If We Make It Through December

Snow is falling at my house today - sometimes it's great big giant snow globe flakes gently falling and other times it's small rapidly blowing pellets. It's enjoyable to sit and watch with the glow of the LED lit Christmas tree...until one focusses on that one green ornament with the //=S=// engraved across it.  The Grey Cup was held a week ago Sunday and the Toronto Argonauts were crowned champions over the Calgary Stampeders...the Stamps losing in heartbreak for the second year in a row.

Scrolling through social media feeds it was clear the majority of Rider Nation was on the Argos side.  It was a bit of 2009 revenge since it's widely known how Rider fans had to withstand all the ribbing from Stamps fans after that 13th Man debacle in Calgary eight years ago.  I understand how some Rider fans felt under those circumstances but I'd never wish that on anyone else so I held myself back from posting much in relation to that. At the same time how can one deny that while the Argos played like they deserved to be champions under Marc Trestmans leadership it was also fate they were going to win.  I know that's not a popular idea that the CFL might have wanted a particular team to win but it seems somewhat true to me.  The ramifications of the Argonaut win means tickets and merchandise sold to oblivious Torontonians throughout the year. Sure that does make for a healthier CFL but can that attitude hold until training camp starts in May?  I'm not sure.  Toronto has won before and not all that long ago and many fans still looked the other way.

My Saskatchewan Roughriders were one game away from the big dance.  They lost to the champs in the east division final.  When you phrase things in that way I don't feel badly about it anymore.  As hard as it is for any CFL fan to close the doors on the season I think I'd rather do it in a divisional final than in heartbreak during a Cup game. Unfortunately though, because my team lost, I found myself with little interest about the actual Grey Cup game itself.  Sure I still watched it but I also decorated my house for Christmas at the same time.  It didn't get my total attention until half time when rhinestone clad Shania Twain came out on dog sled and entertained me...which I fully enjoyed.

The Riders have 22 free agents. At this time last year we were all consumed with wanting Darian Durant to re-sign with the Riders - oh how things have changed!  This year there are some big names on this free agent list and with the exception of a couple...Rider fans want them all back.  The team was close and evolving with every game and while sometimes they'd take a step back they had all the puzzle pieces.  There's questions about the Quarterback position and Canuck Brandon Bridge is a free agent.  It's been said that his agent had already approached Jones about a contract but we are waiting not so patiently to find out if he'll be back.  3 Down Nation had reported that Willie Jefferson signed a contract prior to Grey Cup yet nothing official has been reported by the Riders.  We are starved for Rider news and every time I get a little alert on my phone my heart leaps...only to find out it's the weather network informing me that more snow is on the way.

Still I'd far rather be a fan of the Riders this off season than a few other teams in the league.  Krazy Kavis is out looking for a head coach.  Corey Chamblin was on the list and removed himself which just might be the smartest thing he's ever done.  I know there's no way I'd ever want to work for Reed since Montreal seems to have coaches on short leashes.  In BC, Wally Buono is taking a step back and will only be coaching in his final year while Ed Hervey was named GM.  There's a lot of speculation how that will all turn out.  Both of those teams also have question marks around their quarterbacking position. I'd think the Stampeders will be examining why they are so dominant during the regular season but can't seem to win post season.  June Jones was given full title of head coach of the Hamilton TigerCats and they seemed to rebound with him in charge so I'd look for them to continue that momentum in 2018.  These things are just the beginnings of CFL news in the off season.

What do we have to look forward to for 2018? The Eagles are playing Mosaic Stadium in May.  I've seen them twice and they're worth far more than the ticket prices.  If the concert wasn't planned for a Thursday during my teaching week before our major festival I'd be there in a heartbeat.  For me, the Eagles set the standard for what all concerts should be.  Don't miss out on this one.  Trust me no matter what your musical tastes are - you will love this. To those who love to hate this announcement...the Eagles are on tour and the last time they played Saskatoon they were here for 3 sold out concerts. Stop criticizing what you don't know. 

