Clarion staff
This past weekend the CFL presented their Labour Day Weekend games. A great weekend of games that prove the CFL has quality and is fun football to watch.
The most anticipated game in these parts was obviously the game between the Riders and the Bombers from Winnipeg. Both halves of the game showed two different sides of the Green and White team. First half was the defence and special teams carrying the team. The second half was when the offence finally played up to their potential. This seems to be a pattern in recent games and hopefully gets addressed soon.
The offence has a different look when Markus Thigpen is the featured back. His speed out of the Backfield and when running pass plays was a major difference, and changed the game. Maybe the team should just keep him in the game on a regular basis and stop the revolving door in the backfield.
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Gervais has lots to say!
The O-line has improved but still has lapses at crucial times. It seems to take a while for the offence to get a rhythm going. The defence on the other hand is rock solid and make a statement every game. The D-line is the best in the league, with the sack totals they are putting up. With winning three in a row the Riders are brimming with confidence. Lets hope this continues.
Am I the only one that finds the play-by-play tandem of Rod Black and Duane Forde unlistenable. Rod tries way to hard. It’s a challenge to get through a game when they are behind the mike. Don’t watch a lot of Eastern games because I just can’t listen to that crew! On the other hand The team of Suits and Chris Cuthbert are always interesting and easy to listen too. Glen Suitor brings a wealth of knowledge and is always interesting. Maybe I’m biased because he is a Rider legend!
NFL teams will be making cuts and roster moves now that their preseason is coming to an end. I’m sure some of these players will make their way north of the border and onto CFL teams. Rider coach Jones has said he will take a look and see approach to the NFL cuts, so don’t be surprised if the Riders make some moves.
• In local sports, the KCS Kobras have been practicing for the past week and are ready to kick off their season this Friday afternoon at 4 p.m. against the Deslile Rebels. The team, I’m sure, is looking to have another banner year. The Kobras graduated a lot of players, so this gives some younger guys an opportunity to step up and show the coaching staff they are ready to play and fill positions left by the departed players. What a great way to spend an afternoon, watching some high school football, cheering on the the young guys as they try to get back into the playoffs, and maybe make a run at returning to provincials. Weather wise it looks like a good day for football. Warm and sunny!
• Dakota Buttar is representing Canada in the PBA Global Cup at AT&T Stadium in Arlington Texas, as a member of Team Canada. As coach Aaron Roy’s first two picks, both world No. 13 Dakota Buttar and No. 19 Tanner Byrne are proud of the opportunity. “It’s an honour to be one of the first guys picked again,” Buttar said. “Since we’ve been having Global Cup events I’ve been pretty excited to ride at them so I’m pretty pumped to be the first pick again.”
Best of luck Dakota.
• The Iron Horse Klippers are in the midst of training camp at the Co-op Arena. Fans are welcome to take in the on-ice practices.
Until next time, hope everyone takes some time to spend with their families and have a great week.
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