Rouge, White & Blue
By Jack B. Bedell,
CFL.ca
With 10 weeks to go before the season kicks off, nothing passes the time like a little daydreaming, so here goes:
10) A full house cheering Ottawa and Montreal at Touchdown Atlantic II in Halifax.
Nothing would get the season off to a great start like a raucous match-up in Halifax seen by the whole country on TSN. The reaction to last year’s game was a bit of a surprise, but now the excitement’s expected. Let’s hope the game delivers.
9) Half as good a game (and a little homestyle revenge) when the defending champs roll into Montreal for Week 1.
The Als won’t have to wait very long to get some payback for last year’s Grey Cup loss. That last crazy series in overtime’s been weighing on Montreal all off-season. Is there any doubt they’ll be eager to get it off their backs?
8) Both the Ticats and the Esks getting to July 7 injury-free and ready for a Maas vs. Ray shootout.
Since before the Grey Cup, fans have anticipated this tilt. Ray’s got the locker room all to himself now, with no controversy, and Maas doesn’t have to step on any toes to lead his new squad. Watching the revamped Ticats go head to head with the champs and watching these two friends fill the air with footballs, what could be better?
7) 20,000 screaming fans on hand in the capital for the Renegades home opener against Montreal.
With all the turmoil coming out of the Renegades headquarters these days, wouldn’t it be nice to see the box office broken and the seats filled for the home opener? My gut tells me this would spread smiles from coast to coast.
6) The Regina rabbit alive and well, causing a delay of game in Week 2 with the Roughriders hosting B.C.
I have to admit I’ve missed that wiley rabbit all off-season, and can’t wait to see how he’s doing. Let’s hope he hasn’t ended up in a stew somewhere. Oh yeah, it’ll be nice to see Corey Holmes run to a little daylight, too.
5) Labour Day Classics in all four games Week 12.
Last year, we got to see some highly-competitive games with a couple of major upsets. I can’t wait to see how this year’s going to top that.
4) And while I’m on that, no more Hamilton/Toronto shenanigans in 2006. That trashing and scraping’s gotten old.
2006 would be a great time to “Stop the Violence” that’s been erupting between these two clubs for the past couple of years, or at least keep it between the whistles.
3) Jeremaine Copeland getting at least one line dance in during the Battle of Alberta.
After last year’s preview of Copeland’s stomping skills and his reunion with former partner in dance Darnell McDonald, I can’t wait to see what innovations he’ll bring to the end zone for this year’s tilts against the champs. If the Stamps can build on their momentum from 2005, there certainly won’t be a shortage of opportunities to celebrate.
2) The Blue Bombers going strong and still in contention for a playoff spot by Week 14.
Since they’ll be hosting the Grey Cup party, here’s to hoping Big Blue’s in the chase for the last month of 2006. With a new offence under coach Berry, and an influx of defensive talent (most notably Barrin Simpson), Winnipeg looks ready to jump into the West Division fray with both feet.
1) A sunny, 20˚C day in Winnipeg for the 94th Grey Cup.
A person can dream, can’t he? Coming from south Louisiana, I’ll be crossing my fingers for nice weather all year. That, or I’ll be stocking up on toques!
UP NEXT
Check back in a few days to get my take on recent player movement, and a few updates on CFL players spending their spring down here. Until then, take care.
Jack B. Bedell is a Professor of English at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana and has followed the CFL for nearly three decades.