That goes for your football knowledge too. * grin *

In the new year I plan on working on this very site and giving it a facelift. In case you didn't know the background which I know can give some googly eyes after reading was inspired by the coloured seats at Taylor Field which we saw demolished this autumn.  Next year I plan on integrating Power Rankings as well as continuing my blogs which so many of you have supported with your (mostly) kind comments through 2017.  With three weeks to go until Rider Claus breaks and enters into all our humble abodes it's not likely I'll get to post again unless something big comes up.  I wish all of you warm fuzzies through the holiday season and I hope Santa brings you your hearts desire on Christmas morning. 

...and remember - don't stop BEL18VING - we have a cup to get in 18.

Football Grief

When Christion Jones ran back the punt to score a touchdown towards the end of the fourth quarter in Sundays East Final to tie the game I leaped to my feet and jumped up and down in front of our 55 inch LG TV.  We aren't going home!  We aren't going home!  We planned for 21 days and we aren't going home!  It was the height of emotion but with a sinking feeling I knew we weren't going to hold back Ricky Ray and the Argonauts and with my green heart pounding wildly in my chest I prayed and hoped and BEL13VED.  I was in denial.  I had thought at half time we had lost the game.  My Saskatchewan Roughriders who were the underdogs and who wanted desperately to rewrite history and prove all the doubters wrong just weren't playing with any motivation or urgency.  We were going to lose.

When the Argos scored the touchdown to win the game to advance to the Grey Cup in Ottawa I got angry.  It's really hard not to try to place blame.  The refereeing was bad but it's been bad all season and whether or not roughing the passer happened or there was a bad block or unsportsmanlike penalties at the end of the day the Riders just weren't prepared enough.  People spouted off about quarterbacks and conspiracies...then I thought about Corey Chamblin and how much he and Tyron Brackenridge might like to really stick to the Riders for being fired and released.  I thought about how cool as a cucumber Marc Trestman is and how to me he'll always be "that" Head Coach from the 2009 - 10 Grey Cup games and how much 09 hurt especially. I really wanted to write all those feelings down but I was so upset I couldn't put anything down on paper and went to the grocery store instead where I shared a knowing glance with a fellow Rider fan.  The trouble has always been that I care so much and often too much and end up being hurt.


OK...sucking it all up....life goes on....

There is no one to blame.  The Roughriders just didn't play well enough to win this playoff game.  They came close but the defence just couldn't hold them.  Let's face it...Rider Nation got two extra games this season!  We haven't had a play off game in 2 season and now here in only the second year of a massive rebuild under the Chris Jones regime we got within 1 game...30 seconds really...of going to the 2017 Grey Cup.  I had said back in June or maybe it was Training Camp that if this team went 9-9 I'd be happy. The Riders ended the season 10-8, won the East Semi-Final and was competitive enough in the East Final to make Ricky Ray really work for it. I was a first time season ticket holder and getting to experience my favourite team during the Inaugural Season at new Mosaic Stadium was amazing!  We couldn't be happier with our seats and the friends we made around us and getting to be on the field during pregame was mind blowing.  How blessed are we to have a General Manager/Head Coach (plus VP & DC) of Chris Jones and his whole staff.  Because of him we have the team we do with the character and family feeling that we do.

Hope.  No matter how we feel or that it took me two entire days to reach this point I know that 2018 looks very promising for Rider fans. I've scrolled through Twitter looking at all the terrific posts from Rider players who are saying their goodbyes and thanking Rider fans.  When I thanked them in return they often "liked" my post. I wonder if fans of other teams in the CFL have that happen too or if we are indeed special in this province. I watched on the news as players cleaned out their lockers and offered things up to fans.  They're looking forward to going home wherever that might be and celebrating the holidays while this loss gets put to the backs of their minds.  Coach Jones is already working on next year and starting to firm up contracts.  We've spent a lot of time in Riderville thinking of "next year" but I truly bel13ve the 2018 Roughriders team will be a force to be reckoned with.

As we turn to the Grey Cup this weekend I have to admit I've lost interest.  My only hope is that Calgary is redeemed for their loss last year.  That's how the football Gods seem to work in the CFL... if you came close one year - you'll make it the next.  Without the downs we'd never have the happiness of the ups.

If you are American and reading this have a Happy Thanksgiving! If you are Canadian enjoy the Grey Cup festivities and I hope that this little blog which so many of you have helped support over 2017 has brought a little sunshine into your day.

As always - GO RIDERS.