It’s a big weekend in Saskatchewan this week, as the hometown Riders host their long-time rivals, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
This week comes with a lot of motivation, especially with both teams near the top of the standings in not only the west division, but the entire CFL. Winnipeg goes into the game with a 3-1 record, while Saskatchewan remains the only unbeaten team in the CFL at 3-0.
However, Head Coach Craig Dickenson says he won’t say or do anything different for Labour Day.
“They know. They hear enough from the outside, they know it’s a big game (but) we try to treat them all the same, we know they’re not all the same and this is a special game,” Dickenson said. “We try to prepare the same way each week, we know they each count two points in the win column if you get them, and if you don’t, they’re minus-two, so we try to treat it as similar as we can, but these guys know it’s a big game.”
Rookie Defensive End Jonathan Woodard says he has heard a little bit about what makes Labour Day so special in the province.
“Honestly, I’m just really excited to be a part of it,” Woodard said. “I feel like not too often, you get to be a part of a historic rivalry like this one, so I’m excited to just be a part and just take in the atmosphere on Sunday.”
Labour Day weekend seems to mean a little bit more to Saskatchewan Roughrider players who hail from the wheat province.
Riders Receiver and Regina product Mitch Picton has fond memories of going to Labour day games with his family, but insists the game is just another on the schedule.
However, Picton says it does help that both teams are arguably the best in the league.
“Winnipeg’s a good team, we’re going to have to come out and play very well if we want to come out with a win this week,” Picton said. “We’re just treating it like any other game coming in fully prepared, and we know we’re going to have to play very well in order to win this week.”
Rider Punter and Regina product Jon Ryan says while his team is off to a great start, there’s still a long way to go.
“We’re 3-0, it feels really good — it’s great — but at the same time, we still have seven of our last eleven on the road,” Ryan said. “Things get tough in the CFL come October, November, and now this year, December.”
Kick-off is at 4:00, and as expected, the game at Mosaic Stadium is sold out. Our pregame coverage starts at 1:00 on 620 CKRM.
