Welcome to what I call an up week.
I call it this because everybody in the province is, or should be, happy about another Roughrider victory, which came in the form of a 37-24 victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats Saturday night at a sold out Mosaic Stadium.
Fortunately Canada's Team was able to avoid back-to-back losses after suffering a 20-point blowout loss the game before and boy, was that ever a down week.
Are you following the Riders? Are you excited they're one of only three teams with a league-best record of 4-1 or are you fascinated by pointing out the team's mistakes and shortcomings?
The Lord knows we hear enough from the latter. Yes, the Riders' defence was gashed for 245 rushing yards in Calgary and yes the offence had to settle for seven field goals instead of touchdowns against Hamilton but guess what?
We're still in first place.
I don't know what it's like in your town, but here the Roughriders dominate the talk on the street, coffee row and by the water cooler. What I hear the most is "we're lucky to be 4-1" or "we should get rid of this guy, or that guy."
Folks, the Riders are one of the best teams in the CFL. Let's enjoy it. Unless pointing out their errors makes you happier.
On another note, make plans to join us in Saskatoon at the 2010 Canadian Football Hall of Fame Induction Gala Aug. 14 at TCU Place.
Among the inductees is Rider legend Don Narcisse, who retired in 2000, as the CFL's all-time leading receiver and is one of the most popular Roughriders ever. Ticket information is available at www.riderville.com.
Also at the Riders' official website is the 100-year anniversary promotion Where's Riderville? where you can vote on which town has the most Rider Pride. The five finalists are Avonlea, Weyburn, Nipawin, Unity and Yorkton. Voting closes in mid-August.
And don't miss the Riders' next showdown. They'll be in Montreal Friday night for a battle of 4-1 teams against the Alouettes. The game will be on TSN and CKRM.
