As Always - Go Riders!
I BEL13VE
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