Thoughts On A Comical Friday

Did anyone want to win that game?? It sure didn't look like it!! 15 turnovers??? That tells me both teams were not ready for the regular season and that another exhibition game would have served them well.
That does not take away from a 28-24 Riders win as they open up the season with a big win over their divisional rival.
Gary Etcheverry's defence silenced some critics--at least for this night and even though he had some rocky moments, Darian Durant did throw for over 300 yards while Weston Dressler showed he is once again ready to have a big season as he caught seven balls for 154 yards.
When's the last time the Rider D had nine sacks on a night. (Vanstone, you are the Rider encyclopedia, if you have the answer let me know)
I was shocked that the game wasn't a sell-out. Did people automatically think it was already sold out?? Did the threatening skies keep some potential walk-ups from staying home?? Whatever it is, its disappointing to know the world's greatest fans couldn't sell out the home opener---especially against a hated division rival like BC. Those who want a 40-45 thousand seat stadium when a new one is built had best downgrade that figure after what happened Friday.

Here's some thoughts and comments that went through my mind while watching this one.

--I can't imagine that pain that must shoot through your body when you get hit as hard as what Sean Lucas hit Buck Pierce in the 3rd quarter. It must be a defensive players dream when he has a free shot in between the numbers of the opposing QB.

--Was Paul McCallum's gaffe on the Stu Foord touchdown, his way of finally saying I'm sorry for what happened in 2004?? What exactly happened to Paul on that play??

--I still don't like male cheerleaders. There's something that isn't right about that.

--Why hasn't the pep band learned to play "Boom, Boom Wow". Imagine that for a second!!

--CFL officials still don't know what pass interference is....at least not the ones doing this game!

--A Rider fan that had a Dominguez jersey has changed the name bar so that it now reads "Ocho Ocho". I LOVE THAT!!!

--The crowd applauded the kid that did the Subway interview with Scott Schultz, but they show no response when Global's Derek Meyers has his pre-game interview with head coach Ken Miller. Where's the love for Derek I ask??? Where is the love!!!!

--I still don't like "The Last Saskatchewan Pirate" and Worksafe Bob just creeps me out. He doesn't creep me out the way "The King" does, but its close.

--Being on the sidelines at the end of a close Rider game and hearing "The 13th man" do its thing is simply a spine-tingling experience.

--The return of Ian Hamilton to the press box means a return of Ian once again handing out "Dubble Bubble" to members of the media. It also means new Pud comics. There's no one like Pud--let me tell you!!! Whoever draws those cartoons are ahead of the curve!
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I see Ryan Smyth has been traded from the Avalanche to the Kings. Does this mean there will be a teary Smyth telling everyone in Denver that he wants to bring the Cup back to them. Do you think Ryan is wishing he would have stayed in Edmonton and would have stayed if his agent hadn't been so greedy---100 thousand dollars was all that kept him from moving. Smyth's career has gone downhill since he left Edmonton.
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Oilers GM Steve Tambellini says he still wants Dany Heatley. Why Steve why??
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I would have liked the Oilers to get free agent Mikael Samuelsson. The ex-Wing resurfaces in Vancouver. GREAT!!! Take Samuelsson in your hockey draft next year. He will have a big year in "The Coov."
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If I've said it once, I'll say it again. There are no better nachos in Regina than the ones you will find at the Press Box.
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Celebrate the win Rider Nation!!!! Thanks for reading!